Cultivating Growth
The Patterson Botanical Garden
![Joy and Gordon Patterson](/media/site-specific/wwwfitedu/alumni-amp-giving/images/impact/pattersons.jpg)
A serene stream bordered by a shady hammock, abundant with palm trees and other tropical growth, winds through the heart of Florida Tech’s campus. This is the setting for a remarkable 15-acre botanical garden, one of the most unique campus botanical gardens in the continental United States.
Maintaining this special place is made possible in large part through the generosity of Joy and Gordon Patterson. Both members of the Florida Tech faculty, the Pattersons established the Joy and Gordon Patterson Fund for the garden, ensuring its beauty and tranquility are preserved for future generations.
Skyward Together
Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust
![Bill Morris](/media/site-specific/wwwfitedu/alumni-amp-giving/images/impact/bill-morris.jpg)
Bill Morris Advanced Flight Scholar Blake Eric Wolanin ’22 and all Florida Tech aeronautics students have benefited from more than $4 million in support from the Buehler Perpetual Trust since 2006.
Florida Tech has been awarded a $1M grant from the Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust. “This grant will be instrumental in allowing the College of Aeronautics to continue to expand and to serve the needs of future pilots,” said John E. Deaton, Ph.D., dean and professor of the College of Aeronautics.
The Buehler Trust has consistently supported Florida Tech, keeping it at the forefront of aviation industry. Their contributions include the establishment of the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research. This state-of-the-art facility houses the college’s flight opeations, featuring an aircraft maintenance team and hangar, pilot briefing rooms, lounge and planning areas, and a fleet of over 40 aircraft.