SUNY ESF
Student Profile John Wise

Scholarships Make Dream of Attending Ranger School Possible

By Karen Moore

For as long as he can remember, John Wise dreamt of attending a college where he could connect with nature and be immersed in conservation. Thanks to help from donors, he is living his dream.

"I always wanted to be in an educational environment where I could gain knowledge and experience in understanding and protecting the natural spaces I love,” he said.

From the moment he set foot on ESF’s Ranger School in Wanakena, N.Y., Wise felt it was where he was meant to be. Not only did he fall in love with the beautiful campus, but he was excited about the hands-on learning opportunities for students. Having spent summers camping with his family in the Adirondacks, he felt the pull to be back in a setting he loved.

“Attending the Ranger School has been the highlight of my college career,” the junior from Fairport, N.Y., said. “The tight-knit community of students and faculty helped me make new friends all while learning engaging material.” 

Wise’s experience was made possible with support from the ESF College Foundation. He received a scholarship that eased the financial burden he and his family faced, as his younger sister also entered college. The scholarship helped Wise pay for class-required materials while at the Ranger School, and now at ESF’s Syracuse campus as he pursues his bachelor’s in Environmental Biology.

After graduating the Ranger School in May 2024 with an associate degree in Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation, Wise spent his summer as the Director of Ecology/Conservation Instruction at Massawepie Scout Camp in Childwold, N.Y. where he helped foster the next generation of environmentalists.