Jesuit High School of Tampa - Excelsior! Campaign - President's Dinner - 8-29-26

It was a $100 million night for Jesuit High School! Saturday, August 29, 2026 at the JW Marriott downtown, Jesuit president Fr. Vincent Giacabazi, S.J., before more than 600 of the school's biggest supporters, announced the public phase of Jesuit's transformational $100 million 'Excelsior!' campaign! Better yet, Father announced that during the campaign's quiet phase, the school already has raised $69 million! Father's special announcements were the culmination of a phenomenal evening. The annual President's Dinner showcased student talent in robotics, engineering, music, and more during the cocktail hour, and then inside the ballroom, the Jesuit Duo – vocal sensation Juan Amador '27 and elite violinist Nicolas Quesada '29 – opened the event with a beautiful rendition of "Danny Boy," while Peter McCauley '27 deftly handled the evening's master of ceremonies duties. 'Excelsior!' which means “higher” or “ever upward” in Latin, will strengthen Jesuit in Tampa for generations by investing fully in its people, programs, and facilities. "‘Excelsior!’ represents the largest investment we have ever made in support of our mission and the people entrusted to our care,” Fr. Giacabazi said. “This investment will strengthen the experience of every student by providing new resources and technology; it will allow us to invest in additional personnel and professional development; and it will expand opportunities for students to grow through service, faith formation, and immersion experiences.” The campaign ensures the 127-year-old school will continue forming young men in the Tampa Bay area in the nearly 500-year tradition of Jesuit education. “'Excelsior!' is an extraordinary investment in Jesuit’s mission and its future,'' said director of development Nick Suszynski '98. "The generosity of our alumni, parents, and friends reflects their belief in the transformative impact of a Jesuit education and ensures that this mission will remain strong for generations to come.” Stay tuned for much more from Saturday's historic President's Dinner and 'Excelsior!' – Jesuit's landmark $100 million campaign.