BJ Glenn ’07: Building a Career on Exposure to Communities Outside His Own
The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) published a Commerce + Communities Today feature on Shipley alumnus Robert “BJ” Glenn III ’07, detailing his transformative career path from Shipley athletics to international real estate investment.
The first thumbtack on Robert Glenn III’s map is in inner-city Philadelphia. You’ll have to zoom out to a global view to see all the places he’s been and all the experiences that have influenced him before his 2022 return to Philadelphia as vice president at real estate investment manager Lubert Adler.
The son of a North Philly cop and South Philly educator, Glenn demonstrated prowess as an athlete and as a student. To avoid substandard schools and to nurture their only child’s skills, his parents enrolled him in the K-12 private Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, outside the city. Suddenly, Glenn found himself rising at 5 a.m. daily for what seemed like an interminable bus commute. “I was the first picked up in the morning and the last dropped off at night,” he recalled.
Glenn would grow to use his bus commute as study time over the years. He made his mark in class and later on Shipley’s playing fields in lacrosse, baseball and other sports. But it was at daily recess at age 6 when he discovered a sport that perfectly blended his budding speed and agility with a strong leg: soccer. Clearly in his element, Glenn tallied a whopping five goals in his first game for a kids’ soccer club. He’d play the game for the duration of his youth, in the off-season competing on travel teams that exposed him to different communities and diverse teammates. These were early steps in a personal journey that broadened his worldview and formed a foundation for his career, Glenn said.
Soccer also landed Glenn a full scholarship to Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he earned all-conference honors and a Bachelor of Arts in government and law. “That set the course for the rest of my career and life,” he said.
Join us on Saturday, September 27th at Super Saturday, a favorite Shipley tradition. The day-long excitement includes a kids' carnival, a free community barbecue, athletic events, and much more. Gather the family, wear your Shipley gear, and celebrate being a Gator!
When Ian Craig stepped onto Shipley’s campus this summer as its 11th Head of School, he did so with a deeply rooted belief in the power of relationships and a steady commitment to what he calls “the work that matters.” With 20 years of experience as a head of school across a range of educational settings, Craig brings to Shipley not only expertise but also humility, humor, and heart. Learn more about Ian Craig.
Julia Fisher Farbman ’08 has built a career telling powerful stories. Her latest film, Audrey’s Children, honors pioneering oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans. Read this profile from the Summer/Fall 2025 issue of Shipley Magazine.
Marion Swett Robinson ’65 built a groundbreaking career in global finance, rising to senior leadership and helping shape modern markets through ISDA. Today, she extends her impact and support of others through wellness initiatives and nonprofit board service.
Beginning January 5, 2026, Shipley’s Upper School will adopt a cellphone-free school day policy, building on a successful pilot and reflecting the School’s commitment to student well-being, engagement, and community connection.
In 2024–2025, 19 Shipley students earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy, a nationally recognized credential demonstrating proficiency in English and another language. Students achieved this distinction in Spanish, French, and Mandarin.
Learn about Shipley from members of the Class of 2025, who reflect on their journeys, celebrate meaningful relationships, and share the wide range of academic, artistic, and athletic experiences that shaped their time here.
Read about the life and legacy of Gary Gruber, Shipley’s Head of School from 1985 to 1992, a deeply compassionate and visionary educator who guided Shipley through a pivotal chapter of growth, change, and renewed purpose.
It's easier than ever to stay connected and in the know about all things Shipley with our new mobile app. From calendars and lunch menus to photo galleries, directories, and ShipleyNet, the app keeps everything you need right at your fingertips. It also brings you content from Shipley’s main social media accounts.
Thirteen members of Shipley’s Class of 2025—including student-athletes in soccer, basketball, lacrosse, softball, squash, swimming, and track—will continue to compete at the collegiate level, carrying their talents and Gator pride to campuses nationwide.
Shipley’s Track program delivered a strong year, with athletes earning championship titles and multiple medals across winter and spring meets in running, throwing, and jumping events.
The Upper School Administration recognized the outgoing and incoming student leadership officers and presented students with academic, athletic, and leadership awards at the annual Closing Awards Ceremony.
In the 2024-2025 school year, Shipley’s Middle School launched new overnight trips, immersing students in history, culture, and community. From D.C.’s civil rights landmarks to Broadway in NYC, these journeys deepened curiosity, built connections, and brought classroom learning vividly to life.
Shipley’s second annual Upper School STEAM Showcase featured student projects across disciplines, from robotics and video games to vertical gardens and wearable tech. The event highlighted creativity, innovation, and real-world problem-solving in Shipley’s growing STEAM program.
After more than 20 years of dedicated service, Dr. Sharron Russell will leave Shipley at the end of the school year. Learn more about her impact and what’s next in her professional journey.
Experience the 2025 Villefranche French Exchange through the eyes of trip chaperone and French teacher extraordinaire Dr. Seth Pidot. "Despite being one day shorter, the itinerary was dynamic and full: measured in dry, sunny skies, croissants consumed, steps taken, shops explored, and memories made. We began in Paris..." he writes.
When the Flannellys relocated to Philadelphia, they sought a school where all four of their sons could thrive. Shipley stood out—not just for academics and activities, but for the deep, personal support that would shape their confidence and growth.
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.