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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 December 1, 1904, and recorded December 15, 1904.
About the Central New Jersey Alumnae Chapter
With the guidance and encouragement of Phi Province
President Elinor Tapscott and Phi Province Vice President Donna Heiken, installation of the chapter was the culmination of
efforts which began during the summer of 1971. Seventeen members are listed as
founders on the chapter charter. The installation of the Central New Jersey Alumnae
Chapter was conducted by National Vice President Lillian Wilder on May 21, 1972 at Abiding Presence Lutheran
Church in Trenton, New Jersey. Ritual music was provided by members
of the Northern New Jersey Alumnae Chapter.
Since
the installation of the chapter, anniversary celebrations have been held for the 20th Anniversary in 1992; the 25th Anniversary
in 1997 for which chapter founders Ruthann Harrison, Lois Kohl Badgley, Janet Wheeler Walter and Margaret Rittenhouse were
present; the 30th Anniversary in 2002; and 35th Anniversary in 2007 at which Ruthann Harrison and Janet Wheeler Walter were
recognized, and National Arts Associate Carmela Sinco was initiated.
In
the fraternity’s centennial year, 2003, the chapter was represented at the national convention by official delegate
Sharon Osenenko, and 4 other chapter members also attended. In that year, the
chapter was awarded the Annelle Chandler McAdams Service Project Award, and received the Phi A Province Alumnae Chapter Achievement
Award. The chapter was again awarded the Annelle Chandler McAdams Service Project
Award in 2004 and 2005. In 2004 the chapter was also awarded the Region IV Music
Education Award, Phi A Province Chapter Achievement Award, and was a commended Finalist for the National Music Education Award
for a presentation on Dalcroze Eurhythmics at New Jersey City University, which was coordinated by Dr.
Janice Van Alen. In 2005 the chapter was again recognized with the Region IV
Music Education Award, and was the National winner of the National Alumnae Chapter Music Education Award, for sponsoring and
organizing a workshop on the Orff-Schulwerk method at NJCU which Dr. Van Alen also organized.
One new member was affiliated in 2005. At the National Convention in 2006,
one of our members, Elke De La Cruz – Griggs was elected Phi A Province Officer.
In 2007, the chapter received an Honorable Mention for the National Music Education Award for a Kodaly workshop at
NJCU, again organized by Dr. Janice Van Alen.
Chapter Facts
Chapter members volunteer the use of their homes
for meetings. Chapter meetings are usually held once a month on Sunday afternoons
at 2:30, however, our chapter varies the meeting days and times. Sometimes we meet on Saturdays, and occasionally
we meet on a weeknight, having dinner at the home of one of our sisters or meeting at a restaurant.
While attendance is important, absences are accepted
for a variety of reasons, similar to those in college. We recognize that we all
have busy lives, however an alumnae chapter does not require as much of a time commitment as a college chapter does. Personal and professional commitments are highly regarded and respected by our fellow
alumnae sisters.
Active membership can be achieved in many ways,
including leadership, performance opportunities, working on committees and projects, and meeting attendance.
Chapter dues for active members is $25.00 per
year. The Alumnae Association dues are also $25.00 per year and are payable directly
to the Alumnae Association, located at National Headquarters.
The CNJAC offers the option of Associate Membership
to those who may be temporarily living out of the area or who have too many personal obligations to be able to attend most
meetings. These members receive chapter newsletters and mailings, Sunshine, and will be listed in the Yearbook and Chapter
website. These members are welcome to all meetings and functions, however they are not permitted to hold office or vote.
Annual dues for these members is $20.00 annually.
When choosing an alumnae chapter with which to
affiliate, consider which chapter most fulfills your SAI needs. You have the option to affiliate with a chapter regardless
of location. Many members in this area live on the border between alumnae chapters and choose the chapter with which
they are most comfortable.
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