The Mu Gamma Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota was founded on May 1, 2011 at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. The chapter was chartered by 16 mesmerizing women: Clarice Armstrong, Talitha Blackwell, Shenel Caver, Atria Eutsey, Lauryn Francis, Tanice Francis, Lauren Garrett, Tara Gilliam, Madeline Keller, Julie Levingston, Latamara McNeal, Lauren Jones-Sawyer, Cassandra Spears, Fair Swauncy, Stephanie Ward, and Roslyn White.
The history of this chapter dates back to 1997 when dozens of Hampton women wanted to see the International Organization’s presence on campus. This group of interested women ranged from sophomore to seniors at the university. They worked very hard to lay the initial ground work. Unfortunately, many of the women who helped lay the foundation for chartering SAI on Hampton’s campus were not able to be a part of the charter line of 2011 due to a variety factors ranging from money, furthering of education, and other life obligations. Though the names of these women have gone undocumented, their dedication and contribution to improving music on Hampton’s campus is still recognized today. Later, The Women’s Music Society became the official umbrella to link the minds of women in music together with a common cause...our love and passion for music. In April of 2010, Hampton University was selected to further the Women’s Music Society which later became the Sigma Alpha Iota Colony. On October 16, 2010 our packet was completed and submitted to National Headquarters which in turn, began the Sigma Alpha Iota process. It was then that our our chapter name was disclosed, Mu Gamma. The journey included several meetings with SAI officers and also with administrators on campus. Women like Lorraine Bell, our then and current advisor, Christine Bruns, Kym Jefferies, and Joyce Garcia were very instrumental during this time period. Today, the Mu Gamma Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota thrives and continues to strive to improve music on campus and throughout the world. |
History of Sigma Alpha Iota
Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity is a Greek music fraternity for women. It was created to help foster interest in music and to promote contact among people with an interest in music. SAI is a specialized fraternity, confining its membership to persons interested in and devoted to music. SAI has over 320 college and alumnae chapters all over the United States.
Sigma Alpha Iota was founded on June 12, 1903, at the University School Of Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The founders were seven upper-class and undergraduate students:
Sigma Alpha Iota was founded on June 12, 1903, at the University School Of Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The founders were seven upper-class and undergraduate students:
- Mary Storrs Andersen
- Elizabeth A. Campbell
- Frances Caspari
- Leila Farlin Laughlin
- Nora Crane Hunt
- Minnie Davis Sherrill
- Georgina Potts