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The Sigma Lambda Beta Educational Foundation would like to honor our contributors by spotlighting them. We hope to help others learn about the kind of people who contribute to the Foundation and why they contribute. Our first spotlight contributor is:
Brother Ivan Gutierrez
Brother Iván Gutiérrez of El Paso, TX is a walking example of pride. Given the Fraternity name, Orgullo - which is Spanish for Pride - Bro. Gutiérrez is proud of his affiliation with Sigma Lambda Beta, his Alma Mater - the University of Texas - El Paso, and Andress High School where he currently works as Co-Athletic Trainer and the Special Teams Coach for the schools football program. For anyone not familiar with high school football in the State of Texas, pride and football are one in the same in the state where most high school football stadiums are larger and nicer than many college or university stadiums in other parts of the country.
Bro. Iván is a monthly contributor to the Sigma Lambda Beta Education Foundation. This spirit of giving back was cultivated in him by his very supportive parents and also by his undergraduate experience with Sigma Lambda Beta. He remarks, "If you're able to pay dues as an undergraduate, then helping the Fraternity now shouldn't be a problem. At least give what you used to pay in dues." This spirit of giving and helping is also grounded in Bro. Gutiérrez Christian faith. He feels that his faith has shaped his philosophy of life and inspires him to coach and motivate others every day.
A Fall 1998 initiate of Sigma Lambda Beta, Gutiérrez points out that many of the alumni in the State of Texas have envisioned putting together resources to start a scholarship fund. Bro. Iván views his contributions to the Foundation as the beginning toward putting that vision into action. Bro. Gutiérrez realizes how important scholarships and financial assistance can be for college. The first from his family to attend and graduate from college, Bro. Iván had a scholarship to UTEP for his first two years that was not available at the university for his third and fourth years of school. By working hard and dedicating himself, he was able to graduate from UTEP in 2000.
Currently, Bro. Gutiérrez assists the Fraternity as a volunteer in addition to his financial contribution to the Education Foundation. As the South District Governor, Bro. Iván likens his responsibilities to that of a manager of a large store. "It's impossible to know everything that's going on in the entire States of Texas and Oklahoma, but I'm here to help the Brothers meet their obligations and be successful chapters and associations."
Things for Bro. Iván have come a long way since his birth in 1977 and life growing up in gang-infested Northeast El Paso. Bro. Gutiérrez knew all along, because of his faith in God, that his path would steer him clear. He credits his faith, his parents, and involvement in sports for his success. Now, a high school and a college graduation later, and fully into his professional life Bro. Iván is doing his part to build a foundation for the future. "It would be cool at the end of my life to be able, as our International President (Bro. Ammar "Corazón" Mufleh) committed to in his speech, to give 10% of my estate at the end of my life," says Bro. Gutiérrez. While that day is hopefully far in the future, we here at the Education Foundation salute Bro. Iván "Orgullo" Gutiérrez (F '98) for his dedication, persistence, and inspiration. Mil gracias, hermano.
Read previous Contributor Spotlights:
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