Mascots:
"Unicorn & Pegasus"
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Founding Mothers Chapters
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In 1993, four women at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) were interested in joining a sorority that focused on education and community service. These women researched the available sororities on campus, but none of the existing organizations at UIC met their needs. These dedicated and determined women, Raquel Garcia (H. Designada), Lisa Martin (H. Curiosa), Faviola Tovar (H. Escritora), and Diana Rosa (H. Fortaleza), decided to bring a new sorority that would show the university the positive side of a Greek organization. Just like a gift from above, they met the Delta Chapter from Western Illinois University and officially became an interest group. After many community service events, fundraisers and the like, these women pledged to later become Las Soñadoras, the Founding line of the Iota Chapter in the summer of 1993.
With the hard work of pledging behind them, they started the 1993 fall semester with a bang. In the 1994 spring semester they pledged their first line called Sol Y Luna, which consisted of one strong-willed individual, Patricia Ballesteros (H. Primor). Once this line crossed and the new semester began, the Iota Chapter was in full force. The Iota Chapter helped plan various events for Women’s History Month, Latino Heritage Month, and Black History Month. Community service events were also important for this chapter. Every sister not only helped the community on an individual basis, but also participated in many walk-a-thons in the Chicago area, held food and clothing drives. The Iota Chapter was so dedicated in fulfilling SIA’s goals that at the 1995 National Convention, all the sisters in the chapter received the organization’s Most Dedicated Sister Award. This was the first time that this ever occurred in the Sororities history. In the 1995 fall semester the Iota Chapter pledged their second line, Las Autenticas. These three hard working women, Ruby Camacho (H. Comprensiva), Reyna Nieto (H. Pensativa), and Veronica Nieto (H. Noblesa), joined the organization and became priceless to the Iota Chapter. Not only did Iota begin to work more with student organizations, but also the faculty at UIC started to notice them. Throughout the year, Iota remained quite active in various endeavors. At the 1996 National Convention, Iota was given the Most Dedicated Chapter Award. In 1996 and 1997, the Iota Chapter continued to focus on helping the community and assisted on expanding SIA’s presence in the Midwest. Three new chapters were formed because of Iota’s dedication to SIA. These chapters are as follows: Upsilon Chapter at the University of Illinois, Psi Chapter at Lewis University, and Omega Chapter at Northern Illinois University. The summer of 2002 brought a new light to the Iota Chapter as three distinct women had the vision of becoming members of this organization. These determined women worked persistently to accomplish their goal. On September 1, 2002 they became the third line of the Iota Chapter. "Simplemente Eminente", consisting of Elvira Juarez (H. Reflexion), Ivone De Jesus (H. Exaltada) and Gricelia Perez (H. Nemi), has brought an added strength to the Iota Chapter. Their enthusiasm and unwavering dedication is an asset to the organization, the Midwest region and their respective schools. The ability to overcome any obstacles and persevere has strengthened each of them as individuals and now as sisters. In the fall of 2002, another line was welcomed into our precious and rare organization. This line consisted of one strong-willed and unique woman, Elena Romo (H. Mas Alla), who crossed on December 21, 2002. She brought a distinct energy that truly makes her one of a kind. Her commitment to upholding SIA’s goals are visible in her activity on campus. During the 14th anniversary Founder’s celebration the Iota Chapter was awarded Chapter of the Year. The Iota Chapter was recognized for epitomizing the goals of SIA through their programming and individual efforts. In the 2004 fall semester, the chapter welcomed the line, “Contra Toda Adversidad.” Two strong-minded, courageous and unwavering individuals, Veronica Arreola (H. Excepcional) and Aliceber Rivera (H. Virtud) crossed on November 10, 2004. These women, with their distinct personalities, proved they could overcome any hardships to attain their goal of becoming hermanas of this precious hermandad. They have brought new energy and life to our beloved chapter. Their dedication is apparent in their constant promotion of our goals and their desire to fulfill them. In the Fall 2005 semester, another line was welcomed to the Iota Chapter. This line of one named "Pequeña Fuerza" consisted of an dedicated and ambitious individual who crossed on November 30, 2005. Leticia Resendiz, H. Grandeza proved that she could reach her goal of becoming a part of our precious and rare organization. Her commitment to SIA is reflected by her constant work to uphold the goals of SIA to the community at large. In the Fall 2006 semester, the Iota Chapter welcomed the line "Resplandeceremos Ante Todo." This striving line consisted of a persistent individual, who was willing to give her all to prove to herself and others that she would not stop until she reached her goal. Prevailing over the obstacles that stood in her path, Judy Campos, H. Alumbradora, accomplished her goal of becoming an Hermana of this precious organization on December 30, 2006. She continues to show her admiration for SIA with underlying enthusiasm. In the spring 2007, another line was welcome to the Iota Chapter. The line, “Unicidad Con Potencia,” crossed on May 10, 2007. This line consisted of one strong-willed, energetic, and ambitious individual, Cathy Ponce, H. Inspirada. Through her hard work and dedication she proved to herself and others that setting high standards and taking the less traveled path made all the difference upon accomplishing her goal of becoming a part of our precious organization. She continues to reflect her dedication to SIA while upholding the goals and keeping the SIA torch lit. | |||||||||
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Mascots: |