Female-identifying music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) provides a welcoming environment for women who love music at Illinois State University.
President Megan McDillon said she knows Greek life can be intimidating but believes that joining SAI is an easy and empowering process.
“Our goal is to promote interaction between those who share a commitment and love of music. We empower women and cultivate musical excellence, with members consisting of both music and non-music majors,” McDillon said.
Members share a passion for music and typically conduct vocal or instrumental performances for the community. As a service-based fraternity, SAI performs for kids at KinderMusik and residents at local nursing homes.
SAI members also make blankets for Project Linus, volunteer at Relay For Life, and donate to local food pantries in addition to their musical volunteerism.
Due to the pandemic, the fraternity has had to adapt to an online-only format. McDillon said the group thrives off of their sisterly connection, so the group prioritized making sure members felt that connection virtually.
“While this was initially a hard change, we have learned to take it day-by-day and adjust accordingly, and if anything, working hard to make sure the girls continue to feel comfortable and welcomed, even in an online setting, is our number one priority,” McDillon said.
McDillon also said she instantly felt supported after her initiation to SAI.
“Along with the friend connections, SAI is great for networking connections as well. SAI chapters, both collegiate and alumni, can be found all over the country,” McDillon said.
Though SAI is smaller than most fraternities on campus, McDillon said it still provides an efficient way for members to network.
“As cheesy as it sounds, you gain hundreds, if not thousands, of SAI sisters through joining, and that’s something you can bring into conversation, job interviews, and the future in general,” McDillon said.
Currently, SAI is planning a fundraiser for the Artists’ Relief Fund, a resource that supports artists and performers who lost work due to the pandemic.
“While we get the time together to debrief, hang out, and perform with each other in our chapter, we do whatever we can to bring that energy to the community around us as well,” McDillon said.
