Chapter Advisor, Louisiana Epsilon
Strong chapters are built on more than numbers; they are built on brothers. Few embody that truth more clearly than Jonathan Donaldson, Chapter Advisor for Louisiana Epsilon. As a devoted alumnus and steady mentor, Jonathan exemplifies how engaged advising and values-based recruitment can shape not just a chapter’s success, but the character of the men within it.
Brotherhood That Endures
Reflecting on his undergraduate years, Jonathan describes an experience marked by both highs and lows, yet consistently anchored by brotherhood. “Through the entire experience, the bonds forged through the fraternity helped me get through it all,” he shares. Sometimes that support came as encouragement; other times, as honest accountability. That balance, he believes, is what makes fraternity brotherhood meaningful and enduring.
For Jonathan, The True Gentleman is no longer just a distinguishing phrase; it is a compass. While it once set SAE apart on campus, today it guides how he approaches every interaction. In a world where standards can feel blurred, Jonathan finds grounding in words written nearly two centuries ago, using them to shape integrity, sincerity, and follow-through in daily life.
“To me, being a True Gentleman means… to stand for what is right regardless of the consequences.”
Why Advising Matters
Jonathan stepped into advising with a clear conviction: if you want a voice, you must be willing to do the work. Rather than offering opinions from the sidelines, he chose to invest his time and energy directly into the next generation. He sees advising as one of the most powerful ways to live out SAE’s values, by helping chapters return to their purpose when decisions get difficult.
That impact is felt daily within Louisiana Epsilon. As Eminent Archon Jesse Wright explains:
“Jonathan Donaldson is a chapter advisor that any chapter would be more than grateful to have. He truly cares about the future and betterment of LA Epsilon day in and day out. He consistently makes time to tend to any of the chapter’s advisory needs. Aside from being a great advisor, Jonathan is a brother and an alumnus of the LA Epsilon chapter. He understands firsthand what this chapter needs to operate and move forward. The brothers of LA Epsilon are grateful for the support, dedication, and guidance that Jonathan has provided us throughout his time as advisor.”
Recruitment: Character First, Always
When it comes to recruitment, Jonathan is unequivocal: character comes first—full stop. Resume lines and high school accomplishments matter only insofar as they reveal who someone chooses to be. He encourages chapters to look beyond familiar circles, reminding members that fraternity life is about expanding horizons and welcoming new perspectives.
Advisors, he notes, play a critical role here, helping chapters focus on values over volume and ensuring recruitment reflects genuine brotherhood rather than just numbers.
A Call to Alumni
For alumni unsure where to begin, Jonathan’s message is simple: Do it. Volunteering doesn’t require limitless time, only a willingness to give back when you can. The chapter benefits, but so does the alumnus, through renewed connection and purpose.
Through his service, Jonathan has seen firsthand the vast network of brothers and volunteers who sustain SAE. That perspective has only deepened his appreciation for the fraternity and strengthened his commitment to its future.
Jonathan Donaldson’s story is a reminder that recruitment shapes who we bring in, but advising shapes who they become. And when both are rooted in character and care, the impact lasts far beyond the chapter house.
To Brother Jonathan Donaldson: Thank you for your leadership, your heart, and your unwavering dedication to Louisiana Epsilon and Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Jonathan challenges collegians to honor those who came before them by being thoughtful stewards of the SAE name. That means pausing to consider actions through the lens of The True Gentleman, before acting, not after. SAE’s strength, he reminds us, was built over generations through consistent care, not overnight success.
