Oscar Raymond Mayer Memorial Fund at Ithaca College
Oscar Raymond Mayer
May 10, 1997 – November 21, 2023
The Oscar Raymond Memorial Fund was created to honor Oscar “Ray”, Ithaca class of 2019 (December 2018 graduate) who passed away in November of 2023. Oscar majored in environmental science and minored in art during his time at Ithaca and dedicated endless hours to studying, preserving and enjoying the Natural Lands. This memorial fund will be used to support current and future students who share his passion for the Natural Lands at Ithaca college.
Oscar “Ray” started at Ithaca College in the fall of 2015 where he fostered his fierce passion for the environment. He majored in Environmental Studies with a minor in Art. Oscar played a pivotal role in studying and conserving the beautiful Natural Lands nature preserve on the Ithaca College campus. The time Oscar spent in the Natural Lands was among the many experiences that inspired him to hike the Appalachian Trail. Because of the need to start hiking in the spring, he accelerated his studies and graduated one semester early in December of 2018.
Oscar set out on his solo hike on the Appalachian Trail in March of 2019. His trip spanned 1500 miles from Georgia to Connecticut where he paused his hike after 5 months, intending to finish the final 600 miles with loved ones over time. He averaged 20+ mile days and adopted the trail name “Blooper”. During his time on the trail, Oscar captured beautiful photos with his artistic eye of the nature and wildlife he encountered, from a family of wild horses to budding flowers of the early spring.
After the Appalachian trail, Oscar stayed connected with his passion for the outdoors and served as a nature educator at a farm in New Jersey. He then continued his environmental efforts at the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection as a valued coworker and friend. Oscar continued to nurture his love of the outdoors, frequently taking day hikes with his dog and loved ones and appreciating diverse landscapes through travels to Maryland, Florida, Oregon, Colorado and beyond.
This memorial fund is intended to honor Oscar’s commitment to the environment and to recognize the profound impact of his time spent at Ithaca in the Natural Lands.