QUICK LINKS

these links take you to criteria and submission forms

COLLEGIATE

Collegiate Chapter Province Achievement Award

Collegiate Honor Award

Collegiate Service Project Award

Katherine Becker National Collegiate Chapter Achievement Award

National Collegiate Leadership Award

National Collegiate Outstanding Advisor Award

National Music Education Award Collegiate

National Outstanding Collegiate Treasurer Award

Province Collegiate Leadership Award (Ruby Sword of Honor)

Scholastic Award

ALUMNAE

National Outstanding Alumnae Treasurer Award

Honors

Patroness Sword of Honor

Ring of Excellence

Rose of Dedication

Rose of Constancy

Rose of Honor

Sword of Honor

Wreath of Achievement

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COLLEGIATE

National Collegiate Leadership Award

A collegiate chapter may annually nominate a senior or graduate student for the Collegiate Leadership Award. She must have the Sword of Honor or be nominated for the Sword of Honor at the same time. The award is based on four criteria:

• Qualities of leadership expressed in the member’s sense of organization and her ability to work well with chapter members, advisors, and faculty
• Fraternity service in terms of chapter offices held, committee chairmanships, performance on chapter musicales, cooperation in chapter activities, and national fraternity viewpoint
• Campus activities in terms of student organization participation, offices held outside of the fraternity, and general campus honors
• Maintenance of a high scholarship level.

Province Collegiate Leadership Award - Ruby Sword of Honor

All approved Collegiate Leadership Award nominees become candidates for the Province Collegiate Leadership Award. The Province Officer will choose one person from these candidates to be the Province Collegiate Leadership Award recipient.

National Collegiate Leadership Award

The National Collegiate Leadership Award is the highest award a collegiate member can receive.

All Province Collegiate Leadership Award recipients become candidates for the National Collegiate Leadership Award. The National Executive Board will choose one person from these candidates to be the National Collegiate Leadership Award recipient. The National Collegiate Leadership Award winner receives the National Collegiate Leadership Award pendant from the fraternity. The NEB will supervise the presentation of the award. Nomination Form


2008 Winner

Megan Heber

Kappa Alpha, Rowan University, Phi A Province

Collegiate Honor Award

(to be submitted by Music Department head)

The purpose of the Sigma Alpha Iota Collegiate Honor Award is to give the Head of the Music Department an opportunity to recognize a Sigma Alpha Iota collegiate member for outstanding musicianship, scholarship, and fraternity service.

Nomination Form

Collegiate Service Project Award

Collegiate Service Project Award is a new award, designed to acknowledge the wonderful volunteer projects that collegiate chapters do in the name of music.  Patterned after the alumnae service project awards, a national winning chapter will be chosen from three chapter-size categories.  Each national winner will receive a certificate and a $100 prize.  Please read the application carefully when submitting it.

Application Form

Province Collegiate Leadership Award (Ruby Sword of Honor)
National finalists in bold

National Outstanding Collegiate Treasurer Award

The National Outstanding Collegiate Treasurer Award is presented annually. A winner is chosen from nominations submitted to the National Vice President, Finance by province officers to one outstanding treasurer on the collegiate level. Nomination Form

2008 Winner

Kristina Decker

Nu Chapter, Millikin University, Upsilon B Province

National Collegiate Outstanding Advisor Award

This award was first given at the National Convention in Dallas, August 4-8, 2000. It is an annual award, intended to recognize those individuals who volunteer their time, love, and advice to our college chapters. The advisor is not required to be an initiated member of Sigma Alpha Iota. Nomination Form

2008 Winner

Dr. Donna Harler-Smith

Kappa Chapter

Katherine Becker National Collegiate Chapter Achievement Award

The Collegiate Chapter Achievement Award is given annually to chapters whose officers and members have achieved distinction in fulfilling the following criteria:

• The National Objectives
• Completion of the chapter's local obligations: financial good standing, good relationships with chapter advisors and school officials, good relationships with patroness members and alumnae members, development and/or implementation of school and/or community music projects, participation in Province Day activities.
• Completion of the chapter's national obligations: financial good standing, good relationships with province and national officers by submitting all required and especially requested reports on time, and support of national projects through participation and financial contributions. - Chapter Procedures Manual, p. 6-1. Nomination Form

2008 Winner

Pi Chapter

Drake University, Xi B Province

Collegiate Chapter Province Achievement Award
National finalists in bold

National Music Education Award Collegiate

These awards were presented for the first time in 2003 to the college and the alumnae chapter with the most outstanding project benefitting music education. Music Education Regional Coordinators select two award winners from applications received from chapters in their Regions and a committee makes the final selections from those Regional winners. Nomination Form

2008 Winner

Sigma Gamma

University of Tulsa; Zeta A Province

National Award Winner

Scholastic Award

(to be submitted by Music Department head)

The purpose of the Sigma Alpha Iota Scholastic Award is to recognize academic achievement among Sigma Alpha Iota collegiate members.

Nomination Form

ALUMNAE

National Alumnae Chapter Achievement Award

The Alumnae Chapter Achievement Award is given annually to chapters whose officers and members have achieved distinction in fulfilling the following criteria

• The National Objectives
• Completion of the chapter's local obligations: financial good standing, support of college chapter(s) when located in the vicinity, good relationships with local patroness members, development and/or implementation of community music projects, participation in Province Day activities.
• Completion of the chapter's national obligations: financial good standing, good relationships with province and national officers by submitting all required and especially requested reports on time, and support of national projects through participation and financial contributions. - Chapter Procedures Manual, p. 7-1. 

2008 Winner

Evansville Alumnae Chapter

Beta A Province

Alumnae Chapter Province Achievement Awards
National finalists in bold

National Outstanding Alumnae Treasurer Award

The National Outstanding Alumnae Treasurer's Award is given annually to one outstanding treasurer at the alumnae level.  A winner is chosen from nominations submitted to the National Vice President, Finance by province officers and alumnae chapters.  Nomination Form

2008 Winner

Mary Pastusek

Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter, Kappa C Province

National Music Education Awards Alumnae

These awards were presented for the first time in 2003 to the college and the alumnae chapter with the most outstanding project benefitting music education. Music Education Regional Coordinators select two award winners from applications received from chapters in their Regions and a committee makes the final selections from those Regional winners. Nomination Form

SIGMA GAMMA

University of Tulsa; Zeta A Province
National Award Winner

NORTHERN DELAWARE ALUMNAE CHAPTER

Phi A Province Province
National Award Winner

LINCOLN ALUMNAE CHAPTER

Xi A Province
Honorable Mention

STATESBORO ALUMNAE CHAPTER

Tau C Province
Honorable Mention

Annelle Chandler McAdams Alumnae Service Project Award

The Alumnae Service Project Award is given annually based on the following: the type of service, defined as something for others, not a fundraiser to benefit the chapter; the percentage of chapter members involved in the project; the originality of the project; and the financial good standing of the chapter. Nomination Form

2008 Winners

Category 1 (1-20 members)

Abilene, Kappa C Province
The chapter developed a musicale to honor American music through different eras.  Beginning with spirituals from Civil War times, the program progressed through 19th Century folk tunes and included traditional cowboy songs, ragtime, big band, and American movie and Broadway selections.  The musicales was presented at a local retirement village where many former Hardin-Simons University students and professors reside. Members of Gamma Phi Collegiate Chapter, along with Dr. Craig Turner, president of the university, presented this program with the Abilene Alumnae Chapter members.  

Baltimore, Iota A Province
Baltimore Alumnae hosted a student recital and silent auction at the Joyful Sounds School of Music.  The concert included students ages 7-17 from Joyful Sounds, a local church, and chapter members’ private studios.  The highlight of the concert was a teenage bluegrass band complete with banjo and fiddle.  Approximately $500 was raised to benefit two philanthropies, All Kids Can Learn and an orphanage/school in Africa.

Honorable Mention
Baton Rouge, Omega A Province
Through its annual December “Christmas” fundraiser, the chapter donated $300 to a local music teacher to use in her classroom for the purchase of supplies and software.  

Category II (21-35 members)

Philadelphia, Chi A Province
At the chapter’s Annual Girl Scout M usic Fun Day, Junior Girl Scouts enjoyed morning workshops that included instrument demonstrations, learning songs of different cultures and different periods of American history, making musical instruments, and learning about a specific composer (Dvorak). Afternoon workshops taught the girls how to conduct, compose a song, and practice techniques.   

Milwaukee, Epsilon A Province  
Forty-five girls attended the chapter’s Girl Scout Music Badge project. The participants learned how to design musical instruments out of craft materials, conduct a piece of music, and how to practice.  In addition, the girls had an opportunity to learn about and play Orff Instruments; learn the background of a piece of music, along with information about its composer; and learn about how musical themes are developed.

Honorable Mention
Hot Springs Alumnae, Mu Province
Chapter members assist at the Hot Spring Music Festival by selling and collecting tickets, ushering, selling t-shirts and CDs, answering questions,
giving directions, and helping with the lights and stage hands.

Sarasota-Manatee Alumnae, Lambda A Province
Each spring the chapter presents a Benefit Concert in memory of former National President, Pat Stenberg.  This year’s concert featured a chapter member who plays oboe and English horn in the Florida West Coast Symphony, along with the Principal Oboist of the Symphony. Proceeds from the concert supports various music projects in the area.

Category III (36+ members)

Evansville, Beta A Province
Chapter members donated a total of 50 hours in three Middle Schools by conducting sectional rehearsals for instrumental students and coaching students in preparing audition music for the city-wide Honors Band and Orchestra.  
In addition, the chapter raised $450 which was donated to those three school music teachers for use in their program.  
 
Boston, Phi B PROVINCE
The chapter presented the vocal quartet Belle Voci (made up of SAI Patroness members Karol Carroll, soprano and Katherine Southworth, pianist; SAI Friends of the Arts, Christopher Porth and Mark Andrew Cleveland; and Boston Alumnae Chapter member, Martha Ebel, soprano) in concert to the Metrowest Boston community.  The concert consisted of American spirituals and was free to the public.

Honorable Mention
Fort Worth Alumnae, Kappa C PROVINCE
The chapter assists Friend of the Arts Tamas Ungar in his work with the internationally-acclaimed Piano Texas Festival, formerly TCU/Cliburn Piano Institute. Originally begun by Dr. Ungar in 1081, the festival brings young pianists, gifted amateurs and piano teachers from across the US and many foreign countries to participate in master classes and enjoy performances by top artist of the piano.  Chapter members usher at concerts, assist by taking photos during the classes and performances, provide snacks for students, and - new this year – hosted a dinner of TexMex food enjoyed by both teachers and students.  

Honors

Sword of Honor

The Sword of Honor, a tiny gold sword, is given to an a member who has fulfilled all duties in each office she has held in an outstanding manner. She has shown strong leadership within the chapter and she has forwarded all the required reports of her office(s) to the province officer and/or appropriate national officer. The Sword of Honor may be given to an active member of a  chapter. See Forms and Documents page for nomination form.

Patroness Sword of Honor

The Patroness Sword of Honor is awarded to patroness members (with or without training). The requirements are the same as for our Sword of Honor. See Forms and Documents page for nomination form.

National Alumnae Leadership Award (Diamond Sword of Honor)

An alumnae chapter may nominate a member annually for the National Alumnae Leadership Award. The award is based on the following criteria:

• Outstanding or extraordinary service in all three of the following fields: fraternity, local chapter, and community
• Fulfilled all duties in each office held in an outstanding manner
• Made a special contribution to the program of the chapter
• Brought honor and distinction to the chapter through exceptional community leadership
• Must be a current member of the SAI Alumnae Association
• Must be in good standing with the chapter financially and participate in chapter meetings and functions
• Must have received the Sword of Honor

Selection of National Leadership Award Winners

The Regional Officers will choose regional recipients (up to eight, usually one from each region) from among these candidates. The fraternity will present the National Alumnae Leadership Award recipients with the Diamond Sword of Honor. The NEB will supervise the presentation of the eight awards. The Diamond Sword of Honor Ceremony from the Ritual will be used as directed by the NEB. See Forms and Documents page for nomination form.

2008 Winners

REGION II

Jane Aten
Dallas Alumnae Chapter, Kappa B Province

REGION V

Ginny Johnson
Fort Wayne Alumnae Chapter,  Beta B Province

REGION VIII

Arlene Jospe Veron
Boston Alumnae Chapter, Phi B Province

Rose of Honor

The Rose of Honor, a tiny gold rose with a ruby center,is presented to a member who has given outstanding or extraordinary service in all three of the following fields: the fraternity beyond the local level, the local chapter, and the community.  See Forms and Documents page for nomination form.

Rose of Dedication

The Rose of Dedication is presented to a member who has given outstanding or extraordinary service in all three of the following fields for a minimum of 25 years: the fraternity, the local chapter, and the community.  See Forms and Documents page for nomination form.

Rose of Constancy

The Rose of Constancy is awarded after the Rose of Dedication. It is given for continued outstanding/extraordinary service, for a minimum of 35 years following college graduation, to the fraternity (beyond the local level), local chapter, community and musical activities.  See Forms and Documents page for nomination form.

Dorothy Whinery Special Leadership Award

The Dorothy Whinery Special Leadership Award is given for outstanding leadership in the national organization. Originally named the Special Leadership Award, it was renamed the Dorothy Whinery Special Leadership Award to honor her years of service as National Executive Secretary (from 1956-1992). It has been presented seven times:

• 1947 Convention to Gertrude Evans Messersmith, National President, 1931-1942

• 1953 Convention to Edna Hebel Geimer, National Treasurer 1925-1948, Director of Finance 1948-1950

• 1959 Convention to Kathleen Davison, National President 1942-1956

• 1965 Convention to Edna Hutton, National Editor 1944-1973

• 1978 Convention to Ruth Gould, National President 1968-1978

• 1990 Convention to Dorothy Cooke Whinery, National Executive Secretary 1956-1992

• 1997 Convention to Ruth Sickafus, retiring Vice Chairman, SAI Philanthropies, Inc.

• 2000 Convention to Helen May

• 2003 (Centennial) Convention to Bobbie Burk

• 2006 Convention to Barbara Staton

The award is a gold pendant. Centered in an open circle is the fraternity crest surrounded by an inner circle of pearls. The outer circle is the laurel wreath.

Ring of Excellence

The Ring of Excellence is the fraternity's highest award. It may be given by the National Executive Board or by a chapter.

Given by the National Executive Board

When given by the National Executive Board, the Ring of Excellence is given for outstanding service to the national organization or to an internationally renowned artist, scholar, or teacher who was initiated as a collegiate or non-student member. The NEB may make the presentation directly, or a chapter may be asked to make the presentation.

Given by a Chapter

A collegiate or alumnae chapter may apply to the NEB to award the Ring of Excellence to an alumna member who has performed exceptional service to the fraternity, who is outstanding as a musician, performer, teacher, or composer, and who is in good standing, i.e. completely paid Life Member. The alumna member of recognized professional standards must have received the Sword of Honor and the Rose of Honor.  See Forms and Documents page for nomination form.

Wreath of Achievement

A new fraternity award, the Wreath of Achievement, was unveiled at the 2006 Convention Appreciation Luncheon, hosted by the NEB and the Philanthropies Board. The award was presented to retiring POs who had served for nine years:

• Janet Ebersole
• Deb Volker
• Pat Bulber
• Phyllis Relyea
• Lorna McCormick
• Belinda Potoma
• Shelby MacFarlane, retiring National VP, Extension and Fraternity Development.

It is awarded after the Rose of Honor and before the Rose of Dedication. It is given for continued outstanding/extraordinary service to the fraternity (beyond the local level), local chapter, community and musical activities. See Forms and Documents page for nomination form.

Special Category

Certificates of Merit

Upon several occasions Sigma Alpha Iota has presented a Certificate of Merit to especially honor individuals whose leadership in the music world has been outstanding and nationally or internationally recognized. Individuals so honored include:

• Miss Marion Anderson*
• Mr. Leonard Bernstein
• Mrs. Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge*
• Milton Cross
• Carl Fisher, Inc.
• Dr. Karl Haas
• Dr. Howard Hanson
• Dame Myra Hess*
• Mrs. Edna Rait Hutton (former National Editor)
• Mr. Henry Ford
• Senator Jacob Javits
• Dr. Serge Koussevitzky
• Miss Marjorie Lawrence*
• Mrs. Edward MacDowell*
• C. F. Peters Corporation
• Mr. William Schuman
• Catherine Filene Shouse*
• Sir Georg Solti
• Dr. Harold Spivacke
• Roger Stevens
• Mr. Louis Sudler
• Maurice Granville and Texaco Company

*Sigma Alpha Iota Distinguished Member