Sigma Alpha Iota

PAN PIPES • WINTER 2017 • sai-national.org 6 K P U Z Past SAI National President, Elsie Wright Sterrenberg, died on November 30th aer a short illness. Elsie was initiated into the Sigma Alpha Chapter of SAI in March of 1947. For a time she lived in the SAI House in Bloomington, Illinois while attending Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU). She graduated from that school in 1950 with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education. She later pursued graduate studies at Chicago Conservatory College; she graduated summa cum laude in 1974 with a Master's degree in Violin Performance. In 1952, Elsie affiliated with the Bloomington Alumnae Chapter. As her city of residence changed, she transferred her membership to area alumnae chapters in Georgia, Illinois, and Arizona. She was National Treasurer from 1972 to 1987, was elected National President in 1987, and served in that capacity until 1993. She served on the Sigma Alpha Iota National Executive Board for twenty-one years. Elsie was awarded the Sword of Honor in 1966, the Rose of Honor in 1967, and the Ring of Excellence in 1981. She was a national convention honoree in 2000. On August 2, 2009, at SAI's 45 th National Convention in Lincolnshire, Illinois, Elsie was presented with the Dorothy Whinery Special Leadership Award. e award is given for outstanding leadership in the national organization and has been presented only thirteen times since it was established in 1947. As National Treasurer, Elsie worked for two years to obtain the 501 C-3 tax- exempt status necessary to incorporate SAI Philanthropies, Inc. in 1974. As National Treasurer, Elsie was also Treasurer of SAI Philanthropies, Inc. from its inception; she served on its Board until 1993. During the twenty-one years that Elsie was National Treasurer and National President, the Fraternity accomplished many things: (a) Formed the SAI Strings; established Undergraduate Performance Scholarships; advanced the idea of Impact Grants to benefit colleges and universities having SAI chapters, and worked to establish Kennedy Center Internships. (b) Established the Distinguished Membership categories of National Arts Associate and Friend of the Arts for both men and women in 1974. Her husband, Kenneth Sterrenberg was initiated into SAI as a Friend of the Arts in January 1983. (c) Revised the Rituals in 1990 and updated the Chapter Procedures Manual in 1993. (d) Issued a Membership Directory in 1993. (e) Established a new award and insignia, the Diamond Sword of Honor, to recognize alumnae leadership. (f ) Established the SAI Philanthropies, Inc. Century Drive — to raise one million dollars by 2003, the 100th anniversary of Sigma Alpha Iota's founding. Elsie was keenly aware of Sigma Alpha Iota's uniqueness, its high standards, achievements, and goals. From the very beginning of her presidency, she sought to impress on every member the significance of the rich heritage on which that membership rested. In her address to the 1988 Province Officers Conference, Elsie discussed the meaning and the values of being an SAI. She began by saying, "Sigma Alpha Iota. What does it say to you? What does it mean?" and concluded, "Are you proud to be an SAI? Stand up and be counted!" And everyone present stood! Elsie Wright was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 23, 1928. In 1948, Elsie married Kenneth Sterrenberg. e Sterrenbergs lived in Bloomington, Illinois while they finished college. In 1949, they moved to Fairbury, Illinois, where Elsie taught for two years and then aer numerous moves, settled in Western Springs, Illinois, in 1960. e Sterrenbergs had three children. When Kenneth and Elsie retired in 1989, they moved to Peoria, Arizona, in the greater Phoenix area. Kenneth passed away in 1999, nine months aer they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Before retiring, Elsie was orchestra and general Music Director for the Western Springs School District 101, administering a program that she originated and developed. She taught there for 25 years. She also taught privately and was a member of several instrumental ensembles in the various cities in which she lived. She played violin in the Symphony of the West Valley for twelve years and served on its Guild board for eight years. She was a member of the Sun Cities Chamber Music Society board, played violin in an SAI piano trio, and chaired the Special Events Concert Series at Willowbrook United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir. She was a member of NAfME, IMEA, the National Symphony Orchestra Association, the National Federation of Music Clubs, P. E. O. Sisterhood, and the Zoltan Kodaly Academy and Institute. SAI Remembers Elsie Sterrenberg GRACE NOTES At top, National President Liz Nordling presented the Dorothy Whinery Special Leadership Award to former National President Elise Sterrenberg at the 2009 National Convention in Chicago. Above, Elsie with her daughters, Elaine Biewenga (left) and Marilyn Sterrenberg-Rose at Convention.

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