In January of 1993, Lambda Phi Epsilon was organized at San Francisco State University (SFSU). Because 34% of the school's population was comprised of Asian Americans, a group of Asian students were surprised to find that they were no existing outlets for Asian Americans to unite and promote Asian identity and awareness. With many resources available in the city and the continuing growth of the Asian population in San Francisco, we decided to search for an existing organization that possessed the same belief.
It all began one night at an informal meeting where the seven Founding Fathers gathered and discussed the opportunity which awaited them. From that point, we shared our interests and discovered new friendships. The seven Founding Fathers consists of Jimmy Goh, Calvin Lew, Albert Lim, Chad Low, Winkle Paw, Timmy Tieu and Eddie Yee. All of the Founding Fathers agreed that San Francisco State University needed a fraternity that promotes Asian awareness and Lambda Phi Epsilon was the perfect opportunity.
On January 9, 1993, Winkle Paw was introduced to Douglas Sugimoto, President of Lambda Phi Epsilon Delta Chapter at U.C. Berkeley. Winkle expressed to Douglas that a group of Asian American students wanted to establish an organization at SFSU which would promote Asian identity and awareness. Eric Naritomi, National Executive President, was informed by Douglas that some students wanted to start an organization at SFSU that believed in the same fundamental principals as Lambda Phi Epsilon. As a result, Eric contacted Winkle, which gave birth to a long and unforgettable journey in chartering Lambda Phi Epsilon at San Francisco State University.
The next step for the Founding Fathers was to go to the Delta Chapter House at U.C. Berkeley to meet Brian J. Jew, National Executive Vice-President; Steve Hong, Northern District Governor; and Albert Chen, the Third Vice-President External and the future SFSU Pledge Dad. Here, the Founding Fathers gave their formal proposals to apply for a Colony Chapter. On February 9, 1993, the Founding Fathers were granted the privilege to charter Lambda Phi Epsilon at San Francisco State University.
During the Fall semester of 1993, SFSU Colony Chapter successfully crossed 7 individuals, more formally known as the Alpha Class. At the Fifth Annual Convention, SFSU Colony Chapter was upgraded to Associate Chapter status.
During the Fall semester of 1994, SFSU Associate Chapter successfully crossed the 7 members of Beta Class, and in the Spring semester of 1995, 7 members of Gamma Class were successfully crossed. At the Sixth Annual Convention in San Diego, SFSU Associate Chapter finally achieved its long sought goal; as we were granted Full Chapter status. On a national level, our chapter became designated the “Omicron” Chapter and is known as the Omicron Chapter of Lambda Phi Epsilon at San Francisco State University.