Lambda Sigma Upsilon has chosen HIV/AIDS research as its national philanthropy. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV disease is a serious illness that harms the immune system-the body's ability to fight off infection. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, and is the last stage of the HIV disease.

Throughout the years Lambda Sigma Upsilon has dedicated itself in providing volunteer service to various organizations that help the community, however AIDS and the HIV virus has had a personal effect on the heart of our fraternity.

In June of 1989 one of our founders, Alberto Rivera, passed away due to complications related to the AIDS virus. We have honored his memory in many different ways such as constructing an AIDS quilt in his memory, and by honoring our brother of the year with an award after his name. However we as a fraternity felt that the greatest honor to him would be to assist those in fighting the disease which took his life.

Lambda Sigma Upsilon has worked with organizations such as the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation and have participated in World AIDS week festivities and AIDS Walk NY. The struggle for finding a cure is not over and we will continue to help educate individuals about this disease.