La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc., hosted their annual banquet “Noche Dorada,” which highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting underpriviliged communites and featured performances, awards and a keynote speaker.
On Saturday the 13th, Binghamton University’s La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. hosted their 38th annual “Noche Dorada” — a celebration of honor in Latin culture, community and accomplishments.
La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. is a Latino, but not Latino exclusive, fraternity whose philanthropy is to provide access to higher education for those with low income backgrounds and those in need. It is also a brotherhood that represents and values the strong connection and unity of Latin American students and organizations from college campuses all over the country and the world.
Abubakar Kolia, graduate advisor of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda and a first-year masters student studying business administration, discussed the theme of the banquet “Dentro De Las Estrellas” — which translates to “within the stars” — to highlight the brightness, talent and success of students in the Binghamton community.
“We want people to really believe in their imagination and creativity, so that they can pursue whatever endeavor that they choose to do so in their future careers,” Kolia said. “So we want them to not only shoot for the stars and aim for the moon, but also make sure they do their best in whatever choice that they make.”
The event consisted of various different awards being presented to students and organizations in the BU community and was sponsored by StateFarm and the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). Additionally, La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. presented their Noche Dorada scholarship to a current Binghamton High School student. The organization based the chosen candidate off of well-roundedness, serving the community and leadership skills.
Alan Perez, vice president of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda and a junior majoring in economics, expressed the organization’s goals.
“Our philanthropy, which is one of our main goals, is to provide access to higher education,” Perez said. “We accomplished this mission today by giving out a scholarship to a Binghamton High School student who was fortunate enough to receive it.”
