Dr. Christian Hirsch (1944 – 2024) exhibited a personal commitment to mathematics education and was widely recognized as a distinguished leader in the field. For more than four decades, the mathematics education community witnessed his dedication and focus on the improvement of secondary school mathematics, as well as the energy, expertise, commitment, persistence and integrity that he brought to his work.
Hirsch began his journey at Western Michigan University in 1973, serving on the faculty in the Department of Mathematics at WMU where he taught undergraduate and graduate courses in mathematics for teachers and in mathematics education. He also had four years of secondary school mathematics teaching experience in urban and suburban settings, including a laboratory school.
Hirsch’s impact was recognized and acclaimed at Western, where he was named a Distinguished Faculty Scholar and James H. Powell Professor of Mathematics. His influence extended broadly across the state of Michigan, the nation and the international scene.
In celebration of his outstanding career accomplishments, alumni created the Christian R. Hirsch Mathematics Education Endowment upon his retirement. This endowment continues to support the mathematics education graduate program within the department through scholarships, travel grants for students and funding for innovative faculty research.
We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Hirsch and for the contributions he made in the field of mathematics and at Western Michigan University. Alumni and friends are invited to honor his life and legacy by making a gift to the Christian R. Hirsch Mathematics Education Endowment.