In the Spring of 2009 the Gamma Iota chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota at James Madison University celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Gamma Iota became a chapter on December 12, 1958. At this time the first Gamma Iota president, Mary Anne Poltzler, and twelve other charter members became sisters. The installation of the one hundred twenty-ninth chapter was performed by the Iota province president, Mrs. Helen May, with assistance from Ruth Gould and visiting National Executive Board members.
The Gamma Iota chapter has undergone many changes from its early days at Madison College to the current James Madison University. Thanks to a one million dollar gift from a music-loving donor, JMU's music school joined distinguished schools of music displaying the seal of an All-Steinway School, a designation awarded to schools of music that exclusively use its pianos as concert and practice instruments.
Additional Steinways will be purchased at a later date to be put in JMU's fine arts center expected to open in 2011. The new facility will house a concert hall with seating for 600 and a rectial hall for 200, a theater with full orchestra pit, rehearsal rooms for JMU's marching band and other ensembles, and performance and production space for the JMU School of Theatre and Dance. Additionally, our chapter made Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera, Dorothy Maddison, an Honorary Member in January of 2006.
The Gamma Iota chapter also donates to the Spring String Thing held annually at James Madison University. In addition, one student is chosen and sponsored through a scholarship program by the chapter each year. The 30 year old event is a camp for young musicians from junior high through high school. There are six orchestras with guest conductors from around the state. The program also employs the talents of the JMU string faculty, and a student staff of nearly 40 individuals. Enrollment in the camp has grown steadily and has reached a maximum of 450 participants for the past two years.
Other chapter activities include participating in Iota B Province day. This past November Province day was held in Richmond, VA by the Richmond Alumnae Chapter. Two years ago we hosted the event. This event among others are a chance for the different chapters in our Province to get closer with each other. We hope to continue strengthening the bonds of sisterhood within the province in the future. In addition to this, the chapter has been actively participating in the Pennies for Philanthropies project.
Our sisterhood has expanded past the walls of the music building to include majors from a variety of concentrations: IDLS, Communications, Math, Biology, Theatre, Dance, English, History, Spanish, Media Arts and Design, Business, Psychology, Nursing and Hospitality and Tourism Management. In the Fall of 2007 we decided to focus on our sisterhood by having "slowdown" instead of recruitment, which turned out to be a very important time for the chapter to invest in making changes for the good of the sisterhood. In the Spring of 2008 we had recruitment once again and initiated a group of amazing girls who are going to be a huge part of the future of the chapter.
Courtney Barnes- President
Kristin Schellinger- Vice President of Membership
Andrea Vtipil- Vice President of Ritual
Anne Martin- Recording Secretary
Beth McGee- Corresponding Secretary
Denise LeBuffe- Treasurer
Katie K. Newmiller- Sergeant at Arms
Kelly Green- Editor
Please go to the contact page to email any of the Gamma Iota chapter officers.
To learn more about the Fraternity please go to this website!
•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.
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
•Supports and encourages women musicians of all ages, races, and nationalities
•Supports and promotes successful and innovative educational programs in music for all stages of life
•Cultivates excellence in musical performance
•Promotes programs and activities that stress the love and importance of music in our lives
•Recognizes technological advances in the field of music
•Dedicates financial resources that ensure the continuation of programs necessary to support the objectives of the fraternity in perpetuity
•Has as its members people who exemplify professional and ethical behavior in the spirit of the Sigma Alpha Iota founders.
2009 - 2012
The following Objectives were formulated by the National Executive Board following the 2006 National Convention.
•Strengthen our lifelong commitment to SAI through increased mentorship of and collaboration with other members and chapters.
•Honor and respect our Ritual through memorization and thorough study of its meaning and significance.
•Celebrate the diversity of our membership through appreciation of our varied eucational, musical, occupational, and cultural experiences.
•Contribute to SAI Philanthropies, Inc. through chapter and individual giving, and by participation in national projects.
•Improve communications at all levels of SAI through professional, timely, responsible, and courteous words and actions.
•Advocate for music education through volunteerism and financial support.
•Advance the music of American composers through chaptr performances, new commissions, and concert attendance.
Speak with love
Appreciate the past
Invest in the future
Elizabeth Nordling- National President
Dr. Leslie S. Odom Miller- National Vice President, Alumnae Chapters
Christine D. Bruns- National Vice President, College Chapters
Marcie A. Richardson- National Vice President, Extension and Fraternity Development
Jennifer M. Zerangue- National Vice President, Finance
Sue Bermann- National Vice President, Membership
Dr. Deborah R. Volker- National Vice President, Ritual and Fraternity Education
Daryle J. Gardner-Bonneau, Ph.D.- Chairman, Board of Directors, SAI Philanthropies, Inc.
Ruth Sieber Johnson- Executive Director
The following is National Headquarters' contact information:
Sigma Alpha Iota National Headquarters
One Tunnel Road
Asheville, NC 28805
Phone: 828-251-0606
Fax: 828-251-0644
Email: nh@sai-national.org
Hours of Operation
9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Last Updated on April 20, 2010
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