| Our History |
| 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. As of 2005-2006, our membership includes 103,441 initiated members, 205 active college chapters, and 118 alumnae chapters throughout the United States. |
| The following is an selection taken from the 60th Anniversary Issue of the Pan Pipes, published in May 1964 by Sigma Alpha Iota. |
| In a recent memorandum from the President of Alpha Chapter, Minnie M. Davis (Sherrill), we have this account of the pre-Founding days and the intial activities of Sigma Alpha Iota. "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. Following are the names of the founders, who were graduate students and faculty members: Elizabeth A. Campbell, Frances Caspari, Minnie M. Davis (Sherrill), Leila H. Farlin (Laughlin), Nora Crane Hunt, Georgina Potts and Mary Storrs (Andersen). "Minnie M. Davis was elected the first President of Alpha Chapter. The first annual initiation was held March 7, 1904, at which time Mrs. William Howland was initiated and our first Patroness and Blanche Abbott as the first active member. Minnie M. Davis presided at this initiation which was held in her home. A banquet followed. "Madame Louise Homer, our first National Honorary Member, was initiated by Alpha Chapter at the home of Elsa Stanley on May 1, 1904, Minnie M. Davis presiding. It was through Mr. Howland's suggestion and assistance that we secured Madame Homer as a member. "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 Alpha Chapter: Minnie M. Davis, Elizabeth A. Campbell, Leila H. Farlin, Frances Caspari, Nora C. Hunt, Mabel Ross Rhead, Elsa G. Stanley, Fredreka B. Howland, and Ella S. Babcock. "The papers recorded Sigma Alpha Iota as a non-profit organization on December 15, 1904. In 1926, the word "fraternity" replaces "sorority". "Fraternity" which comes from the abstract feminine Latin noun fraternitas, refers to both men and women. It has been used by all the music fraternities for many years. |
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