Alumnus Thomas Duncan Donates $1.1 Million to FAMU
The 2001 graduate announced the multi-million dollar gift during the Florida A&M University homecoming convocation.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Thomas Duncan, a two-time Florida A&M University graduate, committed $1.1 million to his alma mater during the annual homecoming convocation held at the Lawson Center in Tallahassee. This contribution includes $100,000 specifically designated for student scholarships.
Why it matters
The donation supports ongoing efforts to bolster financial resources for students and university programs, following a trend of significant alumni contributions. The announcement coincided with a $2 million gift to the Marching 100 from Bernard and Shirley Kinsey.
Thomas Duncan pledged $1 million to the university alongside $100,000 for student scholarships. These funds follow his 2020 sale of Trusted Health Plan to CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield for $120 million.
The players
Thomas Duncan
He is a two-time Florida A&M University alumnus who previously sold his health company, Trusted Health Plan, for $120 million.
Angela Suggs
She serves as the Florida A&M University Special Assistant to the President and Advisor for Intercollegiate Athletics.
Bernard Kinsey
He is a prominent donor who, alongside Shirley Kinsey, contributed $2 million to the university's marching band.
Ashlyn Wilcox
She is a five-year-old resident of Lakeland who participated in the convocation by delivering affirmations.
The details
Duncan, who earned degrees from the university in 2001 and 2003, served as the keynote speaker for the event organized by FAMU Special Assistant to the President Angela Suggs. The convocation also featured affirmations from five-year-old Lakeland resident Ashlyn Wilcox.
Timeline
Thomas Duncan spoke at the convocation on October 23, 2026.
The homecoming parade is scheduled for October 24, 2026.
Festivities conclude on October 26, 2026.
Duncan sold his health plan company in 2020.
Market Landscape
This donation reinforces the role of high-net-worth alumni in stabilizing university finances, a trend mirrored by the Kinsey family's support for the Marching 100. Such capital injections strengthen the institution's ability to compete for talent against other state universities.
Students may benefit from increased scholarship availability as the university processes these new commitments. The broader infusion of capital aims to enhance student resources and support programs that serve the campus community.
The takeaway
Large-scale philanthropic gifts from alumni often serve as critical funding sources for institutional growth and student financial aid. These donations can significantly influence the availability of scholarships and the longevity of university programs.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational support in the Tallahassee Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tallahassee Democrat.
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