Sigma Alpha Iota - San Antonio Alumnae Chapter
About Us
The first SAI Collegiate chapter in San Antonio was chartered on May 4, 1934, at Our Lady of the Lake College. Fourteen years later the San Antonio Alumnae Chapter was chartered in 1948. As the years passed, the music program at Our Lady of the Lake became smaller and the college chapter closed. Eventually, the alumnae chapter became inactive and disbanded, and many Alumnae became involved with the Tuesday Musical Club. In 1992, SAI Alumnae Linda Poetschke and Ernestine Studer initiated the formation of a collegiate chapter at the University of Texas at San Antonio. In May 1993 the Theta Gamma College Chapter was chartered with Sherry Gibbs Houston serving as its first chapter president. San Antonio Alumnae served as a support for Theta Gamma and, in 2002, the San Antonio area SAI Alumnae began the process of reviving the Alumnae Chapter. On September 20, 2002, “Alegría por la Musica” (Joy in Music – the name chosen to reflect the rich culture of San Antonio) met for the first time. On October 18, 2003, the San Antonio Alumnae chapter received its charter. The sisters of Theta Gamma had the pleasure of assisting in the ceremony. SAI is again an active, thriving sisterhood in San Antonio.
About Sigma Alpha Iota
Sigma Alpha Iota is an organization, which promotes interaction among those who share a commitment to music. Members of SAI are active in all areas of campus music and campus life, working closely with faculty, administration, campus and community groups, music professionals and patrons. In addition to personal encouragement and support, members may receive scholarships, loans and awards in many areas and at all levels of music-related study. Sigma Alpha Iota has long been recognized as a leader in the field of music and provides a lifetime of fraternity contact. The SAI Alumnae Association allows alumnae members to remain active and supportive of the ideals of SAI.
Sigma Alpha Iota was founded on June 12, 1903, at the University School of Music, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Incorporation papers, under the laws of the State of Michigan, were signed on December 1, 1904, and recorded on December 15, 1904.
On commencement day, what is now known as June 12th Founder's Day, the seven met in the library of the home of Elizabeth A. Campbell. There they "solemnly pledged themselves to help each other with sisterly affection, to stand for the highest musical scholarship, for nobility and uprightness of character, and for the maintenance of friendly and unselfish relations among women in the musical profession."
Minnie M. Davis was elected the first President of the Alpha Chapter. The first annual initiation was held on March 7, 1904, at which time Mrs. William Howland was initiated as our first Patroness and Blanche Abbott as the first active member. Madame Louise Homer, our first National Honorary Member, was initiated by Alpha Chapter in May 1904.
In order to have the Sorority properly incorporated under Michigan State Laws, Articles of Association were drawn by Carl Storm, Attorney at Ann Arbor, and signed December 1, 1904, by the following seven active members and two patronesses of the Alpha Chapter:
Minnie M. Davis
Elizabeth A. Campbell
Leila H. Farlin
Frances Caspari
Nora Crane Hunt
Mabel Ross Rhead
Elsa G. Stanley
Fredreka B. Howland
Ella S. Babcock
The papers recorded Sigma Alpha Iota as a non-profit organization on December 15, 1904.
Mission and Vision
The Mission of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity is to encourage, nurture, and support the art of music.
The Vision of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity is to be recognized throughout the world as the foremost fraternity that:
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Supports and encourages women musicians of all ages, races, and nationalities.
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Supports and promotes successful and innovative educational programs in music for all stages of life.
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Cultivates excellence in musical performance.
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Promotes programs and activities that stress the love and importance of music in our lives.
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Recognizes technological advances in the field of music.
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Dedicates financial resources that ensure the continuation of programs necessary to support the objectives of the fraternity in perpetuity.
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Has as its members people who exemplify professional and ethical behavior in the spirit of the Sigma Alpha Iota founders.
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.
2022-2025 National Objectives
Build a lifetime commitment to Sigma Alpha Iota
Prioritize music in all aspects of chapter programming
Recommit to the proper presentation of our ritual
Rekindle sisterhood within your chapter
Support SAI Philanthropies, Inc.
Stability Advancement Inspiration