Sigma Alpha Iota

I SAI As you read these wonderful memories, we hope you will find yourself resonating with SAI feelings too. Make your gift today. n 1960, I chose to attend my mother's Alma Mater, Ithaca College, to study Music Education. My mother had graduated from this, in her day, very small college in New York's Finger Lakes region where everyone knew everyone else—well, almost. Although not a music student, she knew many who belonged to Sigma Alpha Iota. I decided that membership in SAI was something I wanted. Approximately 25 years later, when my daughter, Ann, decided to become a public school music teacher, I hoped for four things. First, I hoped she would become a third generation Ithaca College student, with two parents who were IC graduates. We didn't say she "had" to go to IC, but…I also hoped for three more things: if she did not choose IC, I hoped she would choose an SAI college; I hoped SAI would choose her; and finally, I hoped she would choose SAI. During Ann's growing-up years, SAI business took me away from home often. In 1978 I became Eta Province President. That required an annual visit to seven, later eight, collegiate chapters plus Province Day and other special events to which I might be invited. I had much SAI correspondence to read and write. In 1987, I was elected to the National Executive Board. That required two five-to-seven day board meetings in faraway places each year and other special events. And correspondence! I took Ann with me when it was appropriate so that she could experience with me the pleasure and satisfaction I received from association with sisters. Nevertheless, I worried that she might have decided that SAI took her mother away so often that she did not want any part of SAI. B Jan Nieburg and daughter Ann FitzGerald at National Headquarters. SAI SAI All four of my hopes were realized! I am thrilled that my daughter is also my sister! We can share the experiences that meant so much to me and still do. Ann, in turn, has her own experiences to remember and share with me. —Jan Thornton Nieburg was initiated by Epsilon Chapter, April 29, 1961. eing a part of SAI is always a special thing, but it's even more special when you get to share it with your mom. From the time I was small, I knew about my mom's love for SAI. My earliest memories are alumnae chapter activities at our house, followed by her frequent trips as Eta Province President and National Vice President, College Chapters. I knew there had to be a reason why my mom placed such a high value on her membership in the sisterhood, choosing to passionately serve SAI years after college. As a freshman at Ithaca College (the same college my mom attended), I was recruited for membership in SAI during the second semester. I remember Mom sounding excited when I told her about being invited, pledging, and my eventual initiation into her collegiate chapter, Epsilon. Although I did not appreciate it at the time, as a mother now, I have some idea of the pride and satisfaction she must have felt as her daughter chose to follow in her footsteps. In my young adult years, I continued witnessing my mom's dedication to SAI as she spent many hours of work as Chairman, National Publications and Pan Pipes Editor. Although I am not nearly as involved in SAI as my mom was at my current age, we still have occasions to participate in SAI activities together. Attending the 100 th Anniversary Celebration of Epsilon Chapter together a few years ago was a special moment in our relationship, and just knowing we share the common experience of being an SAI sister creates a unique bond that most mothers and daughters do not have the good fortune to enjoy. Very few mothers and daughters also get to be sisters, and I am so thankful to SAI for providing us that opportunity! — Ann Slechta FitzGerald, was initiated by Epsilon Chapter, April 17, 1990.

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