$1 Million Birthday Gift

Jesuit High School celebrated its 118th birthday nine days late due to Hurricane Irma, but it was worth the wait.

During a birthday celebration Convocation on Wednesday (Sept. 20), Jesuit received a $1 million gift from the school's Foundation. It is the second $1 million gift from the Foundation toward Jesuit's $40 million 'For Greater Glory' capital campaign. (Click here for a Tampa Bay Business Journal story.)

The gift was announced by Foundation president Brian Mooney '81 at the special morning Convocation, during which Jesuit's 118^th birthday was celebrated with the student body. Also, Tampa City Councilman Mike Suarez issued a special commendation to Jesuit High School for the prominent role it has played in supporting and strengthening the city since the school's inception on Sept. 11, 1899. Jesuit was founded downtown before moving to its current Himes Ave location in 1956.

After Suarez spoke, Mooney, on behalf of the Foundation, announced the $1 million gift. Foundation member R.J. Robbins Jr. '77 presented the $1 million check to school president Fr. Richard C. Hermes, S.J. The first $1 million gift from the Foundation, in 2014, was earmarked toward Phase I of the 'For Greater Glory' campaign. Phase I is nearing completion and includes Gonzmart Hall, a 32,000-square foot administration building, and the beautiful Chapel of the Holy Cross. This new $1 million gift will go toward Phase II, which will feature a spectacular new Fine and Performing Arts Center as its centerpiece.

The Jesuit High School Foundation, Inc. is an independent advisory group comprised of alumni, current and past parents, and community friends. They pay membership dues and meet three times a year to report on various facets pertaining to the school. The Foundation was incorporated in 1960, though it was instrumental years prior to the building of the current Himes Ave. campus through private donations, investments, and advice. The mission of the Foundation is "To encourage, sponsor, and provide, through the services of its members and funds at its disposal, the existence, expansion, and growth of Jesuit High School, Tampa, Florida, as an institution of learning."

In addition to Mooney and Robbins, Foundation members present for Wednesday's ceremony and pictured on the homepage are: Brian Smith '87, Tom Willett '62, Mark Donohue '71, Luis Martinez-Monfort '90, Henry Gonzalez '86, Rudy Rodriguez '75, and Peter Hobson, P '09.

Please see below a photo slideshow and video: