"Life is short, but art is long."
Welcome to the herstory of the "Glorious and Gorgeous" Gamma Zeta chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity Inc. founded on the campus of Old Dominion University on December 7, 1957.
The mission ofΣΑΙ is to encourage, nurture, and support the art of music.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Founded in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the University School of Music, Sigma Alpha Iota was created by seven women on June 12,1903. Shorty after, SAI was incorporated through the state of Michigan on December 1, 1904.
The history of Sigma Alpha Iota
Meet our
Founders
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Minnie Davis Sherrill
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Georgina Potts
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Leila Farlin Laughlin
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Nora Crane Hunt
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Frances Caspari
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Elizabeth Campbell
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Mary Storrs Andersen
Our Purpose
To Form
chapters of women college students and alumnae who have a sincere interest in music.
To Uphold
the highest standards of music.
To Further
the development of music in America and throughout the world.
To Give
inspiration and encouragement to members.
To Organize
the cultural life of Sigma Alpha Iota members as a contributing factor to their educational growth.
To Support
the ideals and goals of the member's Alma Mater.
To Adhere
to the highest standards of citizenship in school, community and fraternity life.
National Objectives
1. Recommit ourselves to the fulfillment of Fraternity responsibilities and ideals, while also nurturing an atmosphere of sisterhood.
2. Celebrate and respect the diversity of our membership through appreciation of our varied educational, musical, occupational, generational, and cultural experiences.
3. Actively support SAI Philanthropies, Inc., our charitable arm, by learning about and participating in its projects, and by making chapter and individual donations a priority.
4. Honor and respect our Ritual, both its music and words, through careful study and dedication to excellence in its presentation.
5. Strengthen our lifelong commitment to SAI through active membership in chapters and the national Alumnae Association.
6. Promote music education through ongoing volunteerism, performance attendance, and support of local programs.
7. Advance American composers, especially women, through new commissions, performances of their works, and concert attendance.