Sigma Alpha Iota

Spring 2021 10 10 P A N P I P E S SISTERHOOD G enevieve Grant could be described as a venerable institution among SAIs in the San Diego area. Why? She is living history. In 1941, Genevieve was imitated into the Iota Delta chapter of SAI, which had just been chartered at San Diego State College in June 1939. is year, while Genevieve celebrates her 100th birthday on May 13th, she also commemorates the amazing achievement of 80 years of sisterhood in SAI. To honor her and the incredible wealth of experience she shares with us, I asked her to spend some time with me on the phone for an interview. When and how did you get involved in SAI? I happened to be a neighbor of Haroldine [Giles] and knew her from high school. We lived two blocks apart, and we rode the streetcar together. She had joined SAI in the first pledge class; I became a pledge the next year. You had to attend one semester before you could join, so that you had a B average in music classes and a C average overall to initiate. One teacher, a patroness, she taught Fundamentals of Musicianship. She was tough. It was hard to get a B! We only recruited once a year and initiated in the spring. At the initiation [in spring 1940], I had pneumonia. ere were no wonder drugs; it was bed rest of two weeks. So, I had to wait until the following spring — I was the only person that was a pledge for a year! It really built SAI up in my mind. What are some of your favorite collegiate memories of SAI? Christine Springston [a San Diego State College faculty member; as a 1925 initiate of the Sigma Eta chapter of SAI, she was crucial in bringing SAI to San Diego] was our sponsor. Her office was our clubhouse. We 100 years of life, 80 years of SAI Above, the Iota Delta chapter at San Above, the Iota Delta chapter at San Diego State College in 1943. Genevieve Diego State College in 1943. Genevieve is in the back row, second from right. Far is in the back row, second from right. Far left, Genevieve's graduation photo from left, Genevieve's graduation photo from 1944 from the San Diego State College 1944 from the San Diego State College yearbook . Near left, Genevieve today. yearbook . Near left, Genevieve today.

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