Remembering Eugene Lesser ’78
A legacy of curiosity, community, and discovery
Eugene Lesser ’78.
By Jennifer Starr and Amy Morley
Eugene "Gene" Lesser ’78 passed away in 2022, leaving behind a rich legacy that spanned various fields—from birding, baking, and building community to practicing medicine. His deep connection to COA, and especially to Great Duck Island, profoundly influenced his life, blending his love for nature with his intellectual curiosity and dedication to healing.
Discovering College of the Atlantic
Gene’s journey to COA began in the early 1970s when he and his family arrived in Maine from New Mexico to join a small, intentional healing community that was on Great Duck Island at the time. This secluded environment quickly became the perfect classroom for a curious kid from Albuquerque. Gene joined the construction crew, honing new skills in carpentry and chainsaw work, while also perfecting his bread and soup recipes in the kitchen. This formative experience nurtured his experiential learning and introduced him to a vibrant community of locals and fellow seekers. The friendships he formed during these years would last a lifetime. During his time on the island, Gene first encountered students and faculty from College of the Atlantic. The progressive, non-traditional college seemed like the ideal place to further explore his burgeoning interests in the outdoors, science, and community building. Gene enrolled in COA and majored in exploring Mount Desert Island, spending countless hours hiking the trails, cross-country skiing, and discovering hidden coves and natural wonders. The faculty and coursework at COA helped deepen his understanding of the world, while the college’s unique approach encouraged students to play an active role in building the community around them.
Lasting impact at COA and a lifelong passion for birding and community
As part of his research at COA, Gene studied the ducks on Little Duck Island. Under the guidance of early COA faculty member Bill Drury, Gene created his thesis, A Study of Marine Birds on Little Duck Island, Maine (1977), which became an important contribution to COA’s ongoing commitment to ecological studies on the island. This early research sparked a lifelong interest in birding and community engagement, passions that Gene continued to share with family and friends on every MDI visit following graduation. Over the years, Gene remained a dedicated COA alum, attending many alumni gatherings and even hosting a few at his home in New Hampshire.
“Gene was actually the first COA student to study the ducks there under Bill Drury’s guidance—a pioneering effort that had an influence on the island’s research.”
From COA to medicine and teaching
Gene was proud to be the first COA alum to complete medical school and embark on a successful healthcare career. After graduating from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completing specialty training in neurology and clinical neurophysiology at Boston University and Brigham and Women’s Hospitals, he spent over 20 years as a neurologist at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Hospital in Nashua, NH. Seeking new challenges, Gene became the medical director for Neurometrix, a cutting-edge technology company in Waltham, MA, before fulfilling his dream of returning to New Mexico in 2014 to join the faculty at the University of New Mexico Medical School. Gene’s passion for teaching was evident in his work with medical students, interns, and residents, along with his collaborations with academic colleagues. His thoughtful leadership in managing both the Outpatient Neurology and ALS clinics earned deep appreciation from both patients and colleagues. Even in his final years, as he lived with cancer, Gene maintained a calm demeanor and good humor, always focused on helping others.
Great Duck Island from above.
A gift to COA: Continuing Gene's legacy
In honor of Gene’s enduring bond with COA, MDI, and Great Duck Island, his wife, Jennifer Starr, has made a generous gift to the college. Through Jennifer's gift, two students who would not otherwise have the financial means to participate in field studies at the COA Alice Eno Field Research Station on Great Duck Island will have the opportunity to engage in vital ecological research in summer 2025. These fellowships will allow students to explore topics like nesting birds, island flora, and pollinators, immersing them fully in the island’s programs. In addition to supporting students, Jennifer’s gift will also address pressing needs on the island. Thanks to Jennifer, COA will purchase equipment to set up a gull cam—a vital project that will allow COA to share live footage from Great Duck Island, offering real-time insights into bird behavior and island conditions.
“I was motivated to make this gift to nurture the relationship that Gene and his family started more than 50 years ago. Gene would be thrilled to know that COA students are still making scientific and personal discoveries at Great Duck Island. I look forward to watching the gull cam and hearing how a summer on Great Duck can make a difference, just as it did for Gene.”
As we remember Gene’s time at COA and on Great Duck Island, we celebrate a life marked by curiosity, compassion, and a deep commitment to making a difference. His legacy endures not only in the many lives he touched but also through the continued discoveries taking place on Great Duck Island—thanks to the gift that Jennifer has made in his memory. This enduring support ensures that future generations of students will be able to engage with the same transformative experiences that shaped Gene’s life, continuing the cycle of learning, growth, and discovery that Gene so cherished.
If you have a story you want to share about Gene with Jennifer, feel free to send it along to Amy Morley, manager of annual fund and major gifts, at amorley@coa.edu, for her to share.
