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Findley named outstanding AHS grad
Published Saturday, October 11, 2008
Photo by Michele Gerlach
Findley rides in the homecoming parade.
Murray Findley was honored Friday morning at his alma mater as this year’s outstanding graduate.
Findley, a member of the Class of 1948, was instrumental in forming the Class of ’48 Foundation, which has awarded approximately $85,000 in scholarships to graduates of Andalusia High School. Last year, he and his wife established the Murray and Clare Findley study abroad scholarship, which funds a summer study experience for a recipient of the foundation’s academic scholarship.
It was his personal interest in international study that led Findley to establish the scholarship. The founder and former chairman and CEO of Sobel Westex, a global manufacturer and distributor of luxury hotel linens, spends time studying abroad each summer. His first study abroad experience came in 1986, and he has since earned a master’s degree in international relations from Cambridge.
In addition, he’s been a Shakespearean scholar at the International Summer School at Cambridge from 1985-2000, and studied French at the Institut de Francais, in Villefranche-S-Mer, France, in the summers between 1997 and 2006.
“His love of Shakespeare – and of language in general – is a direct result of the influence of Miss Clyde Simmons, long time English teacher,” wrote his classmate Gene Sutton in nominating Findley for the award.
While language might have been his first love, he studied business administration as an undergraduate at Georgia State University because it was a practical choice, he said.
“I knew I had to make a living,” he said.
The lessons must have served him well. In addition to Sobel Westex, Findley also co-founded Westex Manufacturing Corp., which manufactures table linen, napkins, aprons, etc. for the hospitality industry. He also is the former chairman and CEO of Coast Drapery Service in Las Vegas, Nev., which supplies draperies for rooms and public space as well as other window treatments for luxury hotels.
Findley’s civic and social involvement includes governmental service, public office, military service and numberous fraternal organizations. He is an Eagle Scout and former Scout master; a 32nd degree Mason; a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; the UNLV Foundation; a U.S. Navy veteran; and a member of the Royal Ocean Racing Club in London.
Comments
Posted by admin23 (anonymous) on October 11, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Above you will find a fine example of an Andalusia High School graduate. At first, I was not sure where to place my comment. Then it came to me what better place than here? Right under what an Andalusia High School graduate should be, proud, honorable, and respected.
Following Homecoming weekend here in Andalusia I feel compelled to make a few, comments. These are my opinions and I know that there will be those that do not agree, to each their own. When I attended Andalusia High School, which was only a little over a decade ago, there was a sense of pride. A feeling of respect from other schools. From what I have seen that is not being taught to the students anymore. I understand times change. But from the outside looking in, these students need a few of those individuals that made you believe in being a student at Andalusia. Don't take what I'm saying the wrong way, there are still a few that believe in Andalusia, but those few can't seem to pick up the pieces. As the parade came through town the hard work of the students was shown on the class floats. What happened to the club cars? I can only recall a couple and I can remember when the parade was full of cars decorated by each club. Are the students too busy spray painting cars to enjoy such activities? As the parade continued on for the next couple of minutes I watched the football team approach on foot...yes...on foot. I'm sure they are all in good health, but I don't remember too many coaches who would allow the football team to walk through downtown before a big game? I can't recall exactly but from what I remember they always rode on a bus or a float. The band was never caught without uniforms. Parade or game. Hot or not, your jacket was never taken off after the game and then not only was your jacket removed but so were the pants. Tommy Grimes would never have you wear half a uniform. This is not saying the band is not a good band, they sound wonderful but these are the things that have always made Andalusia stand apart from the other schools in this county. I feel as a city, parents, grandparents, and alumnus we must help the students realize that Andalusia is the best school in this county and teach the children how to believe in what we already know. Take pride in your school students. Be proud to be from Andalusia, it's something that people will recognize you for through the rest of your life.
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