Members of SAIFD worked as competition assistants at the 2nd Annual Jim Johnson Design Cup in Houston in 2018 (photo courtesy of SAIFD.)
COLLEGE STATION — The Texas A&M University Forsythe Student Chapter of the American Institute of Floral Designers, SAIFD, will celebrate its 40th anniversary during an open house reunion March 3 in the Benz Gallery of Floral Art atrium in the Horticulture/Forest Science building of Texas A&M University in College Station.
All current and former SAIFD members are invited to this free event from 2-5 p.m. The new Benz Library for Floral Art will be open, and tours will be given of the Benz Gallery collection storage. Refreshments will be served, and parking is free in Lot 74.
Jim Johnson, AIFD florist, with members of the Forsythe SAIFD chapter, delivering floral designs for a football banquet, circa 1990-91. FROM LEFT: Jim Johnson, AIFD florist, Henry Flowers, SAIFD Forsythe chapter president, Robert Bucchorn, and Ms. Rodriquez (photo courtesy of Henry Flowers.)
Special guests attending include Ken Senter, American Institute of Floral Designers, AIFD, florist, class of 1975 and first advisor of the SAIFD Forsythe Chapter; Jim Johnson, AIFD florist and Benz endowed chair emeritus; and Ann Boney, retired Benz School of Floral Design administrative assistant. They will share special memories of the SAIFD chapter and be on hand to greet former students. Current SAIFD advisor Bill McKinley, AIFD florist, class of 1983 will serve as master of ceremonies.
The Forsythe Chapter has decorated the Texas State Capitol Rotunda, created pieces for Barbara Bush during the groundbreaking of the Bush Presidential Library and later designed pieces for the library’s opening dedication. They are also responsible for many of the floral designs seen around campus, Reed Arena and Kyle Field.
With outreach being an important Aggie focus, the SAIFD organization takes part in “Blooms Over Brazos,” whose service initiatives include Compassionate Care Hospice, Aggieland Humane Society and other community programs throughout the Brazos Valley. The group delivers arrangements in an effort to spread awareness of floral aesthetics.
For more information and updates, please follow the Benz School of Floral Design at Texas A&M University Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/BenzSchool/.
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Writer: Laura Muntean, 979-847-9211, laura.muntean@ag.tamu.edu
Contact: Bill McKinley, 815-315-3130, wjmckinley@tamu.edu
