Sigma Alpha Iota

sai-national.org • SPRING 2018 • PAN PIPES 19 SAI PHILANTHROPIES M any tributes to Virginia "Ginny" Johnson's nine years as National President are evident at SAI National Headquarters in Asheville, NC. e Ginny Johnson Sculpture Garden features the original bronze sculpture commissioned by her husband Bill, a Friend of the Arts, as a tribute to her devotion to SAI. e North Carolina native "fringe tree" given by the 2006 Convention body as Ginny completed her 3 terms as president, grows in the garden. And now the building itself can be remembered as a testament to the Johnson's dedication to the Fraternity and its ideals, as they have recently donated the funds required to pay the remaining balance on its mortgage. Ginny shared the following: "Bill and I found that we were situated such that we could financially make a difference in the organizations and institutions that played a large part in our lives. We talked about our options, and I immediately thought of Sigma Alpha Iota and the building that was purchased for our National Headquarters while I was in my third term as National President. Doing that purchase in 2004 was a major step for the Fraternity, and I felt partially responsible for the decision to find a permanent home for Sigma Alpha Iota. Purchase of our National Headquarters building has proven to be a very positive acquisition, and we were pleased to play a part in bringing that purchase to a close. We all love to know we have a HOME at One Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC. To us, retiring the mortgage meant that SAI Philanthropies would have more resources available to support music and music programs throughout the world. It will be exciting to see how they expand support for present projects and what new ideas will be put forward. We have all heard about wanting to make a difference in this world. Bill and I have been greatly blessed and now we have the opportunity to give something back or 'pay it forward'. Sigma Alpha Iota has made a big difference in our lives and we are pleased to provide a gi in return." Ginny is an initiate of Iota Eta Chapter and is currently affiliated with the Fort Wayne Alumnae Chapter. Ginny received her Bachelor's in Elementary Education and Music Education from Indiana State University and a Master's from Indiana University-Fort Wayne. She has served the fraternity in numerous capacities, including local chapter offices, Zeta Psi Chapter Advisor, Beta Province Vice President (1987-90), Beta B Province Officer (1990-93), NVP, Extension and Fraternity Development (1993-97), and National President (1997-2006). Ginny holds the fraternity's Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor, Rose of Dedication, Wreath of Achievement, Region V Alumnae Leadership Award-Diamond Sword, and the Ring of Excellence. She was also selected as the 13th recipient of the Dorothy Whinery Special Leadership Award given for outstanding leadership in the national organization. Ginny has been on boards for the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Chorus, the Crescent Avenue School of the Arts, and Public Radio Station WBNI. She teaches voice, conducts workshops on vocal health, and performs when requested. She also works with local doctors in ENT clinics, retraining patients who are singers to use their voices properly and avoid future injuries. Artist Jim Millar (left) stands with Friend of the Arts Bill Johnson and former National President Ginny Johnson at the dedication of the Virginia A. Johnson Sculpture Garden at National Headquarters in October 2006. The sculpture was commissioned by Bill to honor Ginny's nine years as National President. Former National President Retires SAI Mortgage

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