2022-2023 SAI Chicago Alumnae Executive Board :
President - Kristen Gorski
VP Membership - Kali Maginity
VP Program - Kali Maginity, interim
VP Ritual - Colleen Jackson
Secretary - Agnes Smith
Treasurer - Gloria Parker
Editor -
Sergeant-at-Arms - Kimberly Schlarman
For information on all of our sisters, check out their biographies below!
President - Kristen Gorski
VP Membership - Kali Maginity
VP Program - Kali Maginity, interim
VP Ritual - Colleen Jackson
Secretary - Agnes Smith
Treasurer - Gloria Parker
Editor -
Sergeant-at-Arms - Kimberly Schlarman
For information on all of our sisters, check out their biographies below!
Kay Bobis | Glenview
Kay was initiated as a collegiate member at Northeastern Illinois University in 1970. She joined the Chicago Alumnae Chapter in 1972, and has since served as President, VP Membership, and VP Ritual. Kay has enjoyed going to sisters' residences and performing. Kay keeps music in her life in many ways: singing in her church choir, teaching piano lessons, subbing for elementary school music teachers, and doing music programs at Maryhaven Nursing Home in Glenview. She also incorporates music into her library work by selecting music CD's (classical, musicals, soundtracks) and preparing music displays at the Glenview Public Library, in addition to working with the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Philharmonic Symphony to present programs at her library.
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Virginia M. Frank | Chicago (Lincoln Square)
Virginia was initiated as a collegiate member of Epsilon Rho Chapter and has been a member of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter since 1973. She plays violin and has been a member of many symphony orchestras, including the North Side Symphony, Lake Shore Symphony, Civic Orchestra of Chicago (which is the training ensemble of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra), Gary Indiana Symphony, and as a substitute player for the Grant Park Symphony. Virginia is also a member of the Chicago Musicians Union and an Ambassador of Goodwill.
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Kristen Gorski | Arlington Heights
Kristen was initiated in 2017 as a collegiate member of the Kappa Chapter at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. While at UNL, she served as the Editor, Vice-President of Membership, and Treasurer. She studied Music Education with an emphasis on flute and also studied mathematics to get a minor. Kristen also gave two senior recitals, performed in four Flute Day's, performed in several chamber groups, and was apart of UNL's Symphonic Band, Campus Band, and Wind Ensemble. Along with being heavily involved in the music building and Sigma Alpha Iota, Kristen also served as the Instrumentalist Director in the Newman Center (UNL Catholic Church) as well as the Director of Music of Pi Alpha Chi - Alpha Chapter.
Kristen affiliated with the Chicago Chapter in September of 2020. Since then, she has served as our Collegiate Liaison for the Beta Chapter (2020-22), Social Chair (2020-2021), Secretary (2021-2022) and our President (2022 to present). Outside of SAI, Kristen teaches music in an elementary school up in Waukegan. She teaches music to monolingual classes, dual languages classes and incorporates students with special needs in her classroom. She also teaches math during summer school. She also plays her flute in her local church and is apart of the Chicago City Wide Symphony Orchestra, where she plays her flute and piccolo. |
Cheryl A. Graff | Highland Park
Cheryl A. Graff grew up in Highland Park, Illinois a suburb of Chicago. Cheryl has a B.A. and M.A. in Special Education and Educational Technology from Michigan State University. In 2011, Cheryl joined the Alpha Lambda Chapter. As a collegiate member, she served as Service Chair, Secretary, Editor/Historian, Sergeant At Arms, and Vice-President Membership. Additionally, she received The Sword of Honor and won a National Collegiate Service Award for the chapter. Cheryl was invited to an SAI event by a friend who was in the college of music with her at the time. Cheryl writes: "When I was a Freshman at Michigan State University I was a Vocal Performance/Music Education major. In my second semester, I switched into majoring in Special Education, because I missed teaching all academic subjects and working with children with special needs. Music is a passion of mine and I did not want to lose touch with music in college. A friend of mine who was in the vocal performance program with me and the VPM of the Alpha Lambda Chapter at the time knew I was switching majors and she told me about SAI. She said I would have life long connections with sisters who all care about music as much as I do." In 2015, Cheryl affiliated with the Chicago Alumnae Chapter. She has served in the roles of Service Chair, Vice President Program, Social Chair, and Yearbook Committee.
Cheryl recently was recognized by Microsoft Education as a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert. She is also recognized throughout Chicago as a professional and respected Mezzo-Soprano opera singer. Currently, Cheryl is a Special Education Teacher at the only public arts high school in Chicago, and she continues to keep music in her life with frequent concert appearances. |
Barbara Haffner | Chicago (Gold Coast)
Barbara was initiated as a collegiate member in 1962 at Eastman School of Music, where she was a distinguished graduate. She joined the Chicago Alumnae Chapter in 1980. One of Barbara's favorite memories of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter is attending spring luncheons at the home of Agnes Smith. Barbara currently works as a full-time musician. She is involved in Music of the Baroque (Principal Cellist), the Chicago Philharmonic (Principal Cellist), the Lyric Opera Orchestra (Assistant Principal), the Joffrey Ballet Orchestra (Principal Cellist), and the Rembrandt Chamber Players (Founding Member). To hear a sample of Barbara's ensemble work, please visit the Rembrandt Chamber Players website.
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Colleen Jackson | Chicago (Portage Park)
Colleen was initiated as a collegiate member of SAI's Beta Alpha Chapter at Florida State University in the Fall of 2005. She served as her MIT class President and co-chaired the role of webmaster for a year. She completed her Master's of Music at the University of Northern Colorado in 2012 and began a professional career in opera. In 2014, Colleen moved to Chicago to finally experience life in a big city! She first met the ladies of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter in November 2017 and affiliated in May 2018. Colleen is looking forward to serving as VP Ritual for the Chicago Alumnae Chapter this year and is incredibly grateful to participate in making music with and supporting the talented women of this chapter.
Colleen works as a Senior Project Manager at an educational non-profit in Greek Town and lives on the north side of Chicago with her fiance, Brian, and miniature goldendoodle, Clover! She enjoys photography, street festivals, karaoke, live theater, concerts, and patio weather. |
Jean Joslyn | Chicago (Edgewater)
Jean was initiated as a collegiate member of SAI, Sigma Delta Chapter at U of Illinois in Urbana Champaign in 1963. As a collegiate member she served as Chaplain and Treasurer. She joined the Chicago alumnae chapter in December of 2016. Jean sang professionally in New York City beginning right after college graduation. While in New York she found her career in healthcare, where she worked for over 45 years in management, software sales and 30 years as a consultant until retiring at the end of 2017. She continues to sing with North Shore Choral Society, lectures on opera in libraries and senior housing, and is an Elder and Stephen Minister at Fourth Presbyterian Church. Jean is a Board member and Treasurer of the Musicians Club of Women.
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Kali Maginity | Chicago (Ravenswood)
Clarinet, Voice (Alto)
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Kali was initiated in 2011 as a collegiate member of Beta Chapter at Northwestern University (in Evanston, IL). She received the Sword of Honor and Collegiate Honor Award in 2014 after serving on the Executive Board and committees for 3 years, acting as President her senior year. Kali joined the Chicago Alumnae Chapter immediately following graduation, and has since served as Webmaster, Sergeant-at-Arms, VP Ritual, VP Membership, and President. In the past, Kali has also served as Financial Advisor for Kappa Omega Chapter at Elmhurst College (in Elmhurst, IL). Kali has also served on the SAI National Undergraduate Scholarship Committee since 2015. She had the honor of receiving the Chicago Alumnae Chapter's Yearbook Dedication in 2016-17, 2018-19, and 2020-21. Her primary instrument is clarinet; she has also participated in music ensembles as a baton twirler, including her past experience as the Feature Twirler in the Northwestern University Marching Band and her ongoing role as a coach and choreographer for Addison Trail High School baton twirling team. She is currently a member of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter's "Red Line" a cappella group.
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Kelli Jo McConnehey | Chicago (Albany Park)
Kelli Jo was initiated as a collegiate member of the Gamma Mu chapter at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. While at ASU, Kelli Jo was a flute performance major who participated in many small ensemble concerts and was a member of the ASU Wind Symphony. Kelli Jo was also an active private flute teacher, teaching young flute players throughout the Phoenix area. She graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance. After her undergraduate studies, Kelli Jo followed her passion for medicine and came to the Chicagoland area in 2012 to attend Physician Assistant school at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Following a busy few years, Kelli settled into her career as a PA in Chicago and affiliated with the Chicago Alumnae Chapter in the fall of 2016. She has served as the Service Committee chair since 2017 and held the office of Recording and Corresponding Secretary for the 2018-2019 year. This coming year, Kelli Jo is excited to take on a new role and will be serving as the new VP Membership. She is also eager to add even more community service opportunities for our chapter this year! Kelli Jo lives in Albany Park on the north side of Chicago with her boyfriend James and their two cats, Jade and Suki. In addition to SAI, Kelli Jo volunteers with Grassroot Animal Rescue, a local volunteer-run and foster-based cat rescue. You can find Kelli Jo performing with the Chicago City Wide Symphony Orchestra at the Jefferson Park Field House.
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Gloria E. Messerschmidt | Evanston
Gloria was initiated as a collegiate member of Beta Lambda Chapter (Valparaiso University) in 1953 and joined the Chicago Alumnae Chapter upon graduation in 1955. Gloria has served as President, Vice President, Secretary, Editor, and Historian, and has been either chairman or a member of every committee of the chapter. Gloria also served as National Director of Fraternity Education for about 15 years. In this capacity, she presented Fraternity Education Workshops at State Days and Province Days, and developed Fraternity Education displays for all National Conventions. Further, Gloria served as Chairman of the Philanthropies Benefit Concert at one of the National Conventions in Chicago.
Gloria was previously the Assistant Organist at her church and a member of the choir, among other things. She now enjoys music as a listener rather than a participant. One of Gloria’s favorite memories from the chapter is participating in “The Well-Tempered Clavichord” Bold Note Project. Describing other memories, she writes: “The musical talent displayed and friendships made with Sister SAI’s are fore-most in my mind.” Please see Individual Award Recipients for a full listing of the many awards Gloria has received for her service, including the Diamond Sword of Honor. |
Lydia Nance | Chicago (North Center)
Lydia was initiated as a collegiate member of SAI's Iota Phi Chapter at Vanderbilt University in the Spring of 2014. She served Iota Phi as Vice President, Membership and as President. She graduated from Vanderbilt's Blair School of Music with a Bachelor of Music, bassoon performance, in 2017. Soon after moving to Chicago in Fall of 2019, she sought out SAI's Chicago Alumnae chapter, affiliating in February of 2020. She is so excited to be part of this community in a new city, and give back to them by serving as VP Programs for the 2020-21 year. Lydia lives on the northside with her husband, Brian, and their wonderful dog, Mango. While getting settled into the new city, she hopes to continue to perform chamber music and teach bassoon privately.
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Linda Parapetti | Skokie
Linda was initiated as a collegiate member in 1969 at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and joined the Chicago Alumnae Chapter in 1973. Her first experience with the chapter was at the Chicago Alumnae May Luncheon in a high-rise restaurant overlooking Lake Michigan. She was invited by a fellow SAI whom she met through work in the Loop. She knew no one at the event, but made immediate friends who loved music and welcomed her into the group. Linda writes: “Over the years, I've made many close friendships and enjoyed sharing this love of music at chapter meetings, outings, and Province Days; by helping and encouraging students and SAI collegiate members with scholarships; and by performing at meetings, nursing homes and church choir. I've also happily reconnected with collegiate sisters at SAI National Conventions...my how we've changed." She has served as President, VP Program, Secretary, and Auditor, in addition to serving on the Honors and Nominating Committees. She enjoys attending concerts, traveling with her husband and family, and her monthly book club. She also knits and contributes items to "Knitting 4 Peace", a charitable organization providing comfort to women and needy families throughout the world.
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Kimberly Schlarman | Chicago (Albany Park)
Kimberly was initiated into Epsilon Pi Chapter at Truman State University (Kirksville, MO) in 2002. During her time as a collegiate member, she served as Recording Secretary. Kimberly joined the Chicago Alumnae Chapter in May of 2015. She writes, “It was really amazing attending the first meeting with the alumnae chapter and hearing the music and performing the rituals again. It brought back great memories of my sisters from college.” Kimberly has continued to play her flute off and on over the years. Most recently, she is hoping to become more active with the Chicago City Wide Symphony Orchestra.
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Agnes E. Smith | Northbrook
Agnes was initiated as a collegiate member at Northeastern Illinois State College (now Northeastern Illinois University) in 1970. She is a charter member of Epsilon Rho Collegiate Chapter. Describing the experience of starting a chapter, Agnes describes that “it was exciting to be part of a new organization devoted to sharing and promoting music in the arts.” In the Chicago Alumnae Chapter, Agnes has served as President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Recording Secretary (current). One of Agnes’ happiest memories from the chapter is listening to long-ago member, Evelyn D’Arpa, playing the piano -- “she was marvelous, and I felt really privileged to be a member of a chapter who had such a talented, yet modest and sweet, member.” When describing her thoughts on the Chicago Alumnae Chapter, Agnes explains: “Our alumnae chapter is my lifeline to performance music... I never realized, when I was in college, that I would still be active in SAI today, and have life-long friends who have shared so many songs as well as life events together.”
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Alli Smith | Chicago (Wicker Park)
Voice (Soprano)
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Alli Smith has been a member of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter since 2012. She initiated with Kappa Chapter at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she graduated with a degree in Vocal Performance. Currently she is a stay-at-home mom to her two sweet daughters and enjoys singing with St. John Cantius Resurrection Choir, taking voice lessons, and making music part of her family life. She has served in many roles with the Chicago Alumnae Chapter, including VP Membership, VP Program, President and Treasurer. One of her favorite chapter traditions is performing at Covenant Home each year and sharing music with the residents.
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Gail Fisher Swerdlik | Glenview
Gail became a charter member of Epsilon Rho in March of 1970 at Northeastern Illinois State College (now Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago; chapter now defunct). She became a member of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter in the early 1970’s and has held nearly all offices, with the exception of VP Ritual, and also served as financial adviser to Beta Chapter at Northwestern for 9 years in the 1980’s. Gail was a choral director for 34 years, and now misses the opportunity to sing constantly. Gail’s favorite memory from the chapter is singing with the SAI trio at meetings and at Covenant Home. She explains how SAI has become her extended family: “I love having all of these sisters, since I only have a brother!”
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Angela Yang | Chicago (Loop)
Piano, Flute, Ukulele, Voice (Soprano)
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Angela was initiated as a collegiate member of Beta Chapter at Northwestern University in 2014. As a collegiate member, she served as assistant house manager, merch chair, choir accompanist, music director of Ladies in Red (SAI's a capella group), and participated in the flute choir. She was also Drum Major of the Northwestern University Marching Band for two years. She affiliated with the Chicago Alumnae Chapter in May of 2019 and currently serves as Treasurer. Angela volunteers with the Music Matters program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where she performs songs on the piano and ukulele for patients around the hospital. She is currently a medical student at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and she lives in downtown Chicago with her husband (Kai) and their corgi (Mae).
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