This fund was established in 2008 by William T. Hartman, Michael S. Hartman and Frank W. Hartman, in honor of their father, Merton T. Hartman, Jr., who provided each with confidence, inquisitiveness, a positive perspective, leadership skills, strong work ethic, a sense of accomplishment and the joy of wonderment.

Merton was born on July 12, 1911 in Gainesville, graduated from Gainesville High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida in 1934. He also played on the UF football team and was a former owner of Hartman’s Dairy in Gainesville. After serving overseas in the Pacific during WWII, he returned home where he worked for the Trane Company throughout the state of Florida for over 30 years. Two of Merton’s sons, William and Michael, also earned their bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering from UF in 1965 and 1970, respectively. His youngest son Frank earned a mechanical engineering degree from Georgia Tech in 1971. Merton passed away March 15, 199