Lambda Phi Epsilon (, also known as LPhiE and LFE) is the largest Asian-American-Interest fraternity in North America. Lambda Phi Epsilon is affiliated with the National APIDA Panhellenic Association, and is a former member of the North American Interfraternity Conference. Organizational goals Lambda Phi Epsilon's vision is to be the preeminent international Asian interest fraternal organization, and to provide leadership, philanthropy, and advocacy in the community. The mission of the organization is to promote Lambda Phi Epsilon and its members by: Providing active members with leadership training and hands-on experience, for both personal growth and academic achievement. Promoting leadership of alumni in the community, creating opportunities, and encouraging the spirit of fellowship. Promoting positive Asian American awareness and providing philanthropy to the community. History Lambda Phi Epsilon was formed on February 25, 1981 at the University of California, Los Angeles. Noting that Asian fraternities and sororities at the University of California campuses were recognized only as service organizations due to their membership's focus on specific Asian groups and exclusion of other ethnic groups, the founders aimed to create a fraternity that transcends the traditional boundaries of national origins, bridges the gaps between those communities, and is recognized by the Greek community at large. While the original charter focused on Asian Pacific Americans, people from all ethnic backgrounds were welcome to join. Craig Ishigo and Darryl Mu signed the charter as president and vice president. Within a few years, the fraternity had chartered to the University of Texas, Austin (Zeta chapter), the State University of New York, Buffalo (Nu chapter), and the University of Michigan (Xi chapter). In 1990, the organization was recognized by the North American Interfraternity Conference, being the first Asian Interest fraternity to do so. State University of New York, Buffalo (Nu chapter) was Lambda Phi Epsilon's first chapter to be chartered on the American East Coast. Starting as Delta Gamma Tau, on September 15, 1992, this fraternity merged with Lambda Phi Epsilon (effectively taking on Lambda Phi Epsilon's letters) to unify organizations with identical purposes and to strengthen the Asian American voice in the campus community. On December 5, 2004, Lambda Phi Epsilon established a colony at the University of Toronto (Alpha Xi chapter), which was the first chapter of the fraternity established outside the United States. Philanthropy The fraternity's national philanthropy works to raise awareness for bone marrow drives. For patients with leukemia or any other