[A Brother and a Friend] It is with heavy heart the Fraternity shares the loss of Brother Jonathan “Johnny” Dawson, Tennessee ’25 (center). He passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Just three weeks from graduation and standing on the edge of his next grand adventure, Johnny’s life was cut short in its prime. He had his eyes set on the future, ready to take on the world with the same passion, loyalty and bright spirit that made him unforgettable to everyone who knew him. Whether he was cheering on the Vols in Neyland Stadium or showing up for his brothers in ways big and small, Johnny was the kind of person who made you feel seen, valued and loved. His presence made life better — and his absence is leaving a space that can never be filled. In memory of Johnny, the flags at Beta’s Administrative Office in Oxford, Ohio, have been lowered to half-staff and will remain so for the next eight days, symbolic of “eight earnest young men” of his same age who founded Beta Theta Pi on August 8, 1839. The strength of Beta’s brotherhood is with his family and the Tennessee chapter during this difficult time. May Brother Jonathan Dawson, Roll No. 695 on the official roll of the Delta Kappa Chapter of Beta Theta Pi, rest in peace. Forever in ___kai___. (fb)

[The Promise of Every Day] It's official, San Diego State is reinstalled as the Epsilon Beta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi on April 12. Approved by the 185th General Convention, collegiate and and alumni brothers celebrated the return of their charter and coat of arms. General Secretary John Stebbins, Emory '92, and Regional Chief Adam Schulz, Virginia Tech '98, were present to proudly reinstall the chapter. The weekend's celebration also posthumously honored Fred Pierce ’84, with the prestigious Oxford Cup, the Fraternity's highest honor of professional achievement. Throughout his life and professional pursuits, Fred was a tireless advocate for college students and Greek life. He founded Pierce Education Properties in the mid-90’s when his firm became master developer of the award-winning College Community Redevelopment Project at SDSU, which included Fraternity Row and led the physical transformation of campus. Fred's belief in the benefits of fraternity and sorority life led him and his Beta Sweetheart, Christine — who attended and accepted the presentation of the Oxford Cup — to gift the Pierce Greek Life Center so that Greek life can be enhanced and sustained for current and future students at SDSU. (fb)