Paul Anthony (Tony) Novelly has distinguished himself both in industry and in social responsibility, helping thousands in need. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, and from humble beginnings, he worked at a number of jobs to earn money to pay for university. Following graduation, he began working at Shell Oil. Although offered a promotion, he turned it down to return to help his family in St. Louis. He accepted a job with Apex Oil in St. Louis. He went on to purchase half of the company in 1978. Mr. Novelly helped build Apex into the second largest private company in the world, employing thousands. Turbulent economic times in the mid 1980s led to Apex being put into bankruptcy with the potential for major job loss. Determined to see the company through, he sold off corporate and personal real estate and assets, and managed to keep the company going – paying off the debt in five years. Today, Mr. Novelly is president and a director of AIC Limited, Chairman and CEO of World Point Terminals, and chief executive of St. Albans Global Management. Mr. Novelly has given generously to many foundations and educational institutions, including the Saint Louis Children’s Hospital, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Saint Louis University, Missouri Botanical Garden, Barnes-Jewish Hospital Foundation, the National Parkinson’s Foundation, the Christian Brothers College, and StFX. This past June he was honoured with a Lifetime Xaverian Patron award at the StFX President’s Gala. In 2000, he was honoured with one of the United States’ most distinguished awards, the Horatio Alger Award, for dedicated community leaders. The award honours the achievements of individuals who have succeeded in spite of adversity and who are committed to supporting young people in pursuit of increased opportunities through higher education.
