Ashwani Vasishth

Ashwani Vasishth, 72, passed away from a sudden illness in August 2026.  He was an adored husband, admired professor, devoted community activist, loving brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, and is deeply missed.

Ash began his journey growing up in India to an unconventional family and traveling throughout India in his formative years. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi where he trained as an Architect.  From there he was accepted into MIT in Cambridge, MA completing a Master’s degree in International Development.  Later he attained his Ph.D. from USC in Environmental Planning. This expanded to his deep devotion to sustainability issues both in Southern California, and in New Jersey.

A born teacher and educator, he began teaching in India, as well as taught at California State University, Northridge and Ramapo College of NJ. His students were always his utmost concern, and he tirelessly advocated for them.  While teaching at Ramapo College he was committed to sustainable changes and was involved with numerous activities outside the classroom concerning institutional change and a leader in shared governance, serving on the Faculty Assembly Executive Council and the Shared Governance Task Force. As long-standing Chair of the President’s Committee on Campus Sustainability, he spearheaded local campus greening initiatives. He co-founded the Ramapo College Fair Trade Group, secured Foundation grant funding to create self-replicating student composting teams in the Village Apartments, and organized major events such as the RCNJ Campus Sustainability Convergence.

Besides his activities at Ramapo College, he was a Founding Advisor of Sustainable Jersey City, Inc., an education and green civics nonprofit in Jersey City NJ, which was launched in 2011.  Ashwani served as a dedicated Board Secretary and key advisor to the organization, providing an array of invaluable guidance, support and strategic direction for all educational programming and the general development of the organization over the years.  He will be greatly missed by the other board members and the entire membership, all of whom hold Ashwani in their hearts with deep affection.   

Ashwani was also one of the most influential voices in bringing people together from higher education institutions across New Jersey around a shared commitment to sustainability. Through his leadership of NJHEPS (New Jersey Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability) over many years, he created opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and administrators to connect, exchange ideas and experiences, and learn from one another about integrating sustainability into higher education operations, teaching, and research. Ashwani had a genuine passion for bringing people together and building a community. Because of his decades of dedication and leadership, countless people across New Jersey have deepened their understanding of sustainability, formed meaningful connections, and been inspired to advance sustainability at their own institutions.

Additionally, he was a Staff Member at the New Jersey Highlands Coalition where he served on their board, and his wisdom and guidance made a true impact on their mission.

In recognition of his long-standing commitment to environmental education, Ashwani was honored with the prestigious 2020 William T. Hornaday Award Gold Certificate for Distinguished Service in Conservation from the Boy Scouts of America.

Although he courageously conquered a few of life’s major obstacles, he remained humble and unassuming. A deeply passionate man concerned about doing the right thing despite bureaucracy. Ashwani had a deep mind and deep heart, and nothing made him happier than helping others.

He will live on in the hearts that he touched, and in the programs he built, the contributions he made to a greener and more sustainable world, and in the countless students and colleagues he inspired. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

He is predeceased by his parents, and leaves his devoted wife and soulmate, sister, brother, nieces, nephew, aunts, cousins, friends, students, and cat that still waits steadfastly for him to return home.

The Ashwani Vasishth Scholarship Fund is being established by Ramapo College to honor his remarkable life and work by supporting future Sustainability Studies students who will carry forward his enduring commitment to a greener, more sustainable world. All donations are tax deductible.

https://www.ramapo.edu/scholarships/single/ashwani-vasishth-memorial-scholarship/

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