John P. Shibles '65 to Be Honored at Fourth Annual Green Tie Gala

Saint Joseph High School is excited to announce that award-winning real estate investor and entrepreneur John P. Shibles ‘65 will be honored with the Father André Coindre Service Award at the fourth annual Green Tie Gala on November 11, 2023 at The Heldrich, hotel and conference center in New Brunswick. 

A member of the inaugural Saint Joe’s graduating class of 1965, Shibles has been a long time contributor to the school’s success. 

Dating back to the school’s first capital campaign in 2003, Shibles and his late wife Teri built the Memorial Courtyard, dedicated to those Brothers of the Sacred Heart and Partners in Mission that have served at the school. He also created a tribute to alumni that passed on September 11, 2001. 

Across from the memorial wall and 9/11 monument, Shibles commissioned a lifesize sculpture called “Guidance” to honor his lifelong mentor Brother Ronald Cairns, S.C. His most recent gift overhauled the Falcons Robotics program, including new 3D printers and a redesign of the entire makerspace. 

“We are extremely grateful for all of the support that John Shibles has shown Saint Joe’s over the last 50 years,” President John G. Nolan, Jr. said. “John is a model for all Falcons, past, present and future, to follow. Aside from being a successful real estate developer and entrepreneur, John’s passion for philanthropy is one that should be admired by all. We look forward to celebrating John and his family at the Gala in November.”

After graduating Quincy University in May 1969 with an economics degree, Shibles later obtained his Masters in Business Administration from Pace University. A real estate developer since 1971, Shibles has owned or partnered in 47 projects including houses and condos, as well as retail partnerships with Home Depot, CVS and Chipotle. He received the New Jersey Builders Award for the Best Custom House and the Best Commercial Property in New Jersey.

“Saint Joe’s has been such a huge part of my life over the past six decades,” Shibles said. “It is where I became a man of service and learned about the Brothers of the Sacred Heart’s commitment to helping the underserved. I am humbled and honored to receive the Father André Coindre Service Award.”

Shibles has two sons, Scott and J.C., along with five grandchildren, Ryan, Colin, Brendan, Rowan and Claire. Shibles’ wife Teri passed away in 2013 after a battle with cancer. A classic 1930s car enthusiast, Shibles’ collection has been on display across the country, including at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. He attends car shows around the world with his wife, Jill Devlin, who he married in 2020.

Shibles is involved with Allaire Community Farm, an active farm devoted to kids with special needs and farm animals. Additionally, he celebrates his birthday every year by donating to personal philanthropic causes.

“It gives me great satisfaction to give to charities on my birthday,” Shibles said. “It's my way of sharing and saying ‘Thank You’ for all of my blessings.”

Proceeds from the fourth annual Green Tie Gala will be directed to The Saint Joseph Annual Fund, allowing the school to continue its tradition of excellence in educating and forming young men. The Saint Joseph Annual Fund supports essential areas of the Saint Joseph journey, including academics, clubs & activities, and athletics. The Fund also provides scholarship and need-based financial assistance to allow deserving young men to experience the Saint Joe's journey.

The Fourth Annual Green Tie Gala will begin with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., with dinner, dancing and celebration to follow. Entertainment will be led by The Infernos, the No. 1 showband in New Jersey. New highlights this year include award-winning composer and pianist Thomas J. Ogrodnik ‘24 performing at the cocktail reception and during dinner, while The Walkers, Saint Joe’s student house band, will rock the brand new After Party.

What: Saint Joseph High School 4th Annual Green Tie Gala
Who:    All Saint Joseph High School Alumni and Families, Current Families, Friends of Saint Joseph High School
When: Saturday, November 11
Time: Gala - 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; After Party - 10 p.m. to Midnight
Where: The Heldrich, hotel and convention center

If you are interested in learning more about the Fourth Annual Green Tie Gala, please contact Nancy Alfano, Director of Advancement, at nalfano@stjoes.org.