Newswise — Anthony A. “Tony” Nichols Sr. ’67, Chairman Emeritus of Brandywine Realty Trust and a leader in the Philadelphia real estate marketplace for nearly 60 years, will receive the Shield of Loyola from Saint Joseph’s University at its alumni association’s 35th annual Alumni Gala on Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Hyatt at the Bellevue in Center City Philadelphia. [Register]
The University’s highest honor, the Shield of Loyola is awarded to a distinguished alumnus who has had remarkable success in their profession, whose life reflects the values of St. Ignatius Loyola and who has demonstrated unparalleled loyalty to the University.
“We are pleased to honor Tony Nichols with this award,” said University Advancement Vice President Marty Farrell ’88. “His loyalty to and work on behalf of the University has forged an upward trajectory from which Hawks for decades to come will benefit. We are grateful for everything he has done for his alma mater.”
One of the largest, publicly traded, full-service, integrated real estate companies in the United States, Brandywine Realty Trust was established in 1994 as a two-person, $5 million enterprise. Today, Brandywine is a multi-billion dollar company organized as a real estate investment trust, which owns, leases and manages an urban, town center and transit-oriented office portfolio comprising 281 properties and 33.2 million square feet as of June 30, 2015. Headquartered in Radnor, Pa., with operations in select regional markets, Brandywine has been recognized with numerous awards and mentions, including the 2014 NAIOP Developer of the Year award from the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, Forbes list of America’s 100 Most Trustworthy Companies, Energy Star Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award and numerous TOBY and Building Owners and Managers Association awards.
Nichols’ real estate career began in 1958 in the real estate division of the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society. Nichols moved into the commercial real estate market and, from 1968-82, ran the commercial loan operation for Colonial Mortgage Service Company (now Berkadia) and was president of Colonial Advisors, the consultant to P.N.B. Mortgage and Realty Trust. In 1982, Nichols co-founded the private real estate development firm Chesco-Nichols (later renamed Nichols Company) through a corporate joint venture with Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. He served as its president and chief executive officer through 1996. Nichols became chairman of Brandywine Realty Trust in 1996 and earned his emeritus title in 2004.
A graduate of Saint Joseph’s evening division, Nichols chaired With Strength and Faith to Dare: The Campaign for Saint Joseph’s University, an ambitious, transformational comprehensive campaign that raised $152.1 million. Top achievements of the campaign include the acquisition of the 38-acre James J. Maguire ’58 Campus; dedication of Michael J. Hagan ’85 Arena; founding of the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support; and construction of the Ramsay Basketball Center and John R. Post ’60 Academic Center and the John and Maryanne Hennings Post Learning Commons.
Though he did not become engaged with his alma mater until after his daughter Shannon graduated in 1999, Nichols has made an indelible mark on Hawk Hill in the years since. The 2005 recipient of the Erivan K. Haub School of Business Hall of Fame Award for business management, entrepreneurship and ingenuity, Nichols served on the board of trustees and was vice chairman, executive committee member and development committee chair. He remains on the Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees. A member of the Haub School’s Board of Visitors, Nichols co-founded the SJU Real Estate & Construction Alumni Chapter and was honored by the chapter as the inaugural recipient of the Timothy R. Lannon, S.J. Leader of the Year Award. He was a founding committee member for the President’s Cup Invitational, a golf outing that has raised in excess of $2 million for Presidential Scholarships.
A Fox Chase Bank board member and trustee at West Catholic Preparatory High School, Nichols was a founder of Applebrook Golf Club and now serves as its president. A former Marine serving in Reserve Air Wing from 1961-67, Nichols sits on the Philadelphia Area Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation committee.
Nichols and his wife of more than 50 years, Barbara, have four children, Shannon Melini ’99, Anthony A. Nichols Jr. MBA ’05, Barbara Heath and Kevin Nichols. They reside in Berwyn, Pa., and have 13 grandchildren, including sisters Allison ’15 and Caroline Heath ’20.
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