Donor Profiles
The Emil Buehler Trust Helps Elevate the College of Aeronautics to New Heights

Emil Buehler (1899–1983) was an aviation visionary, architect and engineer who left a lasting legacy to aviation science and technology. During his lifetime, Buehler believed that the majesty and mystery of flight was a vision to be shared.

Today, it is that vision that continues to drive the philanthropic involvement of the Buehler Trust, established in 1984 to perpetuate Buehler’s memory.

At Florida Tech, the Buehler Trust’s generosity will initiate a renaissance in the College of Aeronautics.

Through a $1.5 million grant, work will begin this year on the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Education and Research. This $5 million facility, comprised of a 12,000-square-foot main building and a 14,000-square-foot hangar, will be located on eight acres on the south side of the Melbourne International Airport. In addition to flight training, students and scientists will enjoy state-of-the-art research centers in human factors and simulation research and take advantage of valuable hands-on opportunities in the growing
aeronautics field.

“We’re delighted that the Emil Buehler Trust placed its trust in us to build upon a strong tradition of educating our remarkable students in the College of Aeronautics,” said Florida Tech President Anthony J. Catanese. “This new center will provide the aeronautics students with the strength of resources that our students in engineering and the sciences now take for granted.”

The center, which is estimated for completion in spring 2008, will serve approximately 275 students each semester. It will be instrumental in helping to recruit the best and brightest students, while also advancing Florida Tech’s profile within the aviation community.

Thanks to the Buehler Trust, Florida Tech aeronautics students will enjoy a top-notch research and learning environment and honor the memory of their facility’s namesake as they share in his vision and his passion for flight.