Thanks to everyone, both pro and con, who has read and/or responded to the Lanphier Center post. I just ran across the info this morning and thought that readers of this board might find it as interesting as I did.
I also expected that the news would cause a bit of a stir, so I welcome and thank responders both for the kind remarks as well as the thoughtful challenges. I have to admit that I was torn in a couple of directions when I read about Edward and Cameron Lanphier’s generous bequest.
A bit of background. I’m a middle class guy who grew up in and around people of means—many whom I admire and a few who I don’t. Not knowing Mr. Lanphier personally makes any judgment of him even more problematic, but we do have a business record. The tricky thing about it is that the Edward Lanphier story has not been fully written yet. As everyone knows, the end of the tale could go either way: the company could go belly up (and this gentleman still will have made out like a bandit) or it could become the Apple or Microsoft of biotech. Likely the result will be somewhere in between, but I’m leaning toward the latter. Regardless, even though he is quite well compensated, as a leader of such a company he has tremendous responsibilities on his plate and a host of patients whose care—particularly considering the risky nature of the genome editing endeavor—must surely weigh upon him. With great reward comes great responsibility.
I have taken a bigger gamble than I probably should on this company and am currently not very happy with the share price, so I am sympathetic to those like Ryno and Excitabullboy who wonder aloud about a guy having a building named after him at a prestigious high school when his company has not yet realized its stated potential. By the same token, I am an optimist who seeks out people and organizations that seem to be drawn to a higher calling—who for reasons of both self-actualization and service to others, glory and commitment to learning and innovation, are willing to take chances while going for the proverbial gold. Brilliant scientific or artistic achievement is not necessarily inconsistent with worldly gain, though the former should precede the latter.
I know, also, that I am speaking out of both sides of my mouth—and I probably will continue to do so, until we know how this story turns out. The Edward and Cameron Lanphier Center for Mathematics and Computer Science is an indirect part of the Sangamo Biosciences chronicle. It is a side note, for sure, but one that I thought shareholders would be interested in. Finally, it is one that I give a thumbs-up to, my reservations and yours notwithstanding.
Thanks for responding.
Agua