Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • SUMMER 2017 • PAN PIPES 9 NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS from 1968-1978. The yellow secretary cabinet came from the offices in Des Moines where Dorothy Whinery was National Executive Secretary for 35 years. It holds the signature books from inactive or closed chapters, as well as the boxed set of IAMA music. The trumpet lamps were created by Tom Singletary, one of the members of the building search committee. The framed 'SAI Symphony' was presented to National Headquarters by the Boards to signify our intention to always be practicing the 'goodness of Life'! As you continue through hallways and offices, you will encounter the offices of SAI staff members, many filing cabinets for permanent records, and of course the computers that store all of the information for SAI. There are printers and copiers, a large postage machine and shipping counter, and the elevator that was installed by SAI." Ruth Sieber Johnson was hired as the National Executive Secretary in 1992, and the National Headquarters was moved from Des Moines to Asheville. Her title was changed to Executive Director by a vote of the membership. Ruth loves the hustle and bustle that goes past her office as she works to respond to the hundreds of e-mails, phone calls, and letters that arrive each week. She welcomes the many visitors to National Headquarters. "The ten quilts that you see hanging around the building represent every chapter that had been installed as of the 100 th anniversary. Prepared by individual chapters, these quilt squares were put together by Cornelia Findlay Odom, mother of now National President Leslie Odom Miller. Cornelia's loving legacy provides a special touch of home to the Fraternity's home. When you wander out the back entrance, you will find our SAI Harmony Rose Garden, where you can search for a brick placed in honor of your chapter or watch the birds enjoy the fountain. Sitting on a bench placed by Carol DeMond Downs in honor of Arlene Veron, who served as Chairman of SAI Philanthropies, Inc. for many years, you will feel the peace of this venue. In the Ginny Johnson Sculpture Garden, observe the beautiful bronze sculpture commissioned by her husband, Friend of the Arts Bill Johnson in honor of Ginny's nine years serving as National President. The native North Carolina trees and roses around it provide a wonderful opportunity for a photograph. We are lucky to have an official 'Rosarian' who consults with the staff regarding the many rose bushes planted on the property. Jim Tucker is the husband of SAI member Janice Tucker, and he advises on both plantings and prunings." We hope you have enjoyed this "walk" through our SAI National Headquarters. This ends your formal "tour", but as you leave through the front gates, be assured that you will always be welcome to your Fraternity Home. Members gathered at SAI National Headquarters on May 6 to install the Asheville Alumnae Chapter. SAI attendees at the 1928 National Convention at Ithaca College.

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