Fraternity History

It is commencement day, June 12, 1903, on the campus of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Seven gifted young musicians whose names and lives hold a unique place in the heart of each ΣAI were deeply involved in the festive events which such occasions afford.

Elizabeth A. Campbell, Nora Crane Hunt, Leila H. Farlin, and Georgina Potts were graduating at the evening ceremonies. Mary Storrs and Frances Caspari were leaving immediately for graduate study.

Minnie M. Davis carried responsibilities as a young member of the Music Faculty. On the afternoon of this Commencement Day, "THE SEVEN" met in the library at the home of Elizabeth A. Campbell, 555 Division Street (yes, Nora Hunt was present despite her appearance as soloist on the Commencement program that evening), and "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 Davis Sherrill, the first President of Alpha Chapter, shared the the following details regarding the pre-founding days of ΣAI.

"In early spring of 1903, Mrs. Fredreka Howland, wife of William Howland, head of the Vocal Department of the University School of Music, Ann Arbor, Michigan, suggested that a musical sorority be organized which would aim for high standards of musicianship and for promotion of the highest type of music. She felt there was a need for such an organization. A meeting was held in Mr. Howland's studio to discuss this idea. There was some talk of a musical club but finally a Sorority was decided upon as better fitting plans for close bonds of friendship. It was decided that only students of fine character and special musical talent combined with excellent scholarship would be eligible for membership. On June 12, 1903, Sigma Alpha Iota Musical Sorority was founded."

Since that significant day, ΣAI has grown to 223 active collegiate chapters and 113 active alumnae chapters bringing the gift of sisterhood through music to more than 118,000 women.

Taken from the Sigma Alpha Iota National Website