Margaret Finley receives her honorary degree from Dr. Dan Struble.
Among this spring’s graduates, one very special degree was awarded to 97-year-old Margaret Finley, who received an honorary doctorate from Montreat College.
Mrs. Finley, a resident of St. Barnabas retirement apartments, was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters for her generous support of Montreat College students.
Past recipients so honored by the North Carolina school include The Rev. Billy Graham and Chuck Colson.
Mrs. Finley proudly displays the degree on her living room wall, saying she never expected to earn an advanced degree in her lifetime.
“My grandchildren say they’ll have to call me ‘Dr. Nana’ now,” she said, laughing.
Margaret Ferrell Finley was born in Chattanooga, where she has lived her entire life. She was married to the late W. Max Finley. She has been a loyal member of Moorings Presbyterian Church of Naples, Fl., and Central Presbyterian and Rivermont Presbyterian Churches of Chattanooga.
Throughout her life, she has demonstrated a deep interest in meeting the needs of young people and has quietly supported numerous Christian and educational organizations such as Montreat College. Her generous contributions and caring support have made possible a Christ-centered education for many students.
“Montreat College is delighted to award the highest honor we can bestow,” said Dr. Dan Struble, president of the college, explaining that Mrs. Finley was “selected based upon our board’s desire this year to honor someone who has provided a lifetime of service and support yet never sought nor received recognition.”
Montreat College is a Christian liberal arts institution in Montreat, N.C.
St. Barnabas is Chattanooga’s only not-for-profit, independent continuing care retirement community, providing short-term rehabilitation therapy, skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent retirement apartments on two downtown campuses.