Sigma Alpha Iota

Sigma Omicron Chapter

The University of Arkansas, Sigma Omicron Chapter

International Music Fraternity for Women

History of Sigma Omicron

The Sigma Omicron chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota was created at the University of Arkansas on November 30, 1925. Henry Doughty Tovey, a pianist and the head of the Department of Music at the time, created this chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota soon after Phi Mu Alpha, a men’s social music fraternity, and Kappa Kappa Psi, a national honorary band service fraternity, were installed at the University. Tovey wanted to extend this interest in music to the women studying at the University. After he gathered a group of interested women, the charter members of Sigma Omicron and fifteen additional women petitioned Sigma Alpha Iota for a charter.

Sigma Omicron was installed by several members of the National Executive Board, including National President Hazel Ritchie and National Editor Mildred Odell.

The first officers of the charter year were Marvine Price, President; Annie Marie Utley, Vice-President; Martha Owen, Secretary; and Martha Shinn, Treasurer. Many of the fifteen women involved in petitioning for a chapter were initiated at a later date.

 

History of Sigma Alpha Iota

Sigma Alpha Iota was founded at the University School of Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan on June 12, 1903, by seven outstanding ladies:

Elizabeth A. Campbell

Frances Caspari

Georgina Potts

Leila H. Farlin Laughlin

Minnie M. Davis Sherrill

 

Nora Crane Hunt

 

Mary Storrs Andersen