Gone cruisin'! FIU Sigma Chi Celebrates 15 Years

5 days ago
3 min read

FIU's Lambda Iota Chapter celebrated its 15th "birthday" this past May, 2026 aboard a week-long cruise across the Caribbean.

While Sigma Chi dates back to its founding in Miami, OH in 1855, FIU's chapter began in a quiet room on the Sweetwater campus in the fall of 2009.

FIU Sigma Chi started as an expansion group with 11 men on November 5, 2009. 14 months later, the Lambda Iota Chapter made history by gaining its charter on January 22, 2011 in record speed on campus, formally becoming what is today the Lambda Iota Chapter.

Since then, we have built traditions that span the test of time and have made our brotherhood grow from 11 men, to a chapter boasting over 400 initiates spanning countless professionals and business owners around the world. Our brothers carry the White Cross of Sigma Chi everywhere we go.

One such tradition is that of celebrating our beloved Lambda Iota's "birthday."

Every year, our brothers, sweethearts, and friends get together for some form of celebration.

Installation Banquet on January 22, 2011 welcomed 41 founding Sigma Chi brothers, their dates, and a room full of their families and Sigma Chis from all over the US and Canada, from international officers nd advisors, to other undergraduates from other Florida chapters.
The Year 5 celebration was a formal function at a local Miami hotel. Four Sweethearts in attendance and a full house - over 100 Sigma Chis in attendance plus their dates and family members.
For Year 10, the concept of a cruise was born among the advisors. With dates, ship, and group packages prepared, and excitement starting to spread, we were all hit with a global pandemic that iced the originally celebration date.
In January of 2024, we set sail on a week-long trip with plenty of brotherhood, old and new memories made, and a timeless reminder of how much Sigma Chi has meant and continues to mean to us all.
We welcomed brothers and sweethearts from all over the country for this week-long celebration.
For the Year 15 planning and after an unforgettable time on the 10th anniversary celebration, Cruise #2 was the only logical option! Seven days on the high seas with more incredible memories made surrounded by our families -- from wives to kids playing group golf and hanging in private villas in the Bahamas. The Sigs even got to sing the Sweetheart Song to Becky Millares Lopez for the first time, wife of Dr. William Lopez, Jr (2013).

Planning for Year 20 is already underway! BIG surprises ahead and more announcements to come as we celebrate this next milestone for Lambda Iota and Sigma Chi.

Keep an eye out for ongoing events and opportunities to connect with our brothers, both young and old. Whether for personal development opportunities, networking and business connections, or to come speak to the undergrads for a few minutes, you will always find it here.

A very special thanks to all who helped plan and execute our chapter birthdays throughout the years. Your efforts do not go unnoticed and our collective and individual achievements are because of your relentless commitment to our brothers, the Lambda Iota Chapter, and Sigma Chi.

Installation Banquet: Brett Miller (ETA IOTA) Chapter Advisor with help from Nic Hugo (ETA IOTA), Rodney Bennett (DELTA UPSILON), Julio Varela (GAMMA PHI)
5 Year Birthday: Carlton Ng (2010) and his committee
10 Year Birthday: Nick Recuset (2016), Jose Garcia (2012), and committee
15 Year Birthday: Nick Recuset (2016) and committee

IN HOC SIGNO VINCES