At the August 23 MAA board meeting and luncheon, we had a special treat: the unveiling of a portrait of Drs. Sara and Wayne Finley--an event which was a surprise to the two. The luncheon was attended by several of the donors and members of the Finley family. Dr. Sara and Dr. Wayne were very surprised to see their loved ones at the Medical Alumni Building and were curious to discover the reason.
During lunch Dr. Gillis Payne, who was very involved in the planning and fund raising, unveiled the portrait and explained how it came about. The 40th reunion of the Class of 1968 coincided with two honors bestowed upon Dr. Wayne Finley: the American Academy of Pediatrics' Della Robia Award, and his nomination by the Myers Role Model Committee. At the time Ed Rainey ('68) remarked that Dr. Sara Finley should also be recognized, given the overlapping nature of the couple's careers, and because both Drs. Finley have been instrumental in guiding the careers of so many successful medical practitioners over the years. Ed and Peyton Taylor ('68) promoted the idea that a dual portrait of the couple be commissioned; soon Gillis Payne ('68), Tom Vaughan ('67), Harold Gebhart ('68), and Clarence McDanal ('70) stepped forward to finance the project, awarding the commission to Alabama artist Jared Kelley.
Underscoring the impact that the Finleys have had on their many students, other alumni - Sara Williams ('74), Dent Williams ('71), Barry Wilson ('67), Merrill Barron ('70), and Tracy Parks ('92) - have generously contributed an additional $2000 to the MAA to assist students in need.
"We had many instructors in our medical education," said the donor group, "but Drs. Sara and Wayne were inspiring teachers. No portrait can capture their true spirits, but we hope this conveys some of the esteem and love we have for them."
The portrait of the Finleys will be on permanent display in the Medical Alumni Building. We invite all who have benefited from their warmth, knowledge and guidance to stop by and see this heartfelt work of art.
To see pictures from the unveiling, click here.
