Alfred Lerner quit high school to enlist in the U.S. Army. He continued to benefit his country throughout his life, serving as a member of the New York State Assembly, administrative judge, presiding justice of the New York State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division and chair of the state’s Commission of Investigation.
Justice Lerner served Des Moines University, too. He joined the University’s Board of Trustees in 1979 and served until he passed away in August 2009. To honor his service to DMU and the nation, DMU named the Academic Center boardroom in his memory and created the Justice Alfred D. Lerner Endowed Scholarship Fund, established to benefit military veterans enrolled at the University.
“Judge Lerner was a very thoughtful, kind person. When he spoke at board meetings, it was always very meaningful,” says retired DMU President Terry Branstad. “He contributed greatly to the University and to society.”
