The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) recently broke ground on the W. W. Glenn Teaching Building, a modern learning space that will elevate hands-on education for students in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE) Department. Among the champions of this initiative is Dana Eller, a 1995 UF graduate and president of MWI Pumps, a family-owned business based in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
MWI Pumps Fundraising Efforts
Dana Eller played a pivotal role in the fundraising efforts, rallying support on Gator Nation Giving Day by matching contributions and bringing awareness to the project. The new building reflects a shared vision for state-of-the-art facilities that foster collaboration and innovation. It includes a design space and a mechanical workshop, offering students opportunities to engage in hands-on engineering and agricultural operations management.
Growing a Legacy
MWI Pumps, under the leadership of Dana Eller, has long upheld a legacy rooted in agricultural engineering. Dana’s father, J. David Eller, who also studied agricultural engineering at UF, utilized his education to revolutionize water pumping technology. This legacy has influenced generations, with several family members including Dana’s siblings Daren and Danielle earning engineering degrees from UF.
Reflecting on his contributions, Dana Eller emphasized the personal connection: “One of the things I’m proud of is being able to support the new building. The department holds countless memories for my family and me.”
About UF/IFAS, ABE and The W. W. Glenn Teaching Building
The W. W. Glenn Teaching Building honors the legacy of W. W. “Coon Bottom” Glenn, a UF alumnus and trailblazer in Florida agriculture, alongside former ABE faculty Dr. Wendell Porter and Dr. Ray Bucklin. This transformative project underscores the deep ties between UF, its alumni, and Florida’s agricultural community, exemplified by the Ellers and MWI Pumps.
The new facility will stand as a testament to the dedication of UF alumni like Dana Eller, who are shaping the future of agricultural and biological engineering education.
To read the full article on the Funding for the new building, please visit: The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) blog page here
