JERSEY CITY, N.J. – May 1, 2026 – Saint Peter’s University has announced that Joseph A. Panepinto, Esq. ’66, founder and president of Panepinto Properties, will receive the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, at the University’s 2026 Graduate Commencement.
A longtime leader in the redevelopment of Jersey City, Panepinto has played a central role in shaping the city’s modern landscape. His career spans decades of public service and private development, beginning with his work as Jersey City Planning Board Attorney (1971–1973) and later as Redevelopment Attorney (1973–1977), where he contributed to early plans that helped guide the city’s transformation.
Since the 1980s, Panepinto Properties has developed more than 4.2 million square feet of mixed-use space, including office, residential and commercial properties. In partnership with Hartz Mountain Industries and Maher Terminals, Panepinto led the development of the first new office buildings in 30 years at Journal Square. His work expanded to the Jersey City waterfront in the 1990s, including projects such as the Gotham in partnership with Ironstate Development and Harborside Financial Center Plaza 10, a 600,000-square-foot office tower developed with Mack-Cali for Charles Schwab & Co.
The company’s signature Columbus Plaza development, built on the site of the PATH station at Columbus Boulevard, includes approximately 1,500 residential units, a 150-room hotel, fitness and wellness facilities, retail space and a 1,200-car parking structure. Panepinto Properties has also expanded internationally, most recently completing a 1,900-unit condominium project in Songdo, South Korea.
In addition to his professional achievements, Panepinto has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to civic engagement and philanthropy. In September 2025, he was designated a Trustee Emeritus at Saint Peter’s in recognition of his decades of service to the University, including roles as trustee, regent, and advisor on campus planning and real estate. His generous philanthropic legacy at Saint Peter’s includes Panepinto Plaza at the MacMahon Student Center and Panepinto Hall, the University’s newest student residence. Panepinto also previously served as a trustee and governing board member of Christ Hospital for two decades.
Panepinto’s leadership and dedication to community development reflect a career defined by vision, persistence and a deep connection to Jersey City. This honorary degree recognizes his lasting impact on the city’s growth, his commitment to civic engagement and his longstanding relationship with Saint Peter’s University.