Members of the Onyota Chapter of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. at Utica University traveled to Puerto Rico in January for what many described as more than just a service trip – it was a homecoming.
“A lot of our brothers and sisters are from the island,” said Matther Lominy, a 2019 Utica University graduate and member of the Upsilon fraternity. “So it was pretty much more like a homecoming for a lot of us.”
In collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of Puerto Rico, the fraternity joined nine to ten other Upsilon chapters, along with members of other sorority and fraternity organizations. The fraternity got to seven of the clubs and had about five days in their trip to build cabinets, bookshelves and bring in new supplies for students. They raised about $20,000 to support these initiatives.
The funding came from the chapter’s main handle on Instagram orchestrates all the organizations involved and they handle fundraising for major events.
For many of the brothers, the experience was deeply personal and the most important experience revolved around the kids, he said. Beside working on service projects, members played outside with them enjoying tag, volleyball and making TikToks.
“To feel it, to see it, to be around it , it was incredible,” Lominy said. “It was educational to really learn the culture and the island firsthand.”
The chapter approached the trip with what members called a “mindset of being involved.” Although the organization is currently small in size, brothers said their goal is not to be the biggest organization on campus, but to focus on impact and personal growth.
“We want people who want to better themselves as young men and give back to their communities,” Lominy said.
In addition to volunteering, they captured photos and videos to share the reality of the trip with others.
“It was amazing to capture the moments so other people could see what this really is,” he said. “Just letting students know what’s happening.”
“So I’m going there to actually help. For me, it was my first time for another one of my brothers, he’s been there,” Lominy said. “So just to be there and that experience, it helps us grow, you know, as brothers, but aside from that, like we could physically see the effort that we put in, like that we give back to our communities.””
For many, the experience reinforced the fraternity’s core mission: to serve as role models.
The trip reflected the Upsilon’s larger mission. Founded on April 5, 1979 by 20 founding fathers of Puerto Rican descent, the fraternity emphasizes four core values: academic excellence, cultural diversity and awareness, brotherhood and serving as role models in the community.
Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. carries out Utica University’s mission through its commitment to academic excellence, requiring members to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7. The fraternity also prioritizes community service through fundraising efforts and donations of food and clothing to those in need. While also keeping members feeling connected to their roots keeping latino culture alive.
“A lot of our brothers come from these communities, and we want them to feel closer to home,” Lominy said.
Many alumni remain connected to the chapter by supporting active members, mentoring younger brothers and returning to campus for events such as Homecoming Weekend in the fall.
The Onyota Chapter at Utica University, established in 2009, carries those principles through its work on campus and beyond. Members say the experience in Puerto Rico embodied two mottos that guide the chapter: “One Man Can Change the World” and “Connection through Mind, Body and Soul.”
The chapter hopes to continue building awareness of its service efforts on campus and beyond, encouraging more students to get involved in future initiatives. For more information on the Onyota Chapter of Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc. at Utica University, email [email protected] or visit their website at https://www.lsu79.org/ and Instagram accounts @lsu_1979 and @uticaupsilons.
