University of New England

The Beverly Burpee Finley '44 Recreation Center was constructed in 1989 to provide the former Westbrook College with an athletic facility, following the conversion of the former MacArthur Gymnasium into library space.

The facility was constructed because of the interest and generous support of Massachusetts businessman and Westbrook College Trustee Jack D. Finley. His donation of $1,000,000 was used to build a gymnasium named in honor of his wife, Beverly Burpee Finley, a Westbrook College graduate.

Jack and Beverly Finley provided decades of leadership and support to Westbrook College and more recently to the University of New England. Following Jack Finley's death December 20, 1999, the Jack D. Finley Memorial Plaza was constructed to the west of the main entrance of the Recreation Center and dedicated to his memory in September 2001.

The Recreation Center is a one-and-a-half story postmodern brick building that complements the campus's contemporary and traditional designs.

The facility provides recreation, fitness and wellness programs, for the University and local Portland area communities. In the words of the Finley Recreation Center's 2001 guiding principles." Provide quality programs that are efficient and effective for students, faculty, staff, and the Maine community".