SAI National History:

Sigma Alpha Iota is an international music fraternity. It was founded at the University School of Music, in Ann Arbor, Michigan on June 12, 1903, by seven graduate students and music faculty members: Mary Storrs Anderson, Elizabeth A. Campbell, Francis Caspari, Nora Crane Hunt, Leila Farlin Laughlin, Georgina Potts, and Minnie Davis Sherrill.

Sigma Alpha Iota includes Sigma Alpha Iota Philanthropies, Inc., which was created in 1974 to promote all aspects of music creation, performance, and scholarships. SAI has been a pioneer in supporting music education, performance, and composition in colleges, communities, the nation, and the world. Members include under-graduate and graduate music students, alumnae, professional musicians, and outstanding music patrons. An invitation to membership is an opportunity to join the leaders in the world of music.

Sigma Alpha Iota has grown to include 191 active college chapters and 114 alumnae chapters throughout the United States and 83,000 initiated members.

Local Chapter History:

The local chapter had its beginning in 1944 when a club was formed through the efforts of Mrs. Daniel Schreiber.  Mrs. Genevieve Erickson was president of the club during the early years.  The Alumnae Chapter was installed February 20, 1947.  Mrs. Pauline Fehn was the first president.

Mrs. Mildred Sale, National Executive Secretary, came for the installation and attended a dinner at the McCurdy Hotel.

In 1945, the first Vesper Musicale was held at St. Lucas United Church of Christ.  In 1947, the process was started to form an active chapter at Evansville College.  Mrs. Erickson was instrumental in helping to form the group and was later awarded the Sword of Honor for her efforts.

In 1959-60, a Convention Fund was started to enable the Alumnae Chapter to send a delegate to the National Convention.  The following year was the first year for an Executive Board, a budget, and a Big-Little Sister Project.  The Alumnae and College Chapters also combined to publish a newsletter.

The chapter awards two scholarships to members of the Beta Epsilon Chapter at the University of Evansville.  It purchased a piano for the Conrad Baker Foundation, has featured well-known musicians in recital, and has presented musicales based on the works of composers from this area. We support the Evansville Philharmonic, the Arts Council, and SAI Philanthropies. 

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