MICHAEL NEIDORFF

1943 - 2022

NEIDORFF--Michael F. (1943--2022). Manhattan School of Music and its Board of Trustees are deeply saddened by the passing of Michael F. Neidorff (HonDMA '17). Michael was a loving, devoted, and extraordinarily accomplished man who envisioned the possible where others often could not. He was also someone who "saw" everyone around him and even with the demands of his all-encompassing work, individually helped and cared for so many each day of his life. He had a great sense of humor, so often had a glint in his eye, and loved a good prank. He, along with his beloved wife Noemi (BM '70, MM '72, HonDMA '17), herself a trustee and alumna of Manhattan School of Music, has been a transformative force at MSM over the past decade and a half. Michael and Noemi were a consistent presence in and around the School for annual galas, special events, competitions, and performances. Their warmth -- this was a couple whose own deep connection extended outwards and encompassed all those in their sphere -- has lifted MSM during times of both triumph and challenge (such as those brought about by the ongoing pandemic). Among the Neidorffs' many generous contributions to the School was a gift -- the largest in the School's history -- that made possible the sweeping renovation of MSM's principal performance space, Neidorff-Karpati Hall (renamed in their honor), and the hall's Art Deco lounge, crowning achievements of the School's Centennial celebrations. Michael was Centene Corporation's CEO for more than 25 years. His remarkable business acumen and quiet drive, combined with a commitment to providing affordable, high quality health care to the most vulnerable people, positively impacted lives here in the U.S. and across the globe. Leading the St. Louis-based Centene from a $40-million single health plan in 1996 to its current position as a multinational $125-billion health care enterprise serving 25 million members, Michael oversaw Centene's growth to an organization of nearly 76,000 employees, which serves all 50 states and three international countries. Named Citizen of the Year by the St. Louis Post Dispatch in 2017, Michael was a revered member of his community, having made diversity and inclusion a central focus of his leadership at Centene -- Fortune magazine ranked the company as the #2 company in the U.S. for diversity and inclusion -- and having extended deep philanthropic support to hundreds of not-for-profit organizations. Among his many commitments, he served as chairman of the board for the National Urban League, and served on the board of directors for the Greater St. Louis Boy Scouts of America and for the Concordance Academy. He was chairman of the board for his alma mater, Trinity University, where in 2021 the institution named its business school in his honor. As exhibited by his work with MSM, Michael had a love for the arts and served on the board of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, as a trustee for the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and as Treasurer of the Kennedy Center's board. Among the tributes that have poured in since his death on April 7 was a statement from the National Hockey League's St. Louis Blues who cited Michael's extraordinary impact on the St. Louis community, one that would "never be forgotten." Manhattan School of Music echoes that sentiment, and we send our deepest condolences to Michael's family. In addition to his beloved wife and life partner, Noemi, he was father to Peter Neidorff and the late Monica Neidorff, and brother to Susan Neidorff Reinglass and Robert Neidorff. Our hearts are heavy, but we will cherish our memories of Michael, and we know that his rich and accomplished life and the many marvelous memories he inspires will remain as a source of comfort and joy in the days and years ahead. Lorraine Gallard, Board Chair James Gandre, President