On behalf of the Ed & Harriet Pillsbury Foundation, Don and Mary Pillsbury Wainwright made a $10,000 contribution in November 2010 to support the UMCOE Foundation’s startup expenses and initial funding to the College of Engineering. The Pillsbury Foundation was established by Mary’s grandfather, who graduated from MIT as an electrical engineer and was an apprentice to Thomas Edison. Mr. Pillsbury invented the single-phase impulsion-start motor which made home refrigeration possible before capacitors were invented. He started a very successful electrical motor company in 1900 called Century Electric and is recognized in the Smithsonian Institution for his contribution to society through engineering innovation.
Don Wainwright is a Mizzou COE alumni (BS ME ’63, MS ME ‘66) who is Chairman and CEO of Wainwright Industries in St. Peters, MO. This family-run business has been serving technologically advanced customers for more than 60 years, offering multifaceted components, quality engineering, and integrated materials management.
Wainwright Industries is comprised of two business units – manufacturing and service – with facilities in four U.S. locations. Their mission is to provide quality solutions to their customers. That commitment has led to numerous quality awards, including the esteemed Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the Missouri Quality Award, and the Industry Week Ten Best Plants in America Award. More importantly, their dedication to customers has led to years of repeat business and enduring partnerships.