Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Joseph M. DeSimone, Jr. ’89

During Reunion 2025, Hobart and William Smith presented Joseph M. DeSimone, Jr. ’89 with the Board of Trustees Career Services Award.

Joe was a Dean’s List student and member of the student phonathon. In 1987, he was recognized as a Benjamin Hale Scholar and as a Durfee Scholar in 1988. He was a two-sport athlete, playing baseball and football.

After graduating from HWS, Joe went on to earn an M.B.A. in Finance from Regis University. He is now CEO and owner of First Federal Reality DeSimone, which specializes in development, sales and leasing. In 2015, Joe added Casino Owner and Operator to his resume after purchasing the historic Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino in Henderson, NV. In 2021, Joe purchased The Pass Casino, also in Henderson. Joe Serves on the board of the UNLV Foundation, and he is a former chairman of the board of directors for the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada.

Joe has a long-standing commitment to Hobart and William Smith. In 1995, he was an HWS delegate at the Presidential Inauguration at the University of Las Vegas. He is also an active career services volunteer, serving as a mentor for the 2016 Pitch, and he has returned  to campus to engage in career discussions with students. Last year, Joe hosted an event for alumni, parents and friends of William Smith soccer prior to the Herons’ NCAA DIII semi-final game in Las Vegas. He is also an active reunion volunteer. Joe continues to support HWS through the creation of the Joseph M. DeSimone, Jr. ’89 Annual Fund Scholarship and, in honor of his parents, he established the Joseph M. DeSimone, Sr. ’65 and Janet Hauschildt ’65 Endowed Scholarship.