This fund was established by Phil and Barbara Emmer in 2002 for the purpose of supporting the acquisition of works of art for the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art’s permanent collection.

Phil earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1949. He served with the Gainesville and National Homebuilder’s Association and the City of Gainesville’s Housing Board. He is a developer and commercial blueberry farmer. In 1954, Phil founded Emmer Development Corporation in Miami, FL. The company moved to Gainesville in the 1960s, where the name was changed to Lincoln Estates Inc. Phil is chairman of the company.

Phil is an honorary alumnus of the University of Florida. He also serves as president and CEO of Florida Blueberries, Inc. and has received numerous service and humanitarian awards.

Barbara Emmer earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Georgia Tech 1949.

Phil and Barbara have three children.