Gary J. Lessor

Gary Lessor, Assistant to the Director of Meteorological Studies, came to Western Connecticut State University in 1989 to participate in a coop program from Central Connecticut State University with Dr Melvin Goldstein, the founder of the WestConn Weather Center. Upon completion of the program he was offered a position of meteorologist. After several years in the position he took over as the Assistant to the Director of Meteorological Studies and has often served in the capacity of Acting Director in the absence of an official director. Mr. Lessor attended Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Earth Science with a concentration in meteorology and psychology in 1990. While studying at C.C.S.U. Mr. Lessor received in student membership in the American Meteorological Society and upon graduation became a full member to which he remains today.

Mr Lessor has been the chief meteorologist at WCSU since 1996, with the duties of preparing daily forecasts for the center’s numerous newspaper and utility clients. He is also the Chief meteorologist at 800AM WLAD in Danbury and 1220 WQUN in Hamden. Gary regularly prepares forensic reports for attorneys and provides expert court testimony for both prosecution and defense sides. He has been certified to testify in all of Connecticut’s Superior Courts, as well as all the Tribal Courts in Connecticut. Gary is under contract with the State Attorney Generals Office to provide meteorological services. He is responsible for the hiring and training of the mostly student staff, as well as implementing technological upgrades which now include all-new sleek and powerful Apple computers for use in preparation of the clients newspaper weather pages.

Mr Lessor welcomes all potential incoming students to contact him and receive a personal tour of the meteorology department and science building with himself or a current student at WCSU. In addition, you will be setup with a student for a day of shadowing and go to that students classes, visit their dorm room, have lunch, and meet with many of the current meteorology students and the faculty. This will provide perspective students the ability to see what an average day encompasses. Don’t pass up this free and valuable opportunity. Please email Gary at lessorg@wcsu.edu.

Mr Lessor is the advisor for the WestConn Meteorology Club which regularly goes to the American Meteorological Society Conferences throughout the country. Mr Lessor is also the organizer for the Eighth Tri-State Weather Conference which will be held at WCSU on Saturday October 15, 2022. Please call or email him for further information. 203-837-8552 or go to https://www.wcsu.edu/weatherconference