Sigma Alpha Iota
Gamma Zeta Chapter, Old Dominion University
About Us
Chapter History
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The Gamma Zeta Chapter was formed at Old Dominion University on December 7, 1957, and was recently re-charted in 2009. Since then, our fraternity has grown in both quantity and quality. You will see the roses of GZ constantly fundraising, whether it is cookies during Thanksgiving or roses during Valentine's Day. We donate a portion of our funds to SAI Philanthropies, Inc., and we have recently began to volunteer at the Step Up For Down Syndrome walk in October.
National History
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Sigma Alpha Iota was founded on June 12, 1903 at the University School of Music, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Our seven founders were Leila Farlin Laughlin, Mary Storrs Andersen, Elizabeth Campbell, Frances Caspari, Minnie Davis Sherrill, Nora Crane Hunt, and Georgina Potts.
The purposes of SAI are 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 SAI members as a contributing factor of their educational growth, to support the ideals and goals of the member's Alma Mater, and to adhere to the highest standards of citizenship in school, community, and fraternity life.
National Objectives
1. Recommit ourselves to the fulfillment of Fraternity responsibilies and ideals, while also nurturing an atmosphere of sisterhood.
2. Celebrate and respect the diversity of our membership through appreciation of our varied educational, musical, occupational, generational, and cultureal experiences.
3. Actively support SAI Philanthropies, Inc., our charitable arm, by learning about and participating in its projects, and by making chapter and individual donations a priority.
4. Honor and respect our Ritual, both its music and words, through careful study and dedication to excellence in its presentation.
5. Strengthen our lifelong commitment to SAI through active membership in chapters and the national Alumnae Association.
6. Promote music education through ongoing volunteerism, performance attendance, and support of local programs.
7. Advance American composers, especially women, through new commissions, performances of their works, and concert attendance.
Mission Statement
The mission of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity is to encourage, nurture, and support the art of music.
