Meet Stanley Manne ‘52

Stanley Manne is a self-made businessman, investor, and philanthropist whose belief in entrepreneurship has shaped his journey and countless others. Mr. Manne is a first-generation college student, the youngest of four boys, who credits his educational access and pursuits to his eldest brother, Louis, who launched a family business that provided Mr. Manne an opportunity to earn a chemical engineering degree at Columbia University in New York and an MBA from the University of Chicago, after graduating from the esteemed Bronx High School of Science in 1952.

During his professional career, Mr. Manne advanced from engineering positions in the manufacturing sector to the management of several businesses, purchasing Brawny Plastics in 1985 and continuing as the company’s owner. Mr. Manne utilized his leadership and business acumen at Brawny to become a savvy investor, through which Mr. Manne has developed keen and successful investments.

As Mr. Manne’s career flourished, he turned his attention to philanthropy and founded the Manne Family Foundation in 1997. The Foundation provides educational support, fosters self-sufficiency and success, and ensures access to healthcare through innovative care and research. The Foundation made a hallmark investment at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago to establish the Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute in 2014. The Institute is focused on improving child health, transforming pediatric medicine, and ensuring healthier futures through the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

When asked why he chose to make this gift to establish the Institute, Manne said, “I have always wanted to give something back to individuals who wish to rise above their challenges. I chose Lurie Children’s for this gift because I have personally seen children grow healthy through successful treatment at the hospital. These children are now adults who are making a difference in society.”

Recently, Mr. Manne turned his philanthropic attention back to his roots at the Bronx High School of Science. Inspired by his brother and motivated to provide an opportunity for students in the Bronx, Mr. Manne worked with the Foundation of the Bronx High School of Science to initiate construction of a new science laboratory, The Stanley Manne ’52 Science Institute, which will both construct a new research facility as well as provide an open neighborhood space for the whole Bronx community to access. The donation from Mr. Manne is the largest individual gift to the Bronx High School of Science Foundation and the largest gift to a New York City public school. A longtime Chicago resident, it was imperative to Mr. Manne to give back to the Bronx, where he grew up.

Mr. Manne and his wife Fern enjoy life and reside in both Chicago and Florida. Mr. Manne is actively trading and investing in both the market and the communities that matter most. It is anticipated he will get back to the Bronx more often as he mentors and meets with alumni and students during the construction of The Stanley Manne ’52 Science Institute.