Major Gift Announcement: Roberto Surís ‘79 & Family
Belen Jesuit is excited to share the news of a major gift by Roberto Surís ‘79 and family. This $6.5 million donation is a crucial step towards realizing the ambitious goals set in our 2022 Strategic Plan. This plan continues to move forward thanks to the unwavering support of our alumni, faculty, staff, families, and supporters.
“Since unveiling the Strategic Plan in 2022, we have focused on our five pillars, our roadmap for the future that has clearly defined our goals for the next few years,” said Belen President Fr. Willie M. García-Tuñón, S.J. ‘87. “We are very fortunate to have the Surís family step forward and support Belen Jesuit. Their generosity firmly supports a commitment to Belen’s continued growth and development and is a testament to the value of a Jesuit education.”
This generous donation supported the construction of the state-of-the-art Roberto Surís Athletic Center, which will open in the fall of 2024. The three-story, almost 60,000-square-foot building features two weight rooms, a gym, two dozen treadmills, ERG Machines, golf simulators, and much more. The Center will be the centerpiece of our athletic program.
“In the tapestry of my life, Belen stands as the sacred thread, woven with the bonds of friendship and brotherhood,” said Surís. “Together, we were held in the embrace of love and compassion, guided not only by earthly mentors but also by the presence of Jesus, whose teachings echoed through the halls. Through their spiritual guidance and unwavering support, our priests and teachers became pillars of strength, shaping our academic years and the rest of our lives, imbuing us with the values we now impart to our families.”
In March, Roberto was named the 2024 Belen Alumnus of the Year in recognition of his commitment to the place he recognizes had such a strong impact on his life, Belen Jesuit. “He is a true example of what it is to be a Belen alumnus,” said Fr. Willie.
Roberto was born in Cuba to a successful publishing family. His life was uprooted when Fidel Castro took power, and the family business was confiscated. Roberto’s family arrived in Miami in 1967. Faith in the Lord kept his parents focused. In 1974, Roberto started in the 9th grade at Belen’s “East” Campus, then located on “Calle Ocho” and 7th Avenue. He made many lifelong friendships there, with whom he still shares his life today. Roberto is a graduate of Florida International University and is the Managing Principal at The Estate Companies.
Every gift received helps us fulfill the goals outlined in the Strategic Plan, and we plan to announce many more leadership-level pledges in the future.
We continue to strive for greatness and need your help to achieve our goal. If you want to contribute to the school's vision, please contact Phil Fernandez ’94 at ffernandez@belenjesuit.org or 305-804-7683.
BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba by Queen Isabel II of Spain. The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline. In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the School property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. The School was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow. Today, Belen Jesuit sits on a 30-acre site in western Dade County, only minutes away from downtown Miami.