Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • Fall 2025 11 down" day—the first General Session in SAI history where jeans and letters were permitted (and encouraged)! Saturday also began with Phlea-Phlam, two hours of shopping and fundraising, with a portion of all sales going toward Philanthropies. Over $13,500 was raised for SAI Philanthropies, Inc. over the course of Convention, with $4,500 at Phlea-Phlam alone. Keynote speakers spoke on a variety of inspiring topics to benefit members' lives, both within and outside SAI. Alyssa Bernhardt, civil mediator and Human Resources professional, confronted conflict with her address "Strategies for Productive Dialogue and Resolution." Dr. Pam Klena, in "Empowering Women in Music Through Mentorship," challenged members to recall their own mentors in music and to become mentors themselves. Dr. Keena Day, SAI DEI Director, in "Belonging and SAI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Action," spoke of the strides DEI has made within the Fraternity and the progress still to be made. During the Welcome Luncheon, Executive Director Emerita and Convention Honoree Ruth Sieber Johnson receiving a standing ovation for her address on the power of love (for excerpts of Ruth's speech, see "It Must Be Love: Variations on a Theme" on page 16). In honor and appreciation of Ruth's service to Sigma Alpha Iota, the music parlor at National Headquarters—considered to be the center of the Fraternity's home—was dedicated and named in her honor. No National Convention would be complete without the music. The highlight of Convention for many is the SAI Philanthropies, Inc. Benefit Concert. This Convention's performance featured Honorary Member Rachel Barton Pine, violin, with National Arts Associate Dr. Matthew Hagle on piano The 2025 Natial Cvention At top left, Phlea-Phlam. Above, PhilanthroBOOTS make At top left, Phlea-Phlam. Above, PhilanthroBOOTS make their third Convention appearance. At bottom left, Tracey their third Convention appearance. At bottom left, Tracey Wygal Withrow discusses PHilanthropies PHundraising. Wygal Withrow discusses PHilanthropies PHundraising. Below, First day of workshops Below, First day of workshops From top: Ruth with the plaque From top: Ruth with the plaque for the Ruth Sieber Johnson Music Parlor. for the Ruth Sieber Johnson Music Parlor. Keynote speakers Alyssa Bernhardt, Keynote speakers Alyssa Bernhardt, Dr. Pam Klena, and Dr. Keena Day. Dr. Pam Klena, and Dr. Keena Day. PHOTOS: GREGORY DICKENS, KAYLA GREEN, AND ANGELA SILVER

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