This endowment was established in 1986 by the widow of Charles M. Shinn, Jr., Betty, and his four children, Beth Shinn Kempe of Atlanta, GA, Charles M. Shinn, III of Vero Beach, Melissa Shinn Glikes of Gainesville, and James M. Shinn of Winter Haven.

The Shinn family has been in the citrus industry for four generations and is still actively involved in groves in Polk and Indian River counties under the names Shinn Groves and Tree-O Groves Inc.

Charles M. “Bud” Shinn, Jr. was a graduate of the University of Florida and participated in many activities connected with the University. He also served two terms as a member of the Florida Citrus Commission in the 1970s.

Two of the Shinn children, Charles M. Shinn III and Melissa Shinn Glikes, are also graduates of the University of Florida.