It was from that time that the fraternity's official interest group the FIAT Club was formed at St. John's University campus in Jamaica Queens. The FIAT club then grew to include over twenty young men from a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds. That Semester members of the FIAT club worked to prove themselves worthy of a Phi Iota Alpha Chapter @ St. John's University.
The architect of the expansion to St. John's University was Brother Alumnus Jorge "Conquistador" Sandoval, formally of SUNY College at OLD Westbury, whose commitment to the fraternity and his community go beyond the call of duty. Brother Jorge "Conquistador" Sandoval then recruited another Brother Alumnus Jaime "Relampago" Ramirez formally of Adelphi University to be the educational guide and mentor for these young men. Chosen to be "Relampago's" assistant was Brother Omar "Casal" Lopez of Hofstra University.
After months of research, screening and selection, an initial group of ten men were picked to represent the new found colony. In the Spring of 2000, a strong and determined group of young men who consisted of members of the FIAT Club began the process for admissions into the fraternity.
Under the leadership and tutelage of Brother Alumnus Jaime "Relampago" Ramirez these young men allowed themselves to strive towards the philosophies of our 5 Pillars furthermore, enduring the trials and tribulations of the fraternity.
On April 1, 2000 "Los Triumfadores Del Nuevo Milenio" the founding line of the Alpha Gamma Chapter #1 Milton "Pacifico" Parreno, #2 Roberto "C.R.E.M.A." Saavedra, #3 Micheal "Majestuoso" Ravelo and #4 Richard "Indestructible" Cedeno became Distinguished Brothers of the Oldest Latino Fraternity in Existence, Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc.
On May 22, 2001 "Las Dos Candelas Eternas" the Alpha Line of the Alpha Gamma Chapter #1 Ernesto "Afortunado" Diaz, #2 Julian "Pantera" Conde became Distinguished Brothers of the Oldest Latino Fraternity in Existence, Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc.
On April 12, 2002 "El Unico Guerrero" the Beta Line of the Alpha Gamma Chapter #1 Christopher "Azteca" Costello became Distinguished Brothers of the Oldest Latino Fraternity in Existence, Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc.
On December 20, 2002 "Los Sobrevientes Inmortales" the Gamma Line of the Alpha Gamma Chapter #1 Louis "Leyenda" Saavedra, #2 Eduardo "D.I.A.M.A.N.T.E." Fonseca became Distinguished Brothers of the Oldest Latino Fraternity in Existence, Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Alpha Gamma's purpose is to promote the unification of the diverse Latino culture on the campus of St. John's University and Queens as the community at large, not only through our brotherhood, but also through sponsorship of social events and community service.
With the help of Brothers Alumnus Jaime "Relampago" Ramirez, Jorge "Conquistador" Sandoval and Brother Omar "Casal" Lopez so far the Alpha Gamma Chapter has crossed 9 Phiotas! All twelve of these brothers now take their place amongst the leaders of Phi Iota Alpha in creating the beginning of a successful Chapter @ SJU and there is no doubt that the success that this chapter has experienced thus far wil continue in the semesters ahead.
Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Incorporated
Alpha Gamma Chapter @ St. John's University
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Developed by Jaime Ramirez.
Last Modified July, 2003
