The names under each listing are the 2026 recipients.
QUICK LINKS
These links take you to criteria and submission forms.
COLLEGIATE
Collegiate Chapter Province Achievement Award
E. Jane Ruby National Collegiate Service Project Award
Katherine Becker National Collegiate Chapter Achievement Award
National Collegiate Leadership Award
National Collegiate Outstanding Advisor Award
Province Collegiate Leadership Award (Ruby Sword of Honor)
ALUMNAE
Helen May Alumnae Chapter Province Achievement Awards
Annelle Chandler McAdams Alumnae Service Project Award
Dorothy Whinery Special Leadership Award
Helen May National Alumnae Chapter Achievement Award
National Alumnae Leadership Award (Diamond Sword of Honor)
HONORS
COLLEGIATE
National Collegiate Leadership Award
A collegiate chapter may annually nominate a senior or graduate student for the Collegiate Leadership Award. She must have the Sword of Honor or be nominated for the Sword of Honor at the same time. The award is based on four criteria:
- Qualities of leadership expressed in the member’s sense of organization and her ability to work well with chapter members, advisors, and faculty
- Fraternity service in terms of chapter offices held, committee chairmanships, performance on chapter musicales, cooperation in chapter activities, and national fraternity viewpoint
- Campus activities in terms of student organization participation, offices held outside of the fraternity, and general campus honors
- Maintenance of a high scholarship level.
Province Collegiate Leadership Award - Ruby Sword of Honor
All approved Collegiate Leadership Award nominees become candidates for the Province Collegiate Leadership Awards. The Province Officer chooses one person from these candidates to be the Province Collegiate Leadership Award recipient.
2026 Ruby Sword of Honor Recipients
Region Finalists in Red
REGION 1
Elli Lyznick
Kappa Psi, California State University, Fresno, Delta B
REGION II
Iris Gaul
Theta, Washburn University, Theta A
Jenna Hubbard
Nu Gamma, Stephen F. Austin State University, Kappa D
Isabella Trevino
Iota Alpha, Oklahoma State University, Zeta A
Nyla Ortiz
Iota Theta, University of North Texas, Kappa B
REGION III
Emily Paul
Alpha Upsilon, University of Northern Iowa, Xi B
Sophie Stachula
Epsilon Pi, Truman State University, Pi A
Emily Stokes
Iota Lambda, University of Missouri, Pi B
Abigail Taber
Kappa, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Xi A
REGION IV
Angelle Homes
Iota Omicron, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Omega A
REGION V
Bri Alley
Beta Epsilon, University of Evansville, Beta A
Anna Bauer
Iota Chi, Ball State University, Beta B
Elizabeth Davis
Sigma Alpha, Illinois Wesleyan University, Upsilon A
Elsa Steen Koppell
Beta, Northwestern University, Gamma
Jena Wazny
Eta Xi, Central Michigan University, Alpha C
REGION VI
Lydia Elder
Mu Psi, University of NC at Charlotte, Tau B
Stephanie Matthews
Lambda Iota, Rollins College, Lambda C
Jenny Struth
Beta Psi, East Carolina University, Tau D
REGION VII
Kaley Fetty
Gamma Upsilon, Morehead State University, Sigma D
Rachel Gleberman
Delta Sigma, University of Dayton, Sigma A
Bella Williams
Nu Zeta, Oakland University, Alpha A
REGION VIII
Emily Abdill
Epsilon Epsilon, Missouri Western State University, Pi A
Reagan Berry
Gamma Iota, James Madison University, Iota C
Emma James
Nu Alpha, The College of New Jersey, Phi A
Kiera Murphy
Mu Zeta, Kutztown University, Chi B
Katrina Renfro
Kappa Beta, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Chi C
Gracie Morgan
Gamma Epsilon, University of Maryland, Iota A
Renee Rivers
Gamma Delta, State University of New York Potsdam Crane School of Music, Eta B
Maya Watters
Sigma Theta, Eastman School of Music, Eta A
National Collegiate Leadership Award
The National Collegiate Leadership Award is the highest award a collegiate member can receive.
All Province Collegiate Leadership Award recipients become candidates for the National Collegiate Leadership Award. The National Executive Board will choose one person from these candidates to be the National Collegiate Leadership Award recipient. The National Collegiate Leadership Award winner receives the National Collegiate Leadership Award pendant from the fraternity. The NEB will supervise the presentation of the award.
Emily Paul
University of Northern Iowa, Alpha Upsilon, Xi B, Region III
Collegiate Honor Award
(to be submitted through the SAI Officer Portal by chapter Faculty Advisor)
The purpose of the Sigma Alpha Iota Collegiate Honor Award is to give the Head of the Music Department an opportunity to recognize a Sigma Alpha Iota collegiate member for outstanding musicianship, scholarship, and fraternity service.
E. Jane Ruby National Collegiate Service Project Award
Collegiate Service Project Award is a new award, designed to acknowledge the wonderful volunteer projects that collegiate chapters do in the name of music. Patterned after the alumnae service project awards, a national winning chapter will be chosen from three chapter-size categories. Each national winner will receive a certificate and a $100 prize. Please read the application carefully when submitting it.
Category I (1-20 Members)
Epsilon Beta
Gettysburg College, Iota C, Region VIII
Category II (21-35 members)
Nu Zeta
Oakland University, Alpha A, Region VII
Category III (36+ members)
Zeta Tau
University of Central Florida, Lambda C, Region VI
National Collegiate Outstanding Advisor Award
This award was first given at the National Convention in Dallas, August 4-8, 2000. It is an annual award, intended to recognize those individuals who volunteer their time, love, and advice to our college chapters. The advisor is not required to be an initiated member of Sigma Alpha Iota.
Dr. Megan E. Arns
Iota Lambda, University of Missouri, Pi B, Region III
Katherine Becker National Collegiate Chapter Achievement Award
The Collegiate Chapter Achievement Award is given annually to chapters whose officers and members have achieved distinction in fulfilling the following criteria:
- The National Objectives
- Completion of the chapter's local obligations: financial good standing, good relationships with chapter advisors and school officials, good relationships with patroness members and alumnae members, development and/or implementation of school and/or community music projects, participation in Province Day activities.
- Completion of the chapter's national obligations: financial good standing, good relationships with province and national officers by submitting all required and especially requested reports on time, and support of national projects through participation and financial contributions. - Chapter Procedures Manual, p. 14-8.
Form available in the SAI Officer Portal document library
Epsilon Epsilon
West Chester University, Chi A, Region VIII
Collegiate Chapter Province Achievement Award
Regional Finalists in Red
REGION I
Lambda Chi
California State University, Fullerton, Delta C
Kappa Psi
California State University, Fresno, Delta B
REGION II
Alpha Iota
University of Oklahoma, Zeta B
Iota Alpha
Oklahoma State University, Zeta A
Iota Omega
Texas Woman's University, Kappa B
Nu Gamma
Stephen F. Austin State University, Kappa D
Theta
Washburn University, Theta A
Theta Omega
Texas State University, Kappa A
REGION III
Epsilon Phi
Northwest Missouri State University, Pi A
Rho
University of Wisconsin, Epsilon A
REGION IV
Theta Beta
Jacksonville State University, Rho A
REGION V
Beta Epsilon
University of Evansville, Beta A
Beta Eta
Western Michigan University, Alpha B
Delta Tau
Augustana College, Gamma
Iota Chi
Ball State University, Beta B
Sigma Alpha
Illinois Wesleyan University, Upsilon A
REGION VI
Beta Psi
East Carolina University, Tau D
Kappa Gamma
University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Tau B
Zeta Tau
University of Central Florida, Lambda C
REGION VII
Delta Omega
University of Kentucky, Sigma D
Delta Sigma
University of Dayton, Sigma A
Epsilon Theta
Appalachian State University, Psi A
Mu Iota
Western Kentucky University, Psi B
Nu Zeta
Oakland University, Alpha A,
REGION VIII
Epsilon Epsilon
West Chester University, Chi A
Gamma Iota
James Madison University, Iota C
Lambda Phi
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Phi B
Mu Beta
Virginia State University, Iota B
Nu Alpha
The College of New Jersey, Phi A
Sigma Iota
Syracuse University, Eta B
Sigma Omega
Susquehanna University, Chi B
Scholastic Award
(to be submitted through the SAI Officer Portal by chapter Faculty Advisor)
The purpose of the Sigma Alpha Iota Scholastic Award is to recognize academic achievement among Sigma Alpha Iota collegiate members.
ALUMNAE
Helen May National Alumnae Chapter Achievement Award
The Alumnae Chapter Achievement Award is given annually to chapters whose officers and members have achieved distinction in fulfilling the following criteria:
- The National Objectives
- Completion of the chapter's local obligations: financial good standing, support of college chapter(s) when located in the vicinity, good relationships with local patroness members, development and/or implementation of community music projects, participation in Province Day activities.
- Completion of the chapter's national obligations: financial good standing, good relationships with province and national officers by submitting all required and especially requested reports on time, and support of national projects through participation and financial contributions. - Chapter Procedures Manual, p. 7-1.
Northern New Jersey
Phi B, Region VIII
Alumnae Chapter Province Achievement Awards
Regional Finalists in Red
REGION I
Boulder Xi C
Orange County Delta C
Pasadena Delta A
Phoenix Omicron
Reno Delta B
REGION II
Arlington Kappa C
Dallas Kappa B
Lawrence Theta A
Lindsborg Theta B
Tulsa Zeta A
REGION III
Kansas City Pi A
Milwaukee Epsilon A
REGION IV
Memphis Mu A
REGION V
Fort Wayne Beta B
Grand Rapids Alpha B
REGION VI
Orlando Lambda C
Tampa Lambda D
REGION VII
Asheville Psi A
Cincinnati Sigma A
Cleveland Sigma C
REGION VIII
Northern Delaware Chi A
Northern New Jersey Phi B
Richmond Iota B
Selinsgrove Chi B
Winchester Iota C
Annelle Chandler McAdams Alumnae Service Project Award
The Alumnae Service Project Award is given annually based on the following: the type of service, defined as something for others, not a fundraiser to benefit the chapter; the percentage of chapter members involved in the project; the originality of the project; and the financial good standing of the chapter.
Category 1 (1-20 members)
Miami
Lambda A, Region VI
Category II (21-35 members)
Orange County
Delta C, Region I
Category III (36+ members)
Fort Wayne
Beta B, Region V
HONORS
Sword of Honor
The Sword of Honor, a tiny gold sword, is given to a member who has fulfilled all duties in each office she has held in an outstanding manner. She has shown strong leadership within the chapter and she has forwarded all the required reports of her office(s) to the province officer and/or appropriate national officer. The Sword of Honor may be given to an active member of a chapter.
Patroness Sword of Honor
The Patroness Sword of Honor is awarded to patroness members (with or without training).This award recognizes a patroness who has been especially supportive of a collegiate or alumnae chapter and the ideals of SAI.
National Alumnae Leadership Award (Diamond Sword of Honor)
An alumnae chapter may nominate a member annually for the National Alumnae Leadership Award. The award is based on the following criteria:
-
-
- Outstanding or extraordinary service in all three of the following fields: fraternity, local chapter, and community
- Fulfilled all duties in each office held in an outstanding manner
- Made a special contribution to the program of the chapter
- Brought honor and distinction to the chapter through exceptional community leadership
- Must be a current member of the SAI Alumnae Association
- Must be in good standing with the chapter financially and participate in chapter meetings and functions
- Must have received the Sword of Honor and the Rose of Honor
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Selection of National Leadership Award Winners
The Regional Officers will choose regional recipients (up to eight, usually one from each region) from among these candidates. The fraternity will present the National Alumnae Leadership Award recipients with the Diamond Sword of Honor. The NEB will supervise the presentation of the eight awards. The Diamond Sword of Honor Ceremony from the Ritual will be used as directed by the NEB.
Gayle Ober
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Epsilon B, III
Regional Alumnae Leadership Award
Diamond Sword of Honor
Regional Finalists in Red
REGION I
Hilary Yip
Pasadena, Delta A
REGION II
Norma Pettijohn
Topeka, Theta A
REGION IV
Dena Vaughan
Memphis, Mu A
REGION V
Marcy Trentacosti
Fort Wayne, Beta B
REGION VII
Melanie Richardson
Orlando, Lambda C
Rose of Honor
The Rose of Honor, a tiny gold rose with a ruby center,is presented to a member who has given outstanding or extraordinary service in all three of the following fields: the fraternity beyond the local level, the local chapter, and the community.
Rose of Dedication
The Rose of Dedication is presented to a member who has given outstanding or extraordinary service in all three of the following fields for a minimum of 25 years: the fraternity, the local chapter, and the community.
Rose of Constancy
The Rose of Constancy is awarded after the Rose of Dedication. It is given for continued outstanding/extraordinary service, for a minimum of 35 years following college graduation, to the fraternity (beyond the local level), local chapter, community and musical activities.
Wreath of Achievement
The Wreath of Achievement is presented to a member for continued outstanding and faithful service in four fields: the local chapter, the fraternity (beyond the local level), the community, and musical activities. The Sword of Honor and the Rose of Honor are a prerequisite.
Dorothy Whinery Special Leadership Award
The Dorothy Whinery Special Leadership Award is given for outstanding leadership in the national organization. Originally named the Special Leadership Award, it was renamed the Dorothy Whinery Special Leadership Award to honor her years of service as National Executive Secretary (from 1956-1992). It has been presented 14 times:
- 1947 Convention to Gertrude Evans Messersmith
National President, 1931-1942 - 1953 Convention to Edna Hebel Geimer
National Treasurer 1925-1948, Director of Finance 1948-1950 - 1959 Convention to Kathleen Davison
National President 1942-1956 - 1965 Convention to Edna Hutton
National Editor 1944-1973 - 1978 Convention to Ruth Gould
National President 1968-1978 - 1990 Convention to Dorothy Cooke Whinery
National Executive Secretary 1956-1992 - Convention to Ruth Sickafus
Philanthropies Project Director 1963-2000, Vice Chairman, SAI Philanthropies, Inc. 1981-1997 - 2000 Convention to Helen May
Graduate Performance Awards Director, 1974-1993 - 2003 Centennial Convention to Bobbie Burk
National Chaplain 1974-1987; National Archivist 1992-2003 - 2006 Convention to Barbara Staton
Philanthropies CAM Director 1971-1984, IAMA Director 1993-2006 - 2009 Convention to Elsie Sterrenberg
National Treasurer 1972-1987, National President 1987-2003 - 2012 Convention to Dixie Lou Morris
NVP Extension 1978-1987, Philanthropies Project Director 1992-2000 - 2015 Convention to Ginny Johnson
NVP Extension 1993-1997, National President 1997-2006 - 2018 Convention to Arlene Jospe Veron
Chairman, SAI Philanthropies, Inc. 1993-2006, 2008-2009
The award is a gold pendant. Centered in an open circle is the fraternity crest surrounded by an inner circle of pearls. The outer circle is the laurel wreath.
Ring of Excellence
The Ring of Excellence is the fraternity's highest award. It may be given by the National Executive Board or by a chapter.
Given by the National Executive Board
When given by the National Executive Board, the Ring of Excellence is given for outstanding service to the national organization or to an internationally renowned artist, scholar, or teacher who was initiated as a collegiate or non-student member. The NEB may make the presentation directly, or a chapter may be asked to make the presentation on their behalf.
Given by a Chapter
A collegiate or alumnae chapter may apply to the NEB to award the Ring of Excellence to an alumna member who has performed exceptional service to the fraternity, who is outstanding as a musician, performer, teacher, or composer, and who is in good standing (a current member of the Alumnae Association). The alumna member must have previously received the Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor, and Wreath of Achievement.
