About C.U.S. -

ABOUT C.U.S.

Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Incorporated

Chi Upsilon Sigma has been in existence since April 29, 1980, incepted on the New Brunswick Campus of Rutgers – the State University of New Jersey. The sorority was officially added to the Rutgers University Greek community on March 11, 1981. Our founders are 7 Latinas who had the desire to create an organization to promote leadership among the Latino community. More importantly, it was their desire to create a sisterhood – a place away from home in which the members could feel the strong sense of family, which is such a force in the Latino culture. Over the years, we have grown to include women of a variety of ethnicities and cultures. Our common calling is a respect for one another and the ideals of our Founding Mothers, rooted in womanhood, individuality, solidarity, dedication, openheartedness and maturity, as well as an appreciation for the Latino culture and all its aspects. We have become limited only by the desire and determination of our sisters. The women of Chi Upsilon Sigma consider our sisterhood to be a lifelong commitment, not only to the organization, but also to each other. Ours is a flame that burns eternal and a bond that joins us to one another forever.

The Sisters of Corazones Unidos Siempre
-source: www.justbecus.org-

Founding Mothers

“Women united by a Vision, Strengthened by Love, Friendship, and a Mission.” The Founding Mothers established this distinct organization in a decade following a feminism movement and a time when the roles of women in society were changing. When being a minority was an obstacle, not just an aspect of character. These women found themselves at the forefront of a revolution when women fought for the social, educational, and professional status just as those of their male counterparts.

SEVEN FOUNDING MOTHERS

Maricel Rivera
Sonia Rosa
Catherine Miranda
Mariela Freay
Nancy Collazo
Maria E. Tejera
Evelyn Burgos

With the guidance of Honorary Founding Mother Ramonita Santiago, the Founding Mothers have promoted pride and respect that has produced an influential mark on our members and society. Each sister is an account of the love and admiration we have for our founding mothers, their ideals, and each other.
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C.U.S. Facts

Founding Date: April 29, 1980

Founding Location: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey

Official Name: Corazones Unidos Siempre,
Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Incorporated

English Translation: Hearts United Always

Nickname: C.U.S., Women of Wisdom

Colors: Red, Black, and Beige

Mascot: The Almighty Owl

Flower: Hibiscus

Gem: Emerald

Motto: "Wisdom Through Education"

National Philanthropy: I Have a Dream Foundation

National Service Project: American Cancer Society

-source: www.justbecus.org-

Community Service

Chi Upsilon Sigma sisters participate in a gamut of service activities. We have poured our collective heart and energies into services that cater to various demographics including but not limited to women, children, and the community of color. Initiatives include counseling domestic violence victims, educational efforts such as Upward Bound, Adopt-a-Child, Hogar Crear, and an endless string of philanthropic efforts for such causes as AIDS, Cancer, and homelessness relief. Participating in educational initiatives allows us to merge our core values of education and service. We are fortunate to work in conjunction with local schools in at-risk communities, to inspire and encourage young students of color to seek higher education. In some instances, sisters host students at their respective chapters to give them a first hand perspective of the college experience. Partnered with a sister, these students live the full college experience, attending classes, meetings with administration and student life activities. In addition to local community service events, sisters also dedicate themselves to our annual National Project and Philanthropy; a charity/cause designated annually. Past projects include Census 2000, a nationwide effort to assess the evolving population of the United States, used to account for the disproportionate under-representation of minorities; Promote the Vote, a drive to release Latino political prisoners and Pride, which promotes Latino/a’s in the arts.

For more information on these initiatives, and to find out how you can help, contact our Community Service Chair.
-source:www.justbecus.org-

National Philanthropy

I Have a Dream Foundation The Grand Chapter Board (GCB) of Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Incorporated, voted the I Have a Dream Foundation (IHAD) as our national philanthropy. This organization shares in our commitment to education by providing children from low-income areas with mentoring and tutoring, in an effort to assist them in reaching their educational and career goals. Through our sponsorship, we provide mentors, conduct awareness events and fundraisers. Our chapters’ exhibit their event coordinating ingenuity by hosting charitable baseball games, pageants and more.

National Service Project

2011: American Cancer Society This year Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Incorporated has turned their efforts and dedication to serve and support the American Cancer Society for the year of 2011.

2010: Homelessness Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Incorporated strived to promote awareness Homelessness issues the world is still facing in todays present time.

2009: Go Red For Women Campaign The American Heart Association (A.H.A) and Chi Upsilon Sigma share a vision in improving the health and welfare of women as well as the need to educate our communities about women's health issues. Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Incorporated in collaboration with the "Go Red for Women" campaign, will create an educational forum through each chapter as a nationwide effort to support women's health. Forums include distributing literature that presents the public with educational information on how to lead a healthier lifestyle.