Sigma Alpha Iota

8 Spring 2025 • sai-national.org RUTH continued from page 7 By 2005, the National Executive Board had determined Sigma Alpha Iota needed a larger and more permanent home for its headquarters. With Virginia Johnson as SAI National President, the building at One Tunnel Road was dedicated on Founders Day of that year, June 12, in a ceremony that included the National Executive Board, Philanthropies Board, and the vice-mayor of Asheville. John Johnson, Ruth's husband and SAI Friend of the Arts, designed and installed the cabinetry at National Headquarters. Ruth expanded National Headquarters into more than just a place to store fraternity paperwork—it became a home for SAI. In 2019, space was dedicated for the Members Only and Museum rooms, for which Ruth graciously offered tours. Ruth is also a prolific musician as a soprano singer. After completing graduate work, she joined the Arkansas Opera Theater. Her roles included Rosina in The Barber of Seville, Adele in Die Fledermaus, and Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi. She participated in the Baroque Summer Workshop at the University of Michigan and was a fellow at the Stony Brook Bach Aria Festival. She has appeared as a soloist in St. Louis and Dallas for their respective Bach Society festivals. In Asheville, she occasionally directs musical theater productions for the Asheville Community Theater and the University of North Carolina- Asheville. She provides lecture/demonstrations for Elderhostels; has served as a church music director and organist; and gives concert and recital performances. In June 2012, she was presented in concert for the second time at the Nixon Library in California, performing with oboist and former SAI National President Dr. Leslie Odom Miller. In April 2013, she presented a Masterclass and Showcase Recital for Composers at her alma mater in Little Rock. That same year, she appeared in the Jake Heggie opera, Dead Man Walking, produced by the Modern American Music Project. She has performed at several National Conventions, including the opening ritual at the 1987 and 2000 Conventions. In 1998, the Boston Alumnae Chapter presented her in a concert for their 50th chapter anniversary. Natial Cvention Natial Cvention Aida McKenney, director of the Instituto de Belles Artes Aida McKenney, director of the Instituto de Belles Artes with student, teacher, and Bolivia's first cello, donated by SAI, 1988 with student, teacher, and Bolivia's first cello, donated by SAI, 1988 Above, Ruth (left) and former National President Above, Ruth (left) and former National President Dr. Brenda Ray (right) present Ruth Sickafus Dr. Brenda Ray (right) present Ruth Sickafus with the Dorothy Whinery Special Leadership Award, 1997 with the Dorothy Whinery Special Leadership Award, 1997 Above, Above, Ruth with Dolly Parton, Ruth with Dolly Parton, newly-installed Honorary Member, 2011 newly-installed Honorary Member, 2011

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