Sigma Alpha Iota was founded on June 12, 1903, at the University School of Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The founders were seven upper classmen and graduate students; Elizabeth Campbell, Frances Caspari, Minnie Davis Sherill, Leila Farlin Laughlin, Nora Crane Hunt, Georgina Potts, and Mary Storrs Andersen. The founding is described in “A Brief History of Sigma Alpha Iota” by Elizabeth Campbell in the Pan Pipes of April 1910: “...seven gifted young musicians solemnly pledged themselves to help each other with sisterly affection, stand for the highest possible musical scholarship, for nobility and uprightness of character, and for the maintenance for the friendship of friendly and unselfish relations among women in the music profession.” Incorporation papers, under the laws of the state of Michigan, were signed December 1, 1904, and recorded December 5, 1904.
The first extension as a national fraternity came when student groups requested an installation of the Beta Chapter at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois in December 1904. This was followed by Gamma Chapter at the American Conservatory in Chicago, 1906, and the Delta Chapter at the Detroit Conservatory in 1907. As the extension continued, the first twenty-four chapters were named for the letters of the Greek alphabet in order. For the 25th through 48th chapters, Sigma was prefixed to the Greek alphabet in order. This was continued for the 49th to 72nd chapters, with Alpha prefixed to their Greek letters. These were followed by Iota, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Eta, and Theta.
-From “Manual for Members,” 1996
On December 8, 1964, the Delta Mu Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota was established. Eighteen students, one faculty member, and a patroness member were initiated on that day, marking the beginning of a long journey for these women and for those to come
The chapter struggled from 1975 until 1981. Marking a span of inactivity at Temple University. Once reinstalled, other difficulties faced the chapter. In 1986, the faculty of Temple University went on strike, forcing fraternity business to be conducted off-campus at member homes. Even through adversity, the sisters persevered, continuing on in the spirit of Sigma Alpha Iota.
As for recent history, in fall 2004, there were 27 active members. Activities over the past years have ranged from Delta Mu's infamous bake sales in the lounge of Presser Hall to SAI Philanthropy Events.
This year, the chapter boasts 21 members, hoping to continue understanding the importance of music, service, and sisterhood.
-From Yearbook Directory, 2008