School's benefactor set the example for public health service

Norman J. Arnold’s successful battle against pancreatic cancer was a life-changing event – not only for the longtime Columbia businessman but for thousands of graduates of the school that carries his name.

The scion of a family that made millions in real estate development and alcohol distribution, Arnold donated $10 million to the University of South Carolina in 2000.

It was a gift to the School of Public Health to help South Carolinians become healthier and see the quality of their lives improve.

Arnold himself set the example in 1982 after doctors discovered a malignant tumor on his pancreas and gave him six months to live.

Following the grim diagnosis, Arnold began an intensive study of pancreatic cancer, in which he learned of a physician who had successfully treated terminal cancer through a macrobiotic diet.

Embracing diet and philosophy, macrobiotic living calls for a diet primarily of grains, land and sea vegetables, fish, seeds and nuts. The philosophy encourages strong family relationships, exercise and an optimistic attitude.

Arnold, with the support of his wife, Gerry Sue, decided to embrace the holistic regimen. The gamble paid off in about 18 months when doctors declared Arnold completely free of cancer.

Born in Charleston, Arnold graduated from Oglethorpe College in Georgia in 1952. He then joined the Ben Arnold Company, named for his father who moved the business from Charleston to Columbia during the Depression. The original company was founded in 1906 by Arnold’s grandfather Isaac Ginsberg.

Except for a four-year tour as naval officer during the Korean War, Arnold immersed himself in the family business. Upon the sudden death of his father in 1962, he became president and CEO of the Ben Arnold Co.

Two years later, Arnold memorialized his father by founding the Ben Arnold Memorial Foundation. The foundation funds educational and health programs and built the Ben Arnold Memorial Boy's Club in Columbia - the first such facility in South Carolina. In 1997, he established the Norman J. Arnold Foundation.

Arnold was interested in health issues long before his generous gift to USC.

Because his father died of a heart attack at age 62, Arnold became interested in cardiovascular health.

He was chairman of the Richland County Heart Fund and served on the board of trustees of Providence Hospital, a major force in heart health in the Midlands. He also served on the Board of the Medical University of South Carolina Cardiovascular Institute for Research and Prevention.

Arnold and his wife made an additional gift to the Arnold School recently when they established an awards program to honor outstanding alumni.

Read Norman Arnold's remarks at the dedication of the school in his honor.