Construction is in progress on a new alumni reception and career engagement facility, situated at 6200 Forsyth Blvd.

This structure will act as the main entrance to greet Washington University in St. Louis alumni upon their return to the Danforth Campus, serving as a central point for students, alumni, and employers to engage in various activities, such as on-campus interviews, career fairs, networking, and recruitment events.

Located at the southwest corner of Forsyth and Skinker boulevards, the building will be named the Neil S. Hirsch Center in honor of a commitment made by Hirsch’s widow, Laura DeLuca Hirsch, to support the project through the Neil S. Hirsch Foundation, established during the preliminary phase of “With You: The WashU Campaign.” Neil Hirsch, who passed away in 2021, was an entrepreneur who transformed the trading of government, fixed-income, and foreign exchange securities by developing technology to gather and share information that was previously inaccessible to traders at that time.

“Equipping students for meaningful and prosperous careers post-graduation is one of our paramount responsibilities at WashU. However, that doesn’t solely occur within lecture halls, nor does it conclude when they earn their diploma,” said WashU Chancellor Andrew D. Martin.

“The Neil S. Hirsch Center represents an investment in the futures of our students and alumni. It will enhance our ability to promote successful student career outcomes and continue to assist alumni as they advance in their professional journeys. We also believe it will serve as an attractive aspect for prospective students and their families, as it highlights the extensive professional development services we offer.”

“We are thankful to Laura and the Neil S. Hirsch Foundation for acknowledging and supporting this vital mission.”

Expected to open in early 2027, the Hirsch Center aims to enhance career engagement and alumni services by consolidating these efforts under one roof, as noted by Anna Gonzalez, vice chancellor for student affairs.

“Bringing these initiatives together in a single location will improve the university’s capability to coordinate diverse activities and seamlessly merge career engagement with alumni services, which share numerous common objectives,” Gonzalez explained.

“We anticipate that the Hirsch Center will cultivate a dynamic, multigenerational community where we not only support our students but also forge bonds with alumni eager to aid the next generation of leaders.”

About the Hirsch Center

This expansive building, exceeding 30,000 square feet and spanning three stories, was crafted by St. Louis-based Christner Architects. Another local firm, Clayco, serves as the general contractor.

The interior of the center was designed to encourage spontaneous interactions among students, alumni, employers, campus visitors, and staff. It will feature a specialized employer lounge, interview rooms, and various adaptable, mixed-use areas. A spacious shared event location on the third floor will host career workshops, networking panels, reunions, and more.

The ground floor will additionally house a student lounge, a library showcasing alumni memorabilia, and a clothing closet where students can obtain professional attire for interviews. Finally, mirroring the open, green spaces of the Danforth Campus, the first floor will lead out to a tree-lined courtyard.

Honoring an innovative entrepreneur

In 1969, a young Hirsch founded Telerate, a firm that gathered and shared information for traders involved in government, fixed-income, and foreign exchange securities. The company saw rapid growth, eventually extending its reach to over 80 countries before being acquired by Dow Jones in 1990.

After two years on the Dow Jones board of directors and its management committee, Hirsch acquired a controlling interest in Loanet, a company that managed over 80% of securities borrowed and loaned in the United States. He later sold Loanet to SunGard Data Systems.

In addition to his professional achievements, Hirsch was recognized as a generous and passionate polo player and a committed advocate for children. Throughout his life, he made contributions to support Olin Business School, including scholarships and naming a classroom in Simon Hall in remembrance of his father. He actively participated in the Wellington, Fla., community, where he funded various organizations, including supporting the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club.

Although Hirsch never attended WashU, several of his family members have ties to the university. His sister, the late Jacqueline Hirsch Brown, AB ’63, was married to the late Mel Brown, AB ’57, JD ’61, a dedicated university volunteer who served on the WashU Board of Trustees from 1999-2003. Brown also held the position of chair of the Alumni Board of Governors and presidency of the Eliot Society. Brown’s son, Steven Brown, JD ’95, is married to Rebecca Brown, JD ’96, who is the vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and university governance.

“It is only fitting for Neil’s name to be associated with a building that will play a crucial role in empowering students to realize their career ambitions,” stated Steven Rappaport, JD ’74, a former WashU trustee, former member and chair of the School of Law National Council, and long-time business associate of Hirsch.

“His own career exemplified innovation and resourcefulness, and he was profoundly committed to investing in the prospects of young individuals. I can think of no better way to commemorate his legacy.”

Rappaport also serves as a trustee of the Neil S. Hirsch Foundation, along with DeLuca Hirsch, Robert Flug, and Judith A. Garson, JD ’75.

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