Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • Fall 2022 5 Ruth Sieber Johnson National Executive Director. Ruth Sieber Johnson is an Epsilon Tau initiate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, from which she received a BM degree in vocal performance, magna cum laude. She also attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL, and did graduate work at UALR in teaching the gied and talented. Aer completing her studies, she joined the roster of the Arkansas Opera eater. Her roles included Rosina in e Barber of Seville, Adele in Die Fledermaus, and Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi. She has appeared in New York with the Stony Brook Bach Aria Festival and in St. Louis and Dallas with their respective Bach societies. She was a charter member of the Little Rock Alumnae Chapter, served as Mu Province President and President/Vice President, Tau B Province Officer, and National Newsletter Director and editor of Tempo! before being hired for her current position. She has received the Collegiate Scholastic Award, Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor, Rose of Dedication, and Ring of Excellence. In addition to her full time job as SAI Executive Director, she occasionally directs musical theater productions for the Asheville Community eater and University of North Carolina-Asheville, provides lecture/demonstrations for Elderhostels, has served as a church music director and organist, and gives concert and recital performances. In June 2012, she was presented in concert at the Nixon Library in California, performing with oboist and former SAI National President Dr. Leslie Odom Miller. In April 2013 she presented a Masterclass and Showcase Recital for Composers at her alma mater in Little Rock. at same year, she appeared in the Jake Heggie opera, Dead Man Walking, produced by the Modern American Music Project. Her husband, John Johnson, Friend of the Arts, (March 2, 1938 - March 19, 2011) designed and installed the cabinetry at National Headquarters, and always kept a loving eye on the SAI Harmony Rose Garden. With much gratitude for Sigma Alpha Iota, Ruth celebrated her 30th anniversary in the position of Executive Director on July 1, 2022. Tracey Wygal Withrow Chairman, Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc. Tracey Wygal Withrow was initiated into Eta Tau Chapter at Shepherd University in the Spring of 1996, where she earned a BA degree in Secondary Education with certification in K-12 vocal and instrumental music. She holds a MA degree in Communication Studies from West Virginia University. She has held several leadership positions in both her collegiate and alumnae chapters, later serving as Iota C Province Officer (2006-2012) and Region VII Regional Officer (2012-2015). Tracey also served on the National Executive Board from 2015-2022 as National Vice President, Ritual and Fraternity Education. She is a recipient of the Sword of Honor, Ruby Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor, Wreath of Achievement, and Ring of Excellence. Professionally, Tracey is employed as the music teacher at Frederick Douglass Elementary School in Winchester, VA. She is a member of the Virginia Professional Educators and NAfME. Tracey has been named Educator of the Year by Shepherdstown Middle School, James Wood Middle School, and the Northern Shenandoah Valley ARC. In addition to teaching public school, Tracey owns her own piano and voice studio, Wygal Music Studio. As a performer, Tracey has gained recognition and praise, notably in her musical tribute to the country legend Patsy Cline. Her likeness to Cline's unmistakable, robust voice has received accolades time and time again. Ellis Nassour, author of Honky Tonk Angel: e Intimate Story of Patsy Cline, said the following: "As you know, Patsy is still unequaled...but hey, she better watch out! is gal has the most fantastic voice!." Tracey is currently portraying Patsy Cline in Lovesick Blues: A Tribute to Hank Williams, Sr. and Patsy Cline. Tracey has extensive and long-standing experience in philanthropic endeavors, engagement, education, and management through work for the American Cancer Society. Tracey is event manager and social media manager for the Hampshire County (WV) Relay For Life. 2022 Natial Cvention Christine Hall National Vice President, Development Christine Hall is celebrating 25 years of initiation into Sigma Alpha Iota! She has held the role of National Vice President, Fraternity Development since 2016. Her service at the national level includes Secretary of the SAI Philanthropies, Inc. Board and Kappa D Province Officer. She spent six years as the Communications and Listserv Director for the Fraternity. Her honors include the Sword of Honor and Rose of Honor. Christine plays the flute, is married with two sons, and lives in Houston, TX. Both children are in high school marching band this year, and she is enjoying reliving the excitement, this time as a band booster club committee member. She affiliated with the Houston Alumnae Chapter and held various offices, including president, prior to being PO. Christine was initiated by the Iota Beta chapter at Murray State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in print journalism. She also holds a master's degree in journalism from e Ohio State University and was a member of the Columbus Alumnae Chapter. Professionally, she operates a freelance writing business and is currently a reporter for TechCrunch, an online publication reporting on the business of the tech industry.

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