Alumnus Donated $10 Million to Jesuit High School
The record-breaking bequest from Dr. Manuel Mon will support a major fundraising effort in Tampa.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Dr. Manuel Mon, a pediatrician who graduated from Jesuit High School in 1968, has pledged a $10 million bequest to his alma mater. The gift represents the largest donation in the school’s history.
Why it matters
The contribution bolsters a $100 million fundraising campaign launched by the school in August 2026. Dr. Mon credited the institution with providing the foundation for his four-decade career in medicine.
Dr. Mon’s $10 million bequest is the largest single donation in Jesuit High School history. He also provided an immediate $100,000 cash gift to the school.
The players
Dr. Manuel Mon
He is a retired pediatrician who practiced in Fort Myers for over 40 years and is a 1968 valedictorian graduate of Jesuit High School.
Jesuit High School
Located in Tampa, this institution is a private Catholic college preparatory school that is currently conducting a $100 million fundraising campaign.
The details
Dr. Mon announced the donation during a speech at the school convocation. He previously served as a pediatrician in Fort Myers for over 40 years after arriving in the U.S. from Cuba during the 1960s via Operation Peter Pan.
Timeline
Dr. Manuel Mon arrived in the U.S. from Cuba during the 1960s.
Dr. Manuel Mon graduated from Jesuit High School in 1968.
The school announced a $100 million fundraising campaign in August 2026.
The record donation was announced in September 2026.
Market Landscape
This donation follows a life shaped by Operation Peter Pan, which brought thousands of Cuban children to the U.S. in the 1960s. The gift significantly shifts the momentum of the school's $100 million campaign, positioning it to reach its infrastructure goals.
The infusion of funds into the $100 million campaign will likely accelerate planned campus improvements for current and future students. The donation reflects a significant investment in the long-term educational resources available to the local community.
The takeaway
Large-scale bequests often require years of estate planning before realization. Alumni considering similar legacy gifts can consult with institutional development offices to understand how these contributions align with school milestones.
Further reading
Learn more about local giving initiatives in Tampa Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tampa Bay Times.
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