Edward St. John was named the 2012 Outstanding Philanthropist by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Maryland Chapter. Mr. St. John was recognized during a November 16th, 2012 ceremony in Baltimore. Below is an excerpt from the event’s program.
Dr. Edward St. John brings to philanthropy the same commitment that helped him build one of the region’s largest and most successful commercial real estate firms. He has impacted the state economically through his successful company, as a leader through his public service, and philanthropically through his generosity.
In 1971 he started St. John Properties, which now owns and manages over 17 million square feet of real estate (retail, research and development, office, warehouse and residential) in Maryland, Northern Virginia, Colorado, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Valued at more than $2 billion, the company services more than 1,700 tenants.
“It is what he does with this success that makes St. John exceptional,” Corridor Inc. magazine noted upon naming him its 2009 Person of the Year. He has a proven commitment to giving back in communities in which there is a corporate presence. The company donates 7.5 percent of its annual net income to charitable causes.
In 1998 St. John established the Edward St. John Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3). Its mission, “to provide financial assistance to formal education programs through the high school level,” is based on St. John’s belief that “education has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities.” Through his foundation, the Baltimore, Maryland, native has donated and pledged more than $46 million to support local nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. His generosity has had a pivotal impact, providing students with opportunities to place them on the path to success.
Long recognized for his outstanding accomplishments, St. John has received many honors and awards. In May 2012 he was awarded a Doctor of Public Service from his alma mater, the University of Maryland, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1961. He has been named “Maryland Entrepreneur of the Year,” received lifetime achievement awards from numerous groups and been awarded admission to Halls of Fame in Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties.
His interest and involvement in education are more than just financial. St. John chairs the board of trustees at the Maryland Academy of Sciences/Maryland Science Center. He serves on a number of other boards, including the University of Maryland Baltimore County-Alex Brown Center for Entrepreneurship, The Johns Hopkins University Real Estate Institute, University of Maryland Medical Center R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, among others.
