Washington State University (WSU) is marking a significant milestone as its first Chicanx Latinx brotherhood, La Hermandad O eMe Te, celebrates its 30th anniversary. A reunion dinner will take place on January 24, 2024, at 19:00 in the Compton Union Building Senior Ballroom, inviting the university community to join in the festivities. Attendees can reserve a seat through the WSU Alumni Association’s website.
The event will feature a special panel discussion moderated by Enrique Cerna, a WSU Regent, and will include insights from three of the organization’s founders. One founder, Christiaan Brown, emphasized the significance of this anniversary, noting that WSU is the birthplace of O eMe Te, which draws from Mexican American (Aztec) culture and philosophy. “It’s a powerful testament to WSU’s land-grant mission that an organization like ours was founded at WSU,” stated Brown, who serves as senior vice president at Raffetto Herman Strategic Communication in Seattle.
A Legacy of Growth
Over the past three decades, the membership of O eMe Te has expanded from a handful of members to approximately 40 today. This growth is viewed as remarkable by Dan Welter, director of WSU’s Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life. He remarked, “The work they did at the time to establish a culturally based brotherhood at WSU was innovative, new, and incredibly special. Their graduates have gone on to do incredible things and have left a remarkable legacy.”
The Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), of which O eMe Te is a part, is experiencing a resurgence in membership. This follows a decline during the pandemic, with new groups, such as Alpha Theta Tau, an Asian Pacific Islander Desi American men’s organization, joining in Fall 2025. Welter noted that the growth is largely driven by students seeking a sense of belonging and purpose at WSU.
“For many, it’s about connecting with others while being accepted for who they are and maintaining their cultural identity,” he added.
Building Connections
The bond formed among members is a key reason students cite for joining O eMe Te. Rafael Pruneda, director of development and alumni relations at WSU Tri-Cities, has advised the group since 2013 and engages with every new member. He explained, “They tell me one of the biggest reasons they joined is the opportunity to be mentored by other students and be part of an on-campus family that can assist them on their WSU journey. The strong network they build with the other members and alumni will be with them for the rest of their lives.”
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, O eMe Te leaders are eager to expand their influence beyond WSU. Previously, they aided in establishing chapters at the University of Washington and Eastern Washington University, although those have since disbanded. Currently, the University of Idaho remains the only university besides WSU with an active chapter.
Brown believes extending O eMe Te’s reach is vital for empowering students. He stated, “It plays a key role in helping its students apply their talents and influence as part of a lifetime of service aimed at strengthening their communities.” He highlighted that alumni have become military officers, business leaders, city council members, and family figures, illustrating the far-reaching impact of the brotherhood.
As the organization celebrates its legacy, anticipation builds for what the next 30 years will hold for O eMe Te and its members. The commitment to fostering community and cultural identity continues to shape the lives of students at WSU and beyond.
It is important to note that fraternity and sorority chapter facilities are not owned, operated, nor managed by Washington State University. Each chapter facility and Greek letter organization is governed by its respective national organization, local chapter, and/or housing corporation.
