Harry Dunn, the retired Capitol Hill Police Officer celebrated for his defense of democracy during the January 6, 2021, attack on the United States Capitol, has been inducted as an Honorary Member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. This announcement was made today during the fraternity’s biennial Leadership Conference.
Dunn’s actions during the violent insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021 earned him the Congressional Gold Medal in 2021, and he has since become a symbol of bravery and resilience. After serving on the Capitol Hill Police force for fifteen years, Dunn retired in 2023. Born on Andrews Air Force Base, he graduated from Surrattsville High School in Clinton, Maryland, and is an alumnus of James Madison University, where he played football and was part of the 2004 NCAA Division I-AA national championship team.
Founded in 1963 on the campus of Morgan State University, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity has its roots deeply embedded in the civil rights movement. The fraternity’s 60th anniversary last year coincided with the 60th anniversary of the historic March on Washington. This legacy of advocacy and social justice continues to shape the organization’s core principles of Scholarship, Citizenship, Leadership, Fidelity, and Brotherhood.
Dr. Sean D. Housen, Sr., the 23rd International Grand Polaris of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., expressed pride in welcoming Dunn and the other inductees. “We are excited and proud to welcome into our Brotherhood four men who have lived exemplary lives and who have represented our fine tradition of strong citizenship and leadership,” Housen stated. “Today, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. welcomes retired Capitol Hill Police Officer Harry Dunn; the Honorable Lioneld Jordan, the five-term mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas; retired Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Texas Austin, Dr. Mark J.T. Smith; and Chief Edgardo (Eddie) Garcia of the Dallas, Texas Police Department. We welcome these men and convey to them our gratitude for their public service.”
Brian Love, Chairman of Iota Phi Theta’s Board of Directors, emphasized the significance of the new honorary members. “These four remarkable public servants are ideal for this honor. Their lives and commitment to public service are in alignment with the history and practices of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Each man, in his own way, has contributed greatly to his community. We admire the commitment and determination of this class of Honorary Members. Your exceptional achievements and contributions in your respective fields have not only earned you this esteemed recognition but have also set a benchmark of excellence and inspiration for all of us. We are excited to welcome these men into our Brotherhood and know that our Members are eager to fellowship with our new Honorary Brothers.”
Dr. Housen added, “Iota reserves Honorary Membership for those citizens who represent our ideals and are exemplary in their public service. We take seriously the honor of bestowing our colors – Brown and Gold – upon any man. We say ‘It takes a Man’ to be an Iota and we say that to note it takes a serious, committed, intelligent, and selfless individual to be an Iota. We pride ourselves on producing leaders who do not seek the spotlight but whose passion is public service and contributing to building a better world. Officer Harry Dunn, Mayor Lioneld Jordan, Dr. Mark J.T. Smith, and Chief Eddie Garcia are four such men. It is my honor to welcome them into our Brotherhood and to call them Iotas and my Brothers.”
