Sigma Alpha Iota

Sai-natiOnal.ORg SummER 2014 PAN PIPES 5 D r. Jessica A. Chichester was named SAI National Vice President, Collegiate Chapters in December 2013, following Christine Bruns's resignation due to a move to South Korea. Jessica was initiated into SAI by the Sigma Omega chapter at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA, where she majored in Biochemistry and played the euphonium in the Symphonic Band. Jessica's service to SAI began as president of her collegiate chapter for which she was awarded the Sword of Honor and Ruby Sword of Honor. Aer graduation, Jessica affiliated with the Selinsgrove, PA Alumnae Chapter while pursuing her doctorate in Microbiology and Immunology at omas Jefferson University. While in graduate school, she was elected Chi A Province Officer, a position she served in for six years. In the fall of 2007, Jessica was appointed Region VIII officer by the National President and was very honored and excited to be a part of this new organizational structure within the fraternity. One of the highlights of this position for Jessica was facilitating a leadership seminar for her region in Buffalo, NY. Serving the fraternity as a Regional Officer was a wonderful learning experience for Jessica and she was grateful for the opportunity to serve our fraternity in this capacity for six years. For her years of service, Jessica was awarded the Rose of Honor and Wreath of Achievement. Jessica currently lives in Glen Mills, PA, with her cat Test-Tube and is a Senior Scientist in Immunology at a biotechnology company located in Newark, DE, working in vaccine research. She continues to play the euphonium in community ensembles. MusIc notes Chichester Joins SAi national executive Board O n April 24, at the Great Hall of the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary, an official Hungarian State award, the Pro Cultura Hungarica, was bestowed by the Minister for Human Resources, Mr. Zoltán Balog, to Elizabeth (Betsy) McLaughlin Moll. Dr. Judit Hammerstein, Vice Secretary of State, responsible for Cultural Affairs, made the presentation on the minister's behalf. e laudició was read by Dr. Mihály Ittzés, President of the Hungarian Kodály Society. e honoree gave her acceptance speech in both the English and Hungarian languages. Betsy, a Fulbright Scholar, is a retired Assistant Professor of Music at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, and she holds the Certificate of Study from the Franz Liszt Music Academy in Budapest, as well as two degrees from the Indiana University School of Music, Bloomington, IN, where she was initiated into Iota Epsilon. She is currently affiliated with the Indianapolis Alumane Chapter. She has devoted her entire professional life to the fostering of higher standards for American music education, and has lectured and taught throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Betsy is a founding member of the International Kodály Society, the Organization of American Kodály Educators (President from 1990-1992), and she is the founding co-editor of the Kodály Envoy, journal of the Organization of American Kodály Educators. Upon her retirement from 30 years of teaching at Duquesne University and the Pittsburgh area schools, Betsy spent 14 months in Hungary. She documented and cataloged the professional papers and legacy of the late Katalin Forrai, world renowned specialist in early childhood music education, one of Betsy's loves. Betsy is a founding board member of the prestigious International Katalin Forrai Award, which is presented to outstanding teachers of early childhood music throughout the world. Last year's awardees were from Japan and France. In Atlanta, GA, this past March, Betsy was also given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Organization of American Kodály Educators, its highest honor. She now resides in Greensburg, IN, her hometown. She has three children and six grandchildren. Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter member Elizabeth (Betsy) McLaughlin Moll in Hungary. iota epsilon initiate Wins Hungarian Culture prize Dr. Jessica A. Chichester, SAI National Vice President, Collegiate Chapters.

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