Virginia Munger*

Virginia Munger served the profession of recreation and parks for more than 43 years. She became an intern for her beloved City of Detroit and subsequently became a full-time employee (1966). Virginia’s life evolved around her profession and she devoted her time, energy, and dedication to it by extending her specialized efficiency at the city, state and national levels.

Virginia was involved in a number of professional firsts which facilitated opportunities for women and minorities in Michigan and throughout the U.S. These firsts included: Board member of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association and Chair, National Recreation and Park Association Regional Council (19 years), Founder and Chair of Michigan Recreation and Park Association’s Minority Affairs Committee, co-founder member and Chair of the National Recreation and Park Association Ethnic Minority Society, and, Trustee and Board member of the National Recreation and Park Association.

Affectionately called “Mother Munger” by many she is one of the true pioneers in our profession of recreation and parks. Her articulate nature clearly expressed her compassion, dedication and importance of our roles as leaders to the communities we serve. Virginia’s legacy as a distinguished leader carries on through her co-workers, community groups and our future leaders. She and her leadership team went into different communities to mobilize volunteers, emphasizing teamwork and most of all respect, to establish partnership with businesses, churches and schools in order to educate and inspire people of all ages to use their leisure time peacefully, effectively and professionally. She eagerly dispensed advice and wisdom with class and dignity. She accepted each responsibility with a tenacity that excited those she worked with and whether she was working with disabled in a recreation center or she had been given a special appointment made by the Mayor of Detroit, or her last assignment for the Detroit Parks and Recreation Department as Specialized Services Coordinator; she always expected to do her best. Although Virginia respected the recreation needs of all ages she had a special interest in meeting the needs of young people, professionals as well as clientele.

Virginia’s compassion for others is further demonstrated by her active involvement in numerous civic and social organizations. She was the 17th President of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (sponsor of Delta Home for Girls at Risk), Past President of Women of Wayne Alumni Association, Executive Board Member of the Metropolitan Detroit YWCA and North-end Youth Improvement Association – Adopt a Child Program and Advisor and Board Member of the Detroit Striders Track Club.

Virginia J. Munger commanded the greatest respect from everyone who met her, the old fashioned way, she earned it!