Sigma Alpha Iota

FALL 2022 34 Fall 2023 34 Fratnity Awar 2 0 2 3 S I G M A A L P H A I O T A This year's recipient of the National Alumnae Leadership Award is Rheta Roudabush Smith from the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter. Rheta was initiated into Eta Chapter in 1955 at the College of Music of Cincinnati, now the Eta Iota chapter at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, and has actively served the Fraternity ever since. She is a long-time active member of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter, where she has held several offices including Vice President Ritual, Corresponding Secretary, Bylaws Director, and Yearbook Directory Chairman. Over the years, Rheta has meticulously produced a professional-looking yearbook directory for the chapter, paying for them out of her own pocket. In honor of Rheta's dedication and service to the Fraternity, she has been honored with the Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor, Rose of Dedication, Rose of Constancy, Wreath of Achievement, and a 50-year Member certificate. Rheta has had a long professional career as an oboist, English hornist, and pianist. She was the principal oboist for the Philadelphia Ballet for many years. She also performed with various symphonies prior to moving to Philadelphia. She was a member of the Huntingdon Trio that performed at the 1981 SAI National Convention in Washington, DC. Rheta continues to perform at chapter events, including musicales and rituals, and at times fills in for someone at the last minute. She also has organized and performed in several of the chapter's Benefit Concerts. During her performances, she always provides informative background on the featured artist. Rheta is very passionate about her music and Sigma Alpha Iota. She is constantly seeking out musicians in the Philadelphia area as possible Distinguished Members, along with seeking out potential speakers for a chapter meeting. Interacting and engaging with SAI sisters does not stop at her chapter meetings. Rheta attends Province Days and National Conventions, where she can be found performing or speaking with sisters from a wide range of generations. She is well respected for her musicianship and her dedication to Sigma Alpha Iota. Currently, Rheta sings in the Bunker Hill Presbyterian Church Choir and at times, she substitutes for their organist. NATIONAL ALUMNAE LEADERSHIP AWARD R E G I O N R E C I P I E N T C H A P T E R P R O V I N C E I D r. L i n d s e y O 'C o n n o r L a s Ve g a s A l u m n a e D e l t a A V I I I R h e t a S m i t h P h i l a d e l p h i a A l u m n a e C h i A RHETA SMITH P h i l a d e l p h i a A l u m n a e, C h i A , R e g i o n V I I I REGIONAL ALUMNAE LEADERSHIP AWARD DIAMOND SWORD OF HONOR

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