After the end of World War II, Danelia Janssen, a music theory teacher at Bradley University, had a music club for both boys and girls on campus. She was the first inspiration for the girls to pursue organizing as a music sisterhood, and together they began to learn more about Sigma Alpha Iota. The nearest collegiate SAI chapter was well established at Illinois Wesleyan University, and with advice from those sisters, Danelia, Hazel, and other helpful women in the community, the Bradley girls organized and petitioned the National organization for a charter to establish the Beta Gamma Chapter. The charter was granted on April 14, 1948. The Beta Gamma girls who graduated in 1948 and 1949 were anxious to continue their association with Sigma Alpha Iota. With the help of their patronesses, faculty, and other SAI sisters living in the Peoria area, the recent graduates petitioned for a chater to establish the Peoria Alumnae Chapter. The charter was granted on November 13, 1949. The Beta Gamma Chapter and the Peoria Alumnae Chapter continue to thrive today on the campus of Bradley University and in the Peoria, Illinois area.
