Sigma Alpha Iota

8 Summer 2026 • sai-national.org Who inspired you to join SAI? It was the impression I had of this professional women's music organization when I saw them at school. The togetherness they exhibited, and my desire to be a part of that, drove me to join. Special collegiate memories: Making such talented and dedicated friends, meeting new people, and sharing this common love of music during those important college years. Special alumnae memories: It has been grand and humbling to receive all the special awards. I loved initiating our special National Honorary Members, National Arts Associates, and Friends of the Arts. Oak Park has always been very active, and every monthly meeting was full of laughter in addition to music. SUZANNE FRESHLEY Delta Rho, 1966 (60 years) North Central College Major: Flute and Voice Fraternity Awards: Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor, Rose of Dedication Who inspired you to join SAI? The collegiate chapter president, Camille Conforti, inspired me to join this wonderful organization. Special collegiate memories: e initiation ceremony was quite a sacred experience for me and created a lasting memory. Special alumnae memories: I created a Civil War Christmas program in 2011 for the Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter, as it was the 150th Anniversary of the start of the Civil War. We continued this tradition of performing it at a nursing home for several years. BETTY SLOWIAK HUSAIN Omega, 1967 (59 years) Chicago Conservatory Major: Music Education with Piano minor Primary instrument: Piano Who inspired you to join SAI? I was approached by a member of the chapter. I found them to be such nice young women filled with wonderful stories. Donna Budil and I became besties during that time. We all developed tremendous self-confidence under the guidance of our pledge moms (now VPM) and sisters. Special collegiate memories: I loved that our college chapter had a lot of interaction with the Oak Park Alumnae Chapter. They really changed my life, as they were such friendly, warm, inspiring, and well-educated women. I truly looked up to them. Special alumnae memories: I cherish my lifelong friendships with Donna Budil, Peggy Waldschmidt (head of music at Concordia), and Joyce Dlugopolski. Everyone was always so nice and encouraging of our music careers and lives. I love the monthly programs and the special camaraderie among these women. It has been a stability I treasure in my life. MARY BLAZEK NOVAK Delta Sigma, 1975 (51 years) University of Dayton Major: Music Education and Piano Primary instrument: Piano Fraternity Awards: Sword of Honor Who inspired you to join SAI? My friends in the music department. Most of the women were joining, and it was a fun close-knit group that provided lots of activities for us! Special collegiate memories: One of the philanthropic events was providing treatments on the children in the neighborhood who had Cystic Fibrosis. We would go to their homes and do a special clapping treatment on their backs to loosen up the phlegm in their lungs. I also loved our February fundraiser of Singing Valentines! Special alumnae memories: After college graduation, I did not join an alumnae chapter right away—it happened many years later. My daughter, Teresa, joined SAI at Elmhurst University. After graduation, she wanted to affiliate with the Oak Park Alumnae Chapter and encouraged me to join at the same time. The rest is history! I love our chapter. MARY ANN NOVAK SADILEK Beta, 1958 (68 years) Northwestern University Major: Music Education and Piano Primary instrument: Piano Fraternity Awards: Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor, Rose of Dedication, Rose of Constancy, Diamond Sword of Honor, and Wreath of Achievement Who inspired you to join SAI? I rushed three professional fraternities on campus and was impressed with the caliber of the SAI members. I was thrilled to be asked to join. Lillian Brooke contacted me aer graduation about the Oak Park Alumnae Chapter and inspired me to continue my affiliation with SAI. Special collegiate memories: Participating in the initiation ritual at the 1959 SAI National Convention in San Francisco. Grace Carlson worked with us, who served as National Chaplain (a position that no longer exists), and Chapter Spotlight

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