The 1930s and 1940s
From its beginnings in the 1930s, the chapter grew and flourished through the 1930s and 1940s with the able leadership of Kathleen Davison, Helen Tollefson, Edna Hutton, and others.

The 1950s
In 1950, the chapter received its first National Alumnae Chapter Achievement Award. This award capped a remarkable year. Among the chapter's achievements for the year: a scholarship concert attended by more than 600 people; major financial assistance to the Drake University Choir to perform at the National Convention; frequent joint social functions with Pi (Drake University) Chapter; International Music Fund Project participation, gathering 600 pounds of new and used music destined for Korea; active study and musicales; and individual chapter members serving in leadership roles in city music and fine arts organizations as both musicians and board members. These organizations include the Des Moines Symphony, Civic Music Association, and the Des Moines Art Center.

The 1960s
During the 1960s, the chapter produced several television series on KDPS (then operated by Iowa Public Television), entitled "Music USA." The chapter was also a leader in keyboard education, presenting the "Accent on Piano" workshops throughout this decade.

The 1970s
The 1970s included more outreach to the local community. Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) spearheaded a drive to acquire string instruments for the Des Moines Public Schools. The chapter was also active in People to People, SAI's National Project to send instruments overseas. The Des Moines Alumnae Chapter sent instruments to Korea and Mexico through this UNESCO-sponsored project. The chapter also spent many hours on SAI's Bold Notes project, which made music accessible to musicians with sight disabilities.

The 1980s
The 1980s brought the chapter a second National Alumnae Chapter Achievement Award, for its work on the Kathleen Davison Scholarship Fund. Over five years, the chapter raised $10,000.00 in principal. Interest on the principal is used to fund the annual award. The funds were raised through performances at various functions in the metro area, including many events at Terrace Hill, the Iowa Governor's Mansion. The award is presented annually to a Pi Chapter member. A second award was also established in honor of Dorothy Whinery. The chapter had a special reception for Ms. Whinery, in honor of her many years of service to the fraternity. The Des Moines Alumnae Chapter presented "Music in the Schools" programs in the Des Moines Public Schools.

The 1990s
In the 1990s, the chapter sponsored Iowa Composers Forum Concerts at the Des Moines Art Center. The Kathleen Davison Award Fund continued to grow through chapter member performances and donations. The chapter conducted the service of remembrance for Dorothy Whinery after her death in 1993, with National President Brenda Ray in attendance.

The 2000s
Our most recent fundraiser, the Des Moines Alumnae Chapter and Pi Chapter from Drake, in cooperation with Barnes and Noble, helps raise money to the Des Moines Public School and their music programs.

The Chapter was awarded the 2010 - 2011 National Alumnae Chapter Achievement Award with the help of many dedicated members of the organization. 

Our Chapter Today....The Des Moines Alumnae Chapter today has 52 members and continues to follow our National Objectives, participate in statewide Province Days, and work with Pi Chapter (Drake University) and our patroness members. The Kathleen Davison award continues to grow, with the annual award ranging from $500 to $750. Our chapter is a vital, active group, whose members have careers in music education, music performance, and church music. Other various professionals in our chapter include television news media, politics, college professors, high school teachers, veterenary technicians and stay at home moms. We continue to identify and carry out service projects needed in our community. We have survived wars, race issues, recessions and de-emphasis of Fine Arts, nationally.

We salute the leadership, membership, patroness members, and honorary members - both past and present - for their contributions to this active, vital chapter of SAI.

Special Programs....We take pride in the special programs that our chapter has presented and sponsored through the years. Highlighting these was the June 14, 2003 premier performance of "Variations on Two French Noels" by Dr. C. B. Staplin, National Arts Associate, which our chapter commissioned in honor of SAI's Centennial. Other memorable programs include a memorial concert after Kathleen Davison's death in 1977, and three programs, in the 1980s, honoring our beloved Dr. Francis J. Pyle. These include a chamber music concert, a concert with Mu Phi Epsilon after Dr. Pyle's death, and a joint program with Mu Phi Epsilon and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, in celebration of the establishment of the Francis J. Pyle Archives.