The Chairman and Founder of Leon Medical Centers Benjamín León Jr. has made an impactful contribution to Florida International University— a $10 million gift in FIU's CasaCuba.
FIU CasaCuba will be a Cuban cultural center on FIU's campus and academic center that facilitates the discussion and study of Cuban affairs. The goal in mind is to help preserve Cuba's cultural legacy in South Florida.
"With this gift, our story lives on for generations to come," said León, who arrived in Miami fleeing political unrest in Cuba at the age of 16 years old. "Like many exiles, my family had to start anew, and they succeeded through hard work and perseverance. It is a great privilege to be able to contribute to the preservation and propagation of this American story."
CasaCuba will be located in proximity to the Modesto A. Maidique Campus. It intends to leverage the latest technology and have an exhibition space that will showcase FIU’s Cuba-related collections and expertise and include classrooms and other academic space. The building, which is being designed by HKS Architects and will be built by Thornton Construction, is planned to open in three years.
"This pivotal gift is a testament to Mr. León’s vision and generosity," said CasaCuba Executive Director Lydia Betancourt Space. "Not only does this extraordinary contribution bring us ever closer to making the dream of CasaCuba a reality, but it also represents an important endorsement of our historic mission. CasaCuba will be a moving experience for the exiled, the displaced, and the resilient in all of us."
