Steve and Jocelyn Cohen

By Matt Hampton

When Steve Cohen, BSBA ’89, and his wife, Jocelyn, established a scholarship at WashU in 2012, the gift was about more than supporting the university — it also had personal significance. In honor of Steve’s mother, who was a teacher, they set up the scholarship to benefit students who had educators in their families.

“This scholarship was my way of paying my mother back for working to support me throughout my educational career,” says Steve Cohen, a New York-based investor.

Over the past 11 years, the Steven and Jocelyn Cohen Endowed Scholarship has benefited four undergraduate students. For current recipient Andrew Cai, Olin Business School Class of 2026, the scholarship allowed him to focus on his studies instead of financial concerns, enabling him to take on challenging coursework and land internships at Amazon and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

“Getting a scholarship provided me the opportunity to learn at a premier institution with education and real-life experiences that were second to none. I’m in a different financial position now than I was then, and because of that, I can help other people have the same opportunity.”

Steve Cohen, equity partner at Elliott Investment Management

“This scholarship has been a cornerstone in my academic journey, empowering me to aim higher, grow as an individual, and prepare for a successful career,” says Cai, who is majoring in finance and computer science.

Although Cohen is humble about his contribution, he knows the impact of financial aid firsthand, having received a scholarship during his time at WashU.

“Getting a scholarship provided me the opportunity to learn at a premier institution with education and real-life experiences that were second to none,” he says. “I’m in a different financial position now than I was then, and because of that, I can help other people have the same opportunity. The cost of college education is burdensome for many students, and I hope to allow students to choose the university that would be best for their future, rather than having to choose based on financial need.”

Cohen is an equity partner at Elliott Investment Management, one of the largest and oldest hedge funds in continuous management. He credits WashU with providing the foundation for his success. “At WashU, I learned to have the work ethic I needed, and I developed the desire to learn more,” he says. “Those attributes are the driving forces in my career.”

Beyond supporting scholarships, Cohen maintains close ties to his alma mater as a member of the New York City Regional Cabinet and by hosting an annual dinner with finance students from WashU. He and his wife also support the Israel Summer Business Academy. In 2019, Cohen received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the Olin School for his achievements.

Overall, Cohen hopes that giving back to the university will open doors for a new generation of business students, paying forward the opportunities he received from others.

“Philanthropy is a personal decision for everybody, but there is no better way I can think of to give back than by helping young adults have the opportunity that was afforded to me by the university,” he says. “I view this as paying back an institution that took a gamble on me.”

With you, we unlock world-class learning and greater access.