Robert H. Palestini

Dean Emeritus, St. Joseph's University

GRADUATE: St. James High School

Robert H. Palestini is a prime example of the value Catholic schools place on education. He has, after all, devoted more than 40 years to the subject. In 1990, Palestini returned to his alma mater, Saint Joseph’s University, where among his countless other contributions to the university, he developed several new Master’s Degree programs, as well as the only doctoral program in the university’s history. Furthermore, Palestini is an accomplished author, having written six books on educational administration and leadership.

In 1976, Palestini served as the Deputy Executive Director of the 41st International Eucharistic Congress, an event that attracted over 1 million visitors to Philadelphia. He also played a vital role in coordinating the visit of Pope John Paul II to Philadelphia in 1979. Today, as an active and involved member of Old St. Joseph’s Church, Palestini sees to the maintenance and preservation of the building and also works to educate the community on the history of the parish and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.