By By JOHN EBY / Edwardsburg Argus
Wealth is a good thing, but it brings with it responsibility and must be managed, says James F. Scarpone of Buchanan, who believes good things happen to those who do good things for others.
Addressing 167 people at Southwestern Michigan College's fifth annual Donor Recognition Dinner last week prior to the unveiling of the new Donor Recognition Wall outside the auditorium of the Dale A. Lyons Building, Scarpone recalled the inspiration he derives from the “powerful legacies” of two full lives.
One was Charles E. Martin Sr., who lived from 1943 to 1994. Martin dedicated 25 years of his life as YMCA director, developing the youth of his community. His motto was, “Touch a life every day, one life at a time.”
The other “very powerful legacy” Scarpone experienced was watching the Vascular Disease Center go up at the Mayo Clinic thanks to the Gonda family.
Strong endowments “are the backbone of any college or universi