This fund was established by William P. “Bill” Bushnell to support instructional or research programs at the University of Florida.

Bill Bushnell was born on November 11, 1906, and was a native of Tampa, FL. He earned a degree in engineering in 1928 from the University of Florida, and entered the steel industry. He developed an array of successful companies including Bushnell Steel Works, Bushnell Steel Products, Inc., Florida Metals, Inc., and Florida Steel Corporation. He also served as the Town Commissioner of Belleair Shores in Pinellas County. Bill was married to Janet Bushnell and passed away on July 2, 1998.