The following is taken from page 10 of the 60th Anniversary Issue of Pan Pipes, published in May 1964 by Sigma Alpha Iota.
A Michigan girl, born in Lowell, Leila H. Farlin was a graduate in Voice from the University of Michigan School of Music in 1903. Prior to her work at the University, she had been a student at the Oberlin Conservatory, Oberlin, Ohio, and had taught two years in a southern college.
Immediately following her graduation from the University in 1903, with Founder Elizabeth Campbell, also a 1903 graduate, she left for the summer to continue study with William Howland at Martha's Vineyard, and with his teacher, Frederick Bristol. Leila and Elizabeth returned to the University School of Music as Faculty members in the fall of 1903. During the 1909-1910 year, Leila served the fraternity as National Treasurer.
Remaining on the faculty for seven years, it was in the fall of 1910 that Leila Farlin took the responsible position as Head of the Vocal Department at Pennsylvania Normal College at Indiana, Pennsylvania. In 1918, she was married to Mr. Harry Laughlin. She remained as Head of the Vocal Department at the College until her untimely death December 6, 1921.
Having been so close to Leila Farlin Laughlin as roommate at Martha's Vineyard, as fraternity sister and faculty associate, Elizabeth Campbell wrote: "Leila had a charming personality as well as a lovely voice and musical talent. She was a loyal friend and a cheery companion. She believed in doing her work to the very best of her ability and her hours of recreation were filled with enthusiasm."
In October of 1915, Founder Nora Crane Hunt said of her: "We were so proud of our operatic artist, Leila Farlin, for she could not only sing like a bird, but could also teach splendidly; fill a church position; and as hostess, none could surpass her."
In an "In Memoriam" for Leila Farlin Laughlin printed in the March 1922 Pan Pipes, Nora Crane Hunt wrote: "Being of a cheery, sunny disposition, it naturally followed that Leila was much beloved. She was so full of vigor that one always felt a keen desire to accomplish just a bit more when working with her than would have seemed possible otherwise. It can easily be understood how such a force was of inestimable value during the formative days of Sigma Alpha Iota. She has always had the interests of Sigma Alpha Iota at heart, and we feel a keen sense of loss in this first break in the 'bond of seven.' But the influence of such a life will last long and will give to all of us a cherished memory of one of the finest types of womanhood."
Leila Farlin Laughlin passed away on December 6, 1921
