Paul G. Franklin and his wife, Harriette, established this fund to support UF students.

Paul Franklin was a Ft. Myers, Fla., businessman dedicated to improving the lives of less fortunate area residents. He figured prominently in the Ft. Myers Housing Authority and Chamber of Commerce. He and his father, W. P. Franklin, are credited with being the first to bring “affordable housing” to the Dunbar Community. A 1923 UF graduate of the college of engineering and a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, Paul served for many years on the Lee Memorial Hospital Board. Franklin Hardware in Ft. Myers was owned and operated by Paul and Harriette for most of their lives. It became the largest hardware store between Miami and Tampa.

Harriette served as president of the Fort Myers Women’s Community Club and the Periwinkle Garden Club. Both organizations are dedicated to the cultural enhancement and beautification of Ft. Myers. Harriette passed away six months prior to Paul in 198