Convention is our yearly chance to catch up with old friends, make new friends, grow skills and knowledge, celebrate achievements and recognize extraordinary service and accomplishments of our members. Please take advantage of the many opportunities that you will have over the next few days: learn, make new friends, and share in our spirit of fraternity!
Please attend all sessions and represent our Fraternity in a way that is consistent with Sigma Alpha Mu’s values.
Fast and Firm,
Our Mission
To foster the development of collegiate men and our alumni by instilling strong fraternal values, offering social and service opportunities, encouraging academic excellence and teaching leadership skills. We will continue to attract members of all beliefs who appreciate our heritage as a fraternity of Jewish men.
Leadership
Meet our 2025 Sammy Leadership
Scan the QR Code to find the entire official family and staff of the Fraternity, Foundation, and SAM National Properties or go to www.sam.org/staff
Education Committee
Nicholas D’Addabbo Education Committee Chair (Boston/Alabama, ‘09)
Phillip Glauben Education Committee Chair Emeritus (North Texas, ‘73)
Benji Bearman
Octagon Liason to the Education Committee (Minnesota, ‘97)
REBATE
Every year, the Fraternity distributes a Convention Rebate based on your attendance at sessions throughout the weekend. The Convention Rebate is 75% of one Convention Registration ($295) and 75% of one Super Saver airfare for a Chapter Delegate. Chapters that are within a 200-mile radius of the Convention site will receive a rebate based on mileage.
The rebate is directly tied to the percentage of sessions attended by the entire delegation. There are 30 points in total. Thus, 30 multiplied by the number of delegates per chapter/provisional chapter in attendance will be the basis for rebate percentage credited to the Chapter. The rebate will be credited to the chapter’s Chapter Statement account within MySAM a few weeks after the Convention.
Date Session
Thursday
Total Points = 30
Featured
Josh Orendi
Co-Founder of PhiredUp Productions
Alpha Sigma Phi
josh@phiredup.com @phired.up
Chad Ellsworth
Founder of Caped Coaching LLC
Theta Chi @CapedCoaching
Steve Hunegs
Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) Minnesota & the Dakotas
Sigma Alpha Mu, Beta Iota Chapter
University of Minnesota Sexual Misconduct Prevention Program
Events Coordinator and House Manager at ‘Westwood’, The Purdue President’s official residence apcawdron@purdue.edu @Etiquette_guy
Director of Scholarships and Grants at Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation Kappa Delta mariam@sam-fdn.org @thesamfoundation
**See “Dress Code” on page 11 for information on attire
Please note that all times are listed in Central Daylight Time (CDT) Scan the QR code for the full schedule with details!
Saturday, July 26th Business Casual
7:45 AM - 8:45 AM Breakfast Meridian Foyer
8:30 AM- 12:00 PM SAM National Properties Meeting Think 2 Room
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Service Project: Gift of Life Drive Undergraduates expected (included in rebate attendance) Meridian Ballroom 123
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM Keynote Speaker Meridian Ballroom 123
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Networking Break and Vendor Fair Meridian Foyer
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM Alumni Panel Session Meridian Ballroom 123
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM Undergraduate Lunch *Grab and go style Meridian Foyer
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM Alumni Luncheon Meridian Ballroom 4
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM Convention Business Meeting Coat and tie expected Meridian Ballroom 123
4:30 PM - 5:45 PM Model Initiation and Discussion Members only, coat and tie expected Meridian Ballroom 4
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Cocktail Hour Meridian Foyer
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Purple Tie Banquet *Registration required Meridian Ballroom 123
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM Dessert Reception with Award Winners Meridian Foyer
Delegate
Nametags
Nametags must be worn at all times. Nametags are your admission ticket to all Convention events: education sessions, the business meeting, meals, and special events.
Meals
The following meals are provided for undergraduates: Thursday dinner, Friday breakfast and lunch, Saturday breakfast, lunch & dinner. If you have registered with dietary restrictions, you will receive a card in your registration packet that you will use during meal times to notify hotel staff of your dietary restrictions.
Alcohol
The consumption of alcohol prior to or during the educational programs is strictly prohibited. Any violators of this policy will be prevented from attending the sessions. The receptions will include a cash bar for attendees over the age of 21.
Expectations
Dress Code
Thursday: For sessions, attendees should plan for business casual (shorts & polo are acceptable).
Friday: Business casual (shorts & polo are acceptable)
Saturday: Business Casual in the morning is acceptable. Business attire (coat & tie) is requested for the Convention Business Meeting, Model Ritual, and Purple Tie Banquet. Bring your fraternity badge, purple tie, and name tag.
Promptness
We have a very full schedule planned for you, and it is important for all meetings and sessions to begin on time. Please arrive at all sessions early or when the session is scheduled to begin. This will help the presenter, Education Committee and Staff make the most of everyone’s time.
Quiet Hours
No excessive noise should be heard in the hotel hallways at any time. It is important to respect the privacy of all hotel guests, especially those who are not involved with our Convention. Violators will be reported to hotel security as well as to the Octagon.
Standards
To ensure that the Sigma Alpha Mu Convention continues to maintain a reputation for excellence and high standards, we have high expectations of appropriate behavior at the Convention. While each member is responsible for his behavior, it is expected that each delegate will read, understand and follow Convention rules as well as appropriate federal, state, and local laws. Each chapter or colony will be held accountable for the actions of members from its delegation.
The Octagon expects all Convention attendees to respect the property and the rights of the hotel and its guests. Be advised that no alcohol is allowed to be brought into the hotel to be consumed in public areas. Alcohol is not permitted by our delegates in any of the sleeping rooms nor at any conference event, excluding the reception on Saturday. Loud and disruptive music is also prohibited. The laws of the city and state apply to all in attendance. The hotel has a zero-tolerance policy for disruptions in the sleeping rooms and may ask our delegates to leave immediately.
Policy
After one warning, individuals violating other conduct expectations will be asked to leave the Convention. The Octagon and appropriate chapter advisors, chapter officers, and university officials will be informed of the conduct and the individuals responsible. Members asked to leave may face suspension and other sanctions from the Fraternity.
If you have any questions, please contact Assistant Executive Director, Jackie Gellinger, at jackie@sam.org or (412) 443-3982. You can also scan the QR code below for the full list of expectations.
Scholarships
The Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation is fortunate to have a scholarship program with 200 scholarships! In spring 2026 more than $215,000 will be available!
Applications will be posted in November-December 2025 and due in January-February 2026 with Awards Announced in April 2026. For more information on the Lawrence D. Schaffer Scholarship program please visit:
Chapter Educational Funds (CEFs) are chapter restricted funds created by alumni and friends for the benefit of a specific chapter. The funds may be granted to the chapter for initiatives such as educational & leadership development programs, student health, and financial literacy training, scholarships/academic achievement awards, community service or philanthropic activities, updating educational spaces in chapter houses, and grants to other qualified charities.
To see if your chapter has a Chapter Educational Fund, please visit https://sam-fdn.org/chapter-educational-grants
The Jewish Endeavors Initiative provides chapters and members with funding for activities that promote Jewish life on campus, educate students on Jewish matters, combating antisemitism and foster an understanding of Jewish issues. Grants are available to Sigma Alpha Mu chapters/provisional chapters, undergraduate members of Sigma Alpha Mu, and to campus organizations partnering with Sigma Alpha Mu chapters/provisional chapters.
Grants
The maximum grant to a chapter/provisional chapter is $500, and the maximum scholarship to an individual is $250. Grant applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the funds available are limited.
As a 501(c)(3) public charity, the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation may only fund programs that support leadership development, the furtherance of religion, community service, and scholarship.
SCAN BELOW TO GET STARTED ON YOUR APPLICATION TODAY!
Make a difference for Sigma Alpha Mu!
Stop by the Foundation booth for a treat and to make a donation! Join the Gold & Bronze Society with a gift of $20.25 and get your limited edition SAM bracelet and stickers! You’ll also be entered to win some custom SAM swag that’s only available at Convention!
Vendors
Alzheimer’s Association / The Judy Fund
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
Birthright Israel Unity. Continuity. Mutual Responsibility.
Birthright Israel began with a bold idea—offering a free, life-changing trip to Israel for young Jewish adults between the ages of 18 and 26 and, in doing so, transforming the Jewish future.
Our mission is to provide all young Jewish adults with opportunities for transformative and immersive shared experiences in Israel and a foundation for ongoing Jewish connection.
Chabad on Campus International
Chabad on Campus acts as a home-away-from-home, providing educational, social, spiritual and holiday programming for Jewish students at more than 950 campuses. Our caring and experienced directors promote social, educational, and spiritual enlightenment. No judgment, just joy.
Gift Of Life- Service Project 2025
Each year, Sigma Alpha Mu’s Convention brings undergraduate members together to give back in a meaningful way. For 2025, we are proud to partner with Gift of Life, an organization dedicated to curing blood cancer and other blood disorders through marrow and stem cell donation. This year’s service project centers on education and awareness, empowering students to make a difference on their campuses and within their communities.
Re:Members- Not on Site
re:Members, formerly known as GreekBill, is the leading provider of software that helps member-based, non-profit organizations improve the world. Learn more at www.remembers.com.
Partners
Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation
The Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation has served as the charitable and educational arm of Sigma Alpha Mu since chartering in 1944. The Foundation is a dynamic example of Sigma Alpha Mu’s ideals in action.
With the support of alumni and friends of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity, the Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation is working to support the development of leaders, encourage good citizenship, and provide financial aid for students.
SAM National Properties and Property Management
Investment in student and fraternity housing can be successful both financially and operationally. We can mitigate much of the risk when we structure an investment entity properly. We can oversee each investment property effectively with experienced and diligent management that handles the maintenance and administration of leases.
The Israel Innovation Fund
The Israel Innovation Fund (TIIF) operates as a venture philanthropic fund, investing and incubating high-impact enterprises in Israel and the Jewish world that are capable of sustaining themselves through commercially viable revenue-generating activities. Our mission is to reach younger people through shared cultural efforts that add value to people’s lives. TIIF’s signature program, Wine on the Vine, connects individuals and organizations to Israeli wineries through the sponsorship of individual grapevines and entire vineyards in Israel. TIIF was created by Adam Scott Bellos, founding father of the University of Arizona chapter of SAM.
Upper Crust Food Service
Upper Crust Food Service is proud to provide our college catering services to the members of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternities from coast to coast. We know how busy you are during your time in college, so to take a little bit off your plate, our team takes complete control of your kitchen and create custom daily meal plans that are made with you and your fraternity brothers’ unique taste preferences are met. Our campus chefs use the responsibly sourced and fresh ingredients to make the meals, and will alter the menu as you see fit. If we are not currently on your campus, give us a call and we’ll get that fixed!
Thanks
Thank You for attending the 2025 Convention!
We’re grateful for your active participation and the energy you brought to this year’s gathering in Minneapolis. We hope you’re leaving inspired, better connected, and equipped with new ideas to help your chapter grow and succeed.
Before you go, please take a moment to complete the Convention Evaluation using the QR code below. Your feedback plays a vital role in shaping future events.
Safe travels — and thank you for being part of our shared mission.
