On November 21, 1964, a group of SAI Alumnae living around Morehead and Lexington, Kentucky met for lunch at the Kentucky Motor Hotel on the corner of Vine and Harrison for a discussion of an organization combining both groups. After much interest was shown, we agreed to petition National for a charter. On May 22, 1965, in Morehead, Kentucky, the Central-Eastern Kentucky Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota was installed by Mrs. Gertrude Barker, National First Vice-President. Violet Severy of the Morehead University Music Department was the instigator of the formation of this group and deserves much credit towards its founding. There were 18 charter members, and of this group.
One of the purposes of our organization was to foster the beginning of an active chapter at the University of Kentucky and in February 1967, Delta Omega was installed with Sara Holroyd and Sheila House as faculty advisors. The actives from Morehead participated in the festivities and the National President, Ruth Gould presided over the rituals.
In the fall of 1969, our chapter was split into two groups as we had grown in membership and the distance in travel became a factor. We became known as the Lexington Alumnae Chapter from that time on. We meet for fellowship and the promotion of high standards of music performance, and are governed by the rules and regulations of our National organization.
Our various activities have included the sponsoring music students at the University of Kentucky; sponsoring an appearance of the Louisville Bach Society in concert in Lexington with a performance of Bach’s B Minor Mass (thanks to the generosity of the Lloyd Mahans); joint recitals at UK with Delta Omegas; participation in the SAI Bold Note Project; contribution of music and instruments through the People to People Program to Ecuador; provided substitute pianists and organists for area churches at one time; and sending representatives to National Conventions. Some of our more recent projects include a musicale at Ashland Terrace each year, collecting can foods, and providing a scholarship for a high school senior who will be majoring in music.
We have been awarded the Province Achievement Awards in 1970-71, 1975-76, 1980-81, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1998-99, and 2012-13, and the National Program Award for outstanding achievement in Alumnae Yearbook Content in 1979-80. In spite of a large turnover in membership through these years, “Nearer and Dearer” we continue to grow.
Past Presidents
One of the purposes of our organization was to foster the beginning of an active chapter at the University of Kentucky and in February 1967, Delta Omega was installed with Sara Holroyd and Sheila House as faculty advisors. The actives from Morehead participated in the festivities and the National President, Ruth Gould presided over the rituals.
In the fall of 1969, our chapter was split into two groups as we had grown in membership and the distance in travel became a factor. We became known as the Lexington Alumnae Chapter from that time on. We meet for fellowship and the promotion of high standards of music performance, and are governed by the rules and regulations of our National organization.
Our various activities have included the sponsoring music students at the University of Kentucky; sponsoring an appearance of the Louisville Bach Society in concert in Lexington with a performance of Bach’s B Minor Mass (thanks to the generosity of the Lloyd Mahans); joint recitals at UK with Delta Omegas; participation in the SAI Bold Note Project; contribution of music and instruments through the People to People Program to Ecuador; provided substitute pianists and organists for area churches at one time; and sending representatives to National Conventions. Some of our more recent projects include a musicale at Ashland Terrace each year, collecting can foods, and providing a scholarship for a high school senior who will be majoring in music.
We have been awarded the Province Achievement Awards in 1970-71, 1975-76, 1980-81, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1998-99, and 2012-13, and the National Program Award for outstanding achievement in Alumnae Yearbook Content in 1979-80. In spite of a large turnover in membership through these years, “Nearer and Dearer” we continue to grow.
Past Presidents
- Violet Severy
- Judy Hill
- Sara Holroyd
- Gelena Robinson
- Trudy Patch
- Kathy Collier
- Norma Ridings
- Merrilee Elliott
- Karen Akel
- Catherine Oleksa
- Joan Ceo
- Kathie Anderson
- Cathy Hunt
- Elizabeth Mahan
- Joan Stafford
- Becky Horine
- Jane Bradford
- Ruth Olive
- Amy Jones
- Meitha MacLaury
- Christine Westcott
- Kelly Mayes
- Bridgette Meyers
- Kristi Broady
- Mallory Potter
- Allison Weitkamp
- Jen Daddysman
- Laura Summers