Sang-Yong Nam, who led push for Korean studies at University of Michigan, dies at age 77
As Sang-Yong Nam would tell the story, he arrived in Ann Arbor in 1964 with $4 in his pocket. When he died Tuesday from cancer at age 77, he left a legacy of a successful businessman and his name on the Nam Center for Korean Studies at the University of Michigan.
Sang-Yong Nam at the Distinguished Korean Studies Scholars Lecture Series in January 2010.
Courtesy of the Nam Center for Korean Studies
“He came to Ann Arbor with almost nothing,” said Nojin Kwak, the director of the Nam Center. “He made a fortune because of hard work, and he really wanted to give back to the community.”
Nam, a 1966 U-M graduate, first pushed for Korean language courses at Michigan in 1984, and the Korean Studies Program was launched in 1995. The center was named after Nam in 2010.
The Nam Center provides a hub for Korean studies on campus, Kwak said. The center provides a platform for art, lecture, series, fellowships, scholarships and funding for public programs such as a regular film series at the Michigan Theater
Kwak said Nam, who developed Nam Building Management Co. in Ann Arbor with his wife, Moon Sook Nam, grew to love the university, and he donated $4 million for the Nam Center and $2 million in other ways to U-M.
“He became a Michigan Man,” Kwak said.
Nam’s sons — Andrew and Anthony — and his seven grandchildren — Alexandra, Andrea, Amelia, Aaron, Anabel, Aidan and Avery — all have names that begin with the letter “A” for a reason. The “A,” Kwak said, serves to honor Ann Arbor and America.
Comments
a2roots
Fri, Apr 1, 2011 : 3:01 p.m.
I also knew Sang and am sad to hear of his death. He was a benevolent and kind individual. In his efforts to provide affordable housing he also held the dubious distinction as the owner and provider of rental units that regularly had city code violations. To his credit he did act on correcting the problems.
Danl
Fri, Apr 1, 2011 : 3 p.m.
Back in 1977 I met Sang Y Nam - he was my first landlord - on 917 Packard. He rented an apartment to me and 2 buddies and was a good landlord. I remember when we all went away over xmas break and turned the heat off to save $$; but instead the pipes froze and he had a huge plumbing bill. He acknowledged that in trying to save him money, we cost him more than what was saved, but he seemed genuinely appreciative that we had tried to save him money. My thoughts go out to his family.
a2grateful
Fri, Apr 1, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.
"Hello, my dear friend . . . How are you and your family?" These are words that I heard many times while gazing upon Mr. Nam's smiling face, while shaking his hand. He was a warm and caring person. His affections were genuine. Although Mr. Nam was an astute business person, he was one that remembered, and remained true to, his humble beginnings in the US. I repeatedly witnessed Mr. Nam extending his helping hands to those in need. He and his family have provided affordable housing to many, in an area long known for its lack of it. I am very grateful to know Mr. Nam and his family. Condolences!
mr_annarbor
Fri, Apr 1, 2011 : 1:09 p.m.
He really was a great guy. I met him five years ago, and he always had a good word for me, even though I didn't know him all that well. He'll be missed.
Jon Saalberg
Fri, Apr 1, 2011 : 12:12 p.m.
A very nice man, indeed. I use to see him most days on my bike ride home from work - he lived in the neighborhood where I worked out of a home office. He would always greet me as I rode by, and I stopped a few times to talk with, him for a pleasant late afternoon word or two.
DFSmith
Fri, Apr 1, 2011 : 12:06 p.m.
RIP, Mr Nam.
cook1888
Fri, Apr 1, 2011 : 12:05 p.m.
Condolences to his family. He represents what America was once noted for - a hard working, self made man.