McPherson College today announced that an anonymous donor has established a $500,000 endowed scholarship fund for its Automotive Restoration students in honor of Alex Finigan, a respected classic car expert and beloved automotive enthusiast, who passed away in April 2023.
The scholarship will help students jumpstart their careers in classic cars through McPherson College’s one-of-a-kind Automotive Restoration Technology program – the only four-year degree in restoring classic cars.
“Alex would be touched to know that his legacy of kindness, inclusivity and passion for this industry will live on through the development of students who share his joy in the history, restoration and preservation of fine automobiles,” said the Finigan family in a statement.
A self-proclaimed gearhead, Finigan was one of the most respected experts in the field of classic cars and facilitated transactions of many of the most valuable cars in the world, helping friends and collectors obtain the cars of their dreams. Finigan’s expertise ranged from hot rods, Porsches, and rare Mercedes-Benzes to Volkswagen Beetles – the car he got his start from in the automotive world when he opened an independent VW repair business. He was an integral part of Paul Russell and Company since its founding in 1978, working first as a restoration mechanic and later as Classic Car Sales Manager.
“Alex was one of those people whose enthusiasm – for cars, people, and fun, was contagious. You could feel it from far away as soon as you saw that big, warm smile. The Alex Finigan Endowed Scholarship fund is an appropriate way to honor Alex and all he brought to the automotive endeavor,” said Amanda Gutierrez, provost of McPherson College. “Many students who share his same passion and are seeking to expand their knowledge and skillset will benefit from these scholarships.”
Anyone wishing to add to the scholarship fund in Finigan’s memory can do so by visiting www.mcpherson.edu/giving/make-a-gift/, selecting “Auto Restoration” in the gift designation menu, and entering “Finigan Scholarship” in the comment section.