The South Bend Alumni Association recently honored a couple, Greg and Mary Downes, inducting them into the Community Hall of Fame. This is fitting recognition for a lifetime played at a hall-of-fame level by Mary and Greg.
It got me thinking about my own legacy. Twenty-five years from now, will I be hall-worthy? If not, it won’t be because I was missing an example of leadership, duty, and compassion in the community. It won’t be because I didn’t have the opportunity to regularly and consistently observe the lesson – as President Kennedy borrowed from Luke 12:48 – that “to whom much is given, much is required.” And it won’t be because I didn’t have someone challenging my thinking and wondering if I’ve done my part. That’s because I’ve had the honor and good fortune of working for and alongside Greg for the past dozen years at Gibson. Luckily, this meant I also had a number of moments to engage with Mary, too.
Speaking of “luck,” I remember Mary sending me an email after reading a blog of mine on the topic where I recognized some mentors for helping create luck in my life. She wondered if I had any female mentors (since I didn’t mention any in my post). Her kind, simple, and direct email really made me think. I asked her if she had room to take me on since she had done some fine work with others!
In fact, I could fill multiple pages with my warm regard for Greg and Mary Downes, but I want to share with you how others feel about them. These few examples just scratch the surface of the impact this couple has had in our community.
Mary and Greg Downes are model residents and have shaped our community in countless ways. It is rare to encounter people who have played such a consequential role with so little ego. When either one of them calls, I know it is about something worthwhile, and they are always there for me with insights and advice when I or the City need their help. Best of all, they can discuss sensitive and important topics with good humor--a quality I wish more people had, especially in and around politics.
- Mayor Pete Buttigieg, City of South Bend
I think of Greg and Mary Downes as the ultimate power couple in the best possible sense. They are powerful by virtue of their commitment to the common good, their practical wisdom, and their willingness to roll up their sleeves to do the work that needs to be done. They are wonderfully generous people. They don’t shy away from tough issues. It is hard not to think of them when something needs to be done.
And they are motivated by a desire to help rather than any desire for recognition. That is why I am so delighted to see them recognized.
- Rose Meissner, Community Foundation
During our lives we meet some extraordinary people who give back to their community in one or two sectors. Never have I met and watched such a dynamic duo give to all four sectors of our community: business, education, government, and not-for-profit organizations. From Greg’s impact on his fellow Executive Forums members with his solid thinking process and exposure to so many industries, to their support and work with local schools, to Mary’s leadership in support of Mayor and then Governor Kernan, and finally both of their engagement with so many community organizations.
- Tony Hutti, Executive Forums
Since I can remember, my parents always seemed to care about the world around them. They care about their community. They care about people who are less fortunate or facing tough circumstances. They understand that, while they worked incredibly hard for what they have and to get where they are, they themselves have been fortunate in many ways too. And they have never been afraid to do the work that’s necessary to help strengthen a community.
I think that’s the difference. A lot of people are well-intentioned and want to do good, but life and work and family and all kinds of other things get in the way. But my parents weren’t ever afraid to step into a problem and do the actual work that it takes. That means showing up, going to meetings, doing the homework, investing time and energy, and being an active participant in the community, not just a passenger.
My dad’s favorite bit of advice is to "do what you say you’re going to do when you say you’re going to do it.” I’ve encountered few, if any, people in my life that embody that sentiment more than my parents do. And I couldn’t be more proud to be their son.
- Scott Downes, Mary & Greg’s son
What’s The Risk?
Thanks to Mary and Greg, our community has been a safer and stronger place. They’ve provided leadership in so many ways, sometimes on the front lines with their sleeves rolled up and other times behind the scenes with quiet wisdom and support. They’ve created and helped mentor future leaders. They’ve left a legacy and they’re not done yet.
The risk is who is up next? I hope at least that you and I are on deck. Then what? Are we doing our part to continue living their legacy while inspiring the next generation of leaders?
As we get busy with our families and careers, it’s so easy to put off our own engagement. We’ll help “just as soon as things settle down.” As the years go by, we leave it up to others like Greg and Mary. But what happens when they’re not there?
Greg and Mary wouldn’t like all this attention. It’s not why they do what they do. Thankfully they’ve inspired so many with their self-less attitudes and approach. They have taught us that being a leader means more than just leading your family or your company. It also means leading your community.
As Tony Hutti wrote to me, “Yes, they touched all the bases in our community and you might say hit a home run for their fellow humanity.” A hall-worthy career indeed, Tony.
