Sigma Alpha Iota

PAN PIPES • SUMMER 2017 • sai-national.org 8 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS From the day of our formal Dedication of the SAI National Headquarters building, June 12, 2005 to twelve years later, these walls have seen many celebrations, music events, and visitors. With the initiation of Honorary Member of Karen Shaffer, founder of the Maude Powell Society to a visit and interview by Rachel Barton Pine; with approximately 24 meetings of the National Executive Board, other meetings of the SAI Philanthropies, Inc. Board, and numerous special meetings of the Finance Committee, to sessions with the Building & Grounds Advisory Committee, and NH Staff; with Province Officer Training sessions, orientation for Regional Officers, Directors, and Board members; and finally, with the hundreds of chapters that have come to conduct volunteer days, the Sigma Alpha Iota National Headquarters has provided a welcoming venue. This past Spring, National Headquarters had a new first: a chapter installation! With National President Leslie Odom Miller as the presiding officer, the Asheville Alumnae Chapter was chartered on May 6, 2017. What a way to bring good energy to these walls! The chapter is in Region 6, Tau B Province, and Province Officer, Diane Jordan and Regional Officer, Mary Thomas were present for the occasion. Quite a bit of province history posed for a photo, as Ruth Sieber Johnson, Fran Creasy, Elsie Beaver, Mary Thomas, and Diane Jordan had all served as Tau B PO at some time. Because of the number of guests who attended the installation, it was held in the upstairs conference room. The symbolic charter was presented to Brandie Penner, colony and then chapter president. After the ceremonies, the newly-affiliated alumnae chapter members also presented their musicale, using the upstairs piano gifted to SAI by John and Ruth Sieber Johnson. As has happened many times through the twelve years, a formal "tea" was held, this time presented by the new alumnae members. For all of the 45 SAIs who were present, it was a time for reminiscing and celebrating. Members relaxed in the formal music parlor, shared stories in the cozy kitchen, and perused archival materials in the sitting room. For some, it was a first visit to National Headquarters; for others, they have regularly been part of the hundreds who have come through the doors for a tour of the building and the rose gardens. The Executive Director, Ruth Sieber Johnson, has been asked to give you a virtual tour, so let's "start at the very beginning." As you walk in the front door, you will hear, "Welcome to SAI National Headquarters! Please sign our visitor's book." "The front room is our music parlor, where members are always welcome to play the Yamaha 6'6" Concert Series grand piano or sit and relax with a cup of tea. In the display cabinet is the Steuben glass that was presented to Mildred Odell Sale when she retired as National Executive Secretary after 29 years. The Alpha Chapter Charter is also on display, as well as other memorabilia from the Centennial convention. This building was built in 1990, and sits on 1.2 acres that rise behind the building on Beaucatcher Mountain. It is 6,000 square feet, has two stories, and is the perfect home for Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity and SAI Philanthropies. Entering the hallway to the Board Room, you will see a photograph of the 1928 National Convention, taken at Ithaca College. The clothing is always fascinating, and identifying two of the SAI Founders is a great challenge. In the Board Room, where both National Executive Board and SAI Philanthropies Board meetings are held, we have displayed the official jewelry of Ruth Gould-Mohr, national president More T han A Name, More T han A Place Sigma Alpha Iota National Headquarters in Asheville, NC, dedicated on June 12, 2005.

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