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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 whose lives hold a unique place in the heart of each
Sigma Alpha Iota were deeply involved in the festive events which such occasions afford.
Elizabeth 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 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."
A simple spontaneous act? No. This hour of commitment and of
dedication to an idea and to an ideal, spent together on this Commencement Day afternoon was, in the terms of this space age,
the apogee of weeks of thoughtful preparation for a new venture, which too, was projected with an upward thrust and bore an
outward mission.
With a number of "THE SEVEN" invited to return in September
to become members of the Music Faculty of their Alma Mater, the start of this venture was made at this time to afford an early
fall season for the development and expansion of an idea and an ideal which, to these gifted musicians, had grown to be of
supreme worth and was something to be shared.
And so it was that on June 12, 1903, on the campus of the University of Michigan, SIGMA ALPHA IOTA, INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL MUSIC FRATERNITY FOR WOMEN,
was launched. Chosen as Sigma Alpha Iota's first officers on this memorable June 12 day were President, MINNIE M. DAVIS; Vice President, ELIZABETH A. CAMPBELL; and Secretary-Treasurer, FRANCES CASPARI.
Purpose of Sigma Alpha Iota
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.
Mission Statement 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
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.
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