The 2025 Southern Association for College Student Affairs (SACSA) Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, marked one of the most memorable gatherings in the association’s 75-year history—defined not only by record-breaking fundraising and powerful keynote moments, but also by a shared recommitment to the people, stories, and traditions that shape the profession of student affairs across the region.

From the opening ceremony to the closing celebration, the conference embodied the theme of “Honoring Legacy, Empowering Future” through purposeful programming, intentional space for community, and the continuation of unique SACSA traditions. More than a professional convening, SACSA 2025 was a living reminder of the relationships, mentorship, and service that anchor the student affairs field.

Opening Session: A Celebration of Purpose and People

The conference officially opened with a tribute to SACSA’s rich history and its vision for the future. Attendees—from first-time graduate participants to seasoned leaders—gathered at the University of Louisville to reaffirm the organization’s core values of leadership, service, and connection. As one member later reflected:

“From day one … I found connections with a lot of people. I didn’t think that was going to happen, but from the opening ceremony, with people saying, ‘You’re going to find your family. Find your family. You’re gonna find it if you want it to happen.’”

The opening session took place at the University of Louisville’s Swain Student Activities Center and featured a keynote address by Michael Riley, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Sessions, Networking, and Experiential Learning

The conference offered a rich lineup of sessions, ranging from presentations on emerging research in student affairs to hands-on workshops focused on practice and leadership. Equally important, attendees were encouraged to reflect not only on what is happening in higher education but also on how and why these initiatives are implemented, fostering deeper understanding and professional growth.

Beyond the formal sessions, the conference provided abundant opportunities for networking and experiential learning. Attendees connected with peers, mentors, and leaders from diverse institutions, exchanging ideas and forging relationships that extended well beyond the sessions themselves. Interactive experiences, including case studies, poster presentations, and the silent auction, allowed participants to engage in a variety of ways.

MAC Excursion: A Transformational Evening at the Muhammad Ali Center

A signature moment of the weekend was the MAC off-site excursion to the Muhammad Ali Center. The experience went beyond honoring a legendary figure — it offered space for reflection on courage, identity, truth-telling, and leadership.

Dr. Ra’meer Roberts reflected on the excursion’s significance:

“Ali modeled transparency and vulnerability — and that challenged me. As I continue to work in higher education, I’m asking myself: how am I being transparent, and how am I creating space for honest dialogue?”

Attendees explored exhibits that highlighted Ali’s legacy not only as an athlete but also as an activist, humanitarian, and symbol of principled resistance. Many participants later shared that the experience reshaped their understanding of how social change work is inherited, practiced, and modeled through education.

In a remarkable show of support, several SACSA members volunteered to personally sponsor fellow participants, ensuring that all who wanted to attend the excursion had the opportunity to experience its transformative impact.

Graduate Student Experience: A First Look at SACSA

This year’s conference featured a robust graduate student presence, supported by intentional programming, mentorship spaces, volunteer opportunities, and dedicated networking support. For many attendees, it was their first introduction to the SACSA community — and the experience proved truly transformative.

Lauren Berg reflected on her first SACSA experience:

“I had really high expectations because my mentors spoke so highly of SACSA — and it exceeded every one of them. I’ve met people I never would’ve crossed paths with, and senior-level leaders treated me like a colleague, not ‘just a grad student.’”

She added, “Even volunteering for just one hour made me feel like I wasn’t simply an attendee — I was part of SACSA. That sense of belonging is exactly why I want to stay involved and help build this community for those who come after me.”

For many graduate students, SACSA was more than a conference; it served as a launch point — a place to build professional confidence, forge lasting connections, and see firsthand the impact of leadership and service in higher education.

The Gavel and the Gravel: A Tradition Rooted in Memory and Community

Among the most anticipated moments of any SACSA conference is the passing of the gavel—and the gravel, a tradition that began accidentally but has since become a meaningful symbol of leadership, continuity, and regional connectedness.

In honoring the 2025 Gavel & Gravel Award recipients, the foundation team presented engraved oak boxes and personalized handmade bags—each filled with authentic stones contributed by SACSA members. “No, we did not get them from the craft store,” a reminder that the tradition is rooted in authenticity, not symbolism alone.

A Record-Breaking Year of Giving and Impact

One of the conference’s most extraordinary achievements was the fundraising success of the SACSA Foundation. Entering the weekend with a goal of $6,000.75, the Foundation not only met but surpassed its target, raising $6,511.

The Gavel & Gravel event brought in an impressive $14,485, far exceeding its $9,000 goal, while the Silent Auction added another $2,014. Altogether, the Foundation raised a remarkable $22,315 in 2025!

Closing Reflections: A Conference That Reaffirmed Identity, Community, and Direction

As the final awards were presented, the spirit of SACSA 2025 was unmistakable: this was not just a conference, but a gathering of a professional community committed to reflection, mentorship, and care.

From the symbolic passing of the gavel and gravel, to the intentional programming honoring the field of Student Affairs, to the financial impact that far exceeded expectations, SACSA 2025 demonstrated that the association remains rooted in tradition while courageously evolving for the future.

The work continues beyond Louisville—but the weekend served as a powerful reminder of what happens when student affairs professionals gather not just to learn, but to belong. Looking ahead, SACSA 2026 will be held in Greenville, South Carolina, from November 1–3, promising another opportunity for connection, growth, and professional engagement.