Andrew David Lesser Scholarship
Andrew Lesser applied to Ramapo College as an early decision candidate and began taking classes as a freshman in the fall of 1999. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Psychology in 2003. At Ramapo, Andrew fostered his interest in the outdoors, hiking at the Ramapo Reservation and participating in Professor Howard Horowitz’ study abroad trips to the American West and the American Southwest.
A photography course stirred his passion for the art and its impact. He became an excellent nature photographer, frequently giving framed prints of his photos as gifts to family and friends. He was also a member of the Ramapo Track and Field team, competing in the hammer throw.
In the summer between his junior and senior years, Andrew interned at a water conservation company, and continued to work for the company for one year after graduation. He then continued his commitment to the environment, working as a compliance and enforcement officer for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. There could not have been a better fit. He loved the work and was an extremely dedicated employee.
Andrew was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in early 2009, four days before his 28th birthday. He died 11 months later. To commemorate Andrew’s life and his love of the outdoors, family and friends hike together each year at Mohonk Preserve in New York. In 2012, Andrew’s family created this endowed scholarship to provide a permanent reminder of his commitment to the environment among future generations of Ramapo College students.