Sigma Alpha Iota

PAN PIPES Fall 2019 7 songbooks through the years, membership manuals, a facsimile of the first Alpha Chapter Minutes book, documents, pictures, awards, and many other priceless memories are at fraternity members' fingertips. One can revisit "For Gracious Greeks" and the Radio/TV Awards trophy, as presented to Walt Disney and Leonard Bernstein. e Braille typewriter that belonged to Katherine Becker for working on the Philanthropies' Braille Music Project is on display. e entire collection of the Inter-American Music Awards Competition originally available to chapters and libraries as "boxed sets" is also on view. Down the hall is the Member's Only Room, which holds items of ritual significance. Of course, initiated members of Sigma Alpha Iota are the only people privileged to view this collection. At the ribbon cutting event, Tracey Wygal Withrow, current National Vice President Ritual and Fraternity Education, spoke to the attendees on organizing the materials and items for the room. "Deb Volker, former NVPRFE, and I had the pleasure of choosing and organizing the items for the Member's Only Room. Of course, Executive Director Ruth Sieber Johnson and the National Headquarters staff did much of the work to complete this vision. Items chosen represent the history, the changes, and the ever-lasting components of our Greek traditions. We chose to highlight strong leaders of our fraternity that have given inspiration, motivation, and resources above and beyond what is expected. Some of the special items in the collection you will see include items that belonged to Gertrude Evans, Hazel E. Ritchey, and our beloved founders. Lastly, we felt it was important to honor and remember the legacy of our members who have passed away, and the time and love given by them to Sigma Alpha Iota by showcasing various badges and jewelry from our treasured Memorial Collection. We hope our visiting members enjoy the room and all the amazing history and love represented in this space." Aer many years of planning and work, Sigma Alpha Iota is proud to announce that our Museum and Member's Only Rooms are available to tour. We are very grateful to Edie Pankey Marshall for catching the vision, too. Edie was initiated by Alpha Omicron at Occidental College, later affiliating with the San Francisco Peninsula Alumnae Chapter, and then the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter. She served as a Province Officer for nine years, and then as the Region I Regional Officer for eight years. Edie's name may be familiar as the Director of the International Chapter, as well. A proud recipient of the Ring of Excellence, she has also received the Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor, Rose of Dedication, Rose of Constancy, and Wreath of Achievement. e Board members were happy to have her in attendance for the ribbon cutting. — by Tracey Wygal-Withrow, NVP, Ritual & Fraternity Education and Executive Director Ruth Sieber Johnson The National E xecutive Board and Edie Marshall stand in the newly opened Museum Room. At left, a Brailler used as part of SAI's Braille Music Project to provide music to the blind. Above, the Museum Room is designed to recreate the office of Hazel E. Ritchey, National President from 1923-1931. NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

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