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SAF alumni turn Directors' Gallery from "concept" to "reality"
By: Kelly Millar
Tucked away on the third floor of the School of Accounting and Finance the Directors' Gallery, commemorating past SAF Directors, has become a focal point for all who enter the upper-floor offices. 
Established in 2010, the gallery was made possible through the generous donations presented by Andrew Dunn (MAcc ‘87) and Shawn Porter (MAcc ‘88). In a special tribute to Dunn and Porter, the School arranged a quaint gathering unveiling a plaque in their honour; reuniting past directors with the two alumni who helped move the gallery from “concept” to “reality”.
“I'm excited about the Directors' Gallery on many levels,” explains Porter. “The etchings of the Directors are an imaginative way of permanently capturing an important element of the history of the School. At the same time, the Directors Gallery serves a practical purpose as a meeting room for those leading the School, now and in the future.”
The hidden gem on the third-floor surrounds the inner office boardroom with glass panels that contain the photos, names, and dates of the five people who have headed the School since its inception in 1981, they include: founding Director Jack Hanna, Howard Armitage, John Waterhouse, Morley Lemon, and Alister Mason.
James Barnett, SAF’s current Director will have his photo etched in glass within the next couple years as he plans to step down from the position in 2012, two years earlier than scheduled. “For me, it is an honour to be associated with this terrific group of people who represent 30 years of success as a School,” explains Barnett.
Porter, who was “overwhelmed” and “deeply touched” by the recognition, looks forward to continued collaborations with the School. However, it was his shared vision for the gallery that has permanently landed his name beside the past leaders of the School; a fitting tribute to a man who holds the School in the highest regard.
“At the risk of dreaming,” says Porter. “I hope the Directors' Gallery becomes a symbolic place where the culture and values of the School are preserved and where future Directors may turn for inspiration and wisdom.”
