Sigma Alpha Iota

4 Fall 2026 | sai-national.org Dear Members of Sigma Alpha Iota, Recognition has a way of making us think about more than the accomplishment itself. Over the years, I have been fortunate to receive recognition for accomplishments in both my professional life and my work with Sigma Alpha Iota. But whenever my name has been printed on a program, announced from a podium, or attached to an accomplishment, I have often found myself thinking about all the names that weren't. One moment in particular comes to mind. When I defended my doctoral dissertation, I was calm and measured as I presented years of experiments, data, and conclusions. Then I reached the acknowledgments slide, and my composure became a little harder to maintain. Looking at the names of an engaged mentor, devoted parents, and a loving partner, I was reminded that while my name was on the dissertation, I had never reached that moment alone. Music is much the same. We may applaud the performer on stage, but behind that performance are often teachers, mentors, collaborators, family, and friends who helped make that moment possible. The same is true throughout Sigma Alpha Iota: behind so many accomplishments is a community of people who helped make them possible. I thought about that as I read through this issue of PAN PIPES, where recognition is woven throughout the pages. We celebrate members, chapters, advisors, and projects that represent some of the very best of Sigma Alpha Iota, as well as recipients of scholarships and grants from SAI Philanthropies, Inc., whose talents and aspirations are taking them into classrooms, concert halls, communities, and new areas of study and professional growth. Awards celebrate individual achievement, but they also tell us something about who we are and what we value. We value chapters that create environments where members feel supported and included. We value collegiate members developing into thoughtful leaders and alumnae members who continue to share their time, experience, and talents with SAI. We value advisors and mentors who offer guidance while giving others room to grow. And we value chapters that create opportunities for connection, service, and performance within SAI and their communities. That spirit of lifting others up is also reflected in this issue as we remember Honorary Members Dolly Parton and Ann Schein. Both achieved remarkable success through music, but their impact reached far beyond the stage. Through their philanthropy and commitment to creating opportunities for others, they demonstrated how success can be used in service to others. As we remember them, we celebrate both the music they shared and the generosity that is an important part of their legacies. Their examples, along with the many stories throughout this issue, remind us that meaningful service does not always come with an award. Every day throughout Sigma Alpha Iota, members are encouraging one another, mentoring new leaders, organizing service projects, rehearsing for musicales, preserving chapter history, and simply showing up when another member needs support. As we begin another Fraternity year, I hope we will make a point of noticing them. Celebrate the major accomplishments and nominate the people and chapters doing extraordinary work. But also recognize the quieter contributions happening around you. Say "thank you." Tell someone you noticed. The strength of Sigma Alpha Iota has always been built through thousands of moments of service, leadership, musicianship, and connection—many of which will never come with a certificate or a round of applause. It is reflected not only in how we support one another, but also in how we care for what has been entrusted to us and preserves our Fraternity's legacy for those who will come after us. As you read this issue, I hope you will join me in celebrating those whose names appear on these pages—and perhaps think of someone whose name does not, but whose impact on you, your chapter, or our Fraternity deserves to be recognized just the same. Much SAI Love, Jessica Chichester, National President A WORD FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT You'll notice we've updated the layout of PAN PIPES to a cleaner, fresher design throughout. While the look has changed, the article copy maintains the same fonts and sizing as before. We hope you enjoy the new look! A FRESH LOOK

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