This fund was established in 2000 by Paul and Laura Dickert to support teaching and research programs in the M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Building Construction.

Paul received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida School of Building Construction in 1978. Paul has been a Florida Certified General Contractor (CG C01345) for over 30 years. He worked for Perry Lumber Company in 1978 becoming president and stockholder in 1981. This business was sold in 1996 when he began Denali, Inc. and served as president until 1984 when the business was sold.

Paul also served as a director of Perry Banking Company, a financial holding company, and Citizens State Bank from 1994 to 2010. He currently serves as president of Perry Banking Company and CFO of Citizens State Bank.

In 2003 Paul started U.S. Credit, Inc., a sales finance company headquartered in Gainesville, with another partner. Paul currently serves as the chairman of the board of U.S. Credit, Inc.

Paul and Laura have three children Erin, Adam and Ray who all received their bachelor’s degrees from the University of Florida. Erin received her bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2004. Adam received his bachelor’s degree in anthropology in 2006 and his master’s degree in management information services from the University of South Florida in 2009. Ray received his bachelor’s degree from the School of Building Construction in 2007.