This Stephen Alonzo Jackson Weekend of Giving, March 1-3, we're asking you to make a tax-deductible donation to support a cause near and dear to the Kappa Chapter– the creation of a new Scholarship-Leadership Award named in honor of Brother Dr. James "Doc" Johnson. 100% of your gift, in the amount of $10.34, $50.34, $150.34, $340, $3,400, or $34,000, will help fund this special scholarship.
Our goal is to raise $50,000 to establish a permanent $2,000 annual Scholarship in Brother Johnson's name that will benefit a Kappa Chapter Brother every year in perpetuity. In the event Kappa does not reach the $50,000 threshold during the Weekend but reaches $25,000, it will automatically create a $1,000 annual Scholarship-Leadership Award. All amounts raised shy of $25K between or over $50K will directed to the existing Chapter Scholarship Fund to benefit Kappa undergraduates.
Dr. James W. Johnson was a 1951 initiate of the Kappa Chapter at Vanderbilt University. Through more than 40 years of service to the Chapter, “Doc” became well-known and beloved to many generations of members. Throughout his undergraduate years, he was the Chapter’s Grand Scribe and IFC representative. Doc was always a mentor, guardian, and not-always-sympathetic father-confessor. During his four decades as Alumnus Advisor and District Grand Master, Doc always had a hand in the Chapter’s many successes. It must also be said that he was indeed instrumental in helping Kappa recover from its intermittent failures. Doc Johnson was awarded the Kappa Sigma Alumnus Advisor of the Year (1983) and an award for his 43 years of volunteer service to the Brotherhood.
After graduation, Doc enrolled in Vanderbilt Medical School, where he also completed his residency and later continued as a lecturer, receiving many awards, including the coveted Shovel Award for Outstanding Lecturer. Doc was an accomplished physician who maintained a thriving OB/GYN practice, delivering thousands of babies in Middle Tennessee, including those of US senators, a Tennessee governor, and the Vice President of the United States. Doc was such a notable figure in greater Nashville that upon his passing to the Chapter Celestial in 2003, the Nashville City Council passed a special resolution celebrating his remarkable and meaningful life.
Doc’s life and example has influenced every Kappa Chapter member, and he is still remembered when Alumni meet. His spirit can still be found throughout the Chapter House today. The Dr. James W. “Doc” Johnson Scholarship Leadership Award will go each year to the Kappa Chapter undergraduate, who, through Fellowship, Scholarship, Leadership, and Service, displays the love of Brotherhood and volunteer commitment that characterized our beloved “Doc.”
Now is the time to rally behind this historic initiative and honor the lasting legacy of Brother Dr. James "Doc" Johnson. Donate Now!
