Sigma Alpha Iota: History, Membership,
and Philanthropy Overview
Founding and History of Sigma Alpha Iota
Founding Details
Sigma Alpha Iota was founded on June 12, 1903, at the University School of Music in Ann
Arbor, Michigan, marking the establishment of a significant organization in women's
music education.
The corporation papers for SAI were signed on December 1, 1904, and recorded on
December 15, 1904, formalizing its legal status as a fraternity.
The Beta Chapter at Northwestern University was the first extension of SAI, installed in
December 1904, indicating the fraternity's early expansion beyond its founding location.
Founders and Core Ideals
The seven founders of Sigma Alpha Iota include Elizabeth Campbell, Frances Caspari, and
Minnie Davis Sherrill, along with Leila Farlin Laughlin, Nora Crane Hunt, Georgina Potts,
and Mary Storrs Andersen.
Elizabeth Campbell articulated the core ideals of SAI in her 1910 publication, Pan Pipes,
emphasizing sisterly affection, musical scholarship, character nobility, and unselfish
relations among women in music.
These ideals reflect the fraternity's commitment to fostering a supportive community for
women in the music profession.
Membership and Inclusivity
Membership Classifications
Sigma Alpha Iota has four classifications of membership: Collegiate, Alumnae, Patroness,
and Distinguished, each serving different roles within the organization.
Collegiate membership is open to regularly matriculated women students who have
completed music courses and meet specific GPA requirements, ensuring a standard of
musical engagement and academic achievement.
, Patroness members are women who support the arts and wish to engage with SAI,
assuming financial responsibilities for their initiation.
Inclusivity Policies
SAI is inclusive of cisgender women, transgender women, and some non-binary
individuals, reflecting a modern understanding of gender identity within the fraternity's
membership policies.
This inclusivity is aimed at advancing women in music, ensuring that diverse identities
are represented and supported within the organization.
Governance and Structure
Governing Bodies
The National Convention serves as the governing body of SAI, comprising delegates from
collegiate and alumnae chapters, along with members of the National Officers
Conference (NOC).
National Conventions are held triennially, allowing for regular updates and governance
of fraternity policies and activities.
The National Executive Board (NEB) directs fraternity policy, transacts business between
conventions, and meets annually to oversee operations.
Roles of Officers
The Executive Director manages the National Headquarters, overseeing records,
financial transactions, and fraternity publications, ensuring smooth operational
functionality.
Regional Officers (RO) and Province Officers (PO) play crucial roles in supervising
chapters, coordinating events, and maintaining communication within their respective
regions.
Membership Responsibilities and Expectations
Member Privileges and Responsibilities
Members enjoy privileges such as wearing the badge, impacting music globally, and
participating in philanthropic projects, which enhance their engagement with the
fraternity.
Responsibilities include representing SAI positively, cultivating friendships, and adhering
to ethical standards, which are essential for maintaining the fraternity's reputation.
and Philanthropy Overview
Founding and History of Sigma Alpha Iota
Founding Details
Sigma Alpha Iota was founded on June 12, 1903, at the University School of Music in Ann
Arbor, Michigan, marking the establishment of a significant organization in women's
music education.
The corporation papers for SAI were signed on December 1, 1904, and recorded on
December 15, 1904, formalizing its legal status as a fraternity.
The Beta Chapter at Northwestern University was the first extension of SAI, installed in
December 1904, indicating the fraternity's early expansion beyond its founding location.
Founders and Core Ideals
The seven founders of Sigma Alpha Iota include Elizabeth Campbell, Frances Caspari, and
Minnie Davis Sherrill, along with Leila Farlin Laughlin, Nora Crane Hunt, Georgina Potts,
and Mary Storrs Andersen.
Elizabeth Campbell articulated the core ideals of SAI in her 1910 publication, Pan Pipes,
emphasizing sisterly affection, musical scholarship, character nobility, and unselfish
relations among women in music.
These ideals reflect the fraternity's commitment to fostering a supportive community for
women in the music profession.
Membership and Inclusivity
Membership Classifications
Sigma Alpha Iota has four classifications of membership: Collegiate, Alumnae, Patroness,
and Distinguished, each serving different roles within the organization.
Collegiate membership is open to regularly matriculated women students who have
completed music courses and meet specific GPA requirements, ensuring a standard of
musical engagement and academic achievement.
, Patroness members are women who support the arts and wish to engage with SAI,
assuming financial responsibilities for their initiation.
Inclusivity Policies
SAI is inclusive of cisgender women, transgender women, and some non-binary
individuals, reflecting a modern understanding of gender identity within the fraternity's
membership policies.
This inclusivity is aimed at advancing women in music, ensuring that diverse identities
are represented and supported within the organization.
Governance and Structure
Governing Bodies
The National Convention serves as the governing body of SAI, comprising delegates from
collegiate and alumnae chapters, along with members of the National Officers
Conference (NOC).
National Conventions are held triennially, allowing for regular updates and governance
of fraternity policies and activities.
The National Executive Board (NEB) directs fraternity policy, transacts business between
conventions, and meets annually to oversee operations.
Roles of Officers
The Executive Director manages the National Headquarters, overseeing records,
financial transactions, and fraternity publications, ensuring smooth operational
functionality.
Regional Officers (RO) and Province Officers (PO) play crucial roles in supervising
chapters, coordinating events, and maintaining communication within their respective
regions.
Membership Responsibilities and Expectations
Member Privileges and Responsibilities
Members enjoy privileges such as wearing the badge, impacting music globally, and
participating in philanthropic projects, which enhance their engagement with the
fraternity.
Responsibilities include representing SAI positively, cultivating friendships, and adhering
to ethical standards, which are essential for maintaining the fraternity's reputation.
