JMU’s Gamma Theta Upsilon chapter earns Honors distinction

JMU’s chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU) was recently recognized as an Honors Chapter – a distinction awarded to only eight chapters among more than 110 chapters nationwide.

GTU recognizes academic excellence in geography while helping students grow professionally and engage more deeply with the field. It promotes geographic literacy – understanding how place, space and environment shape the world and builds a strong sense of community among students who share that interest.

Dr. Adam Dohrenwend, geography professor and the chapter’s faculty advisor, said the recognition reflects the strength of JMU’s geography program and its growing student engagement.

“The recognition reflects the strength of JMU’s geography program and its growing student engagement.”

— Adam Dohrenwend

When Dohrenwend joined JMU in August 2024, the chapter had one active member. “In the last three semesters, we’ve initiated around 50 students,” he said. “That’s a lot of growth.”

To strengthen engagement, the chapter partnered with JMU’s Geography Club. This collaboration unified leadership, streamlined communication and event coordination, and expanded opportunities for students to connect across class years. “With the new structure in place, we focused heavily on professional development by inviting guest speakers, hosting career preparation discussions, and helping students identify employers who actively use geography and GIS,” said Jack Scrivani ('25), former GTU president and geography alum.

“GTU became more than an honor society, Scrivani said. “It’s a platform for building a stronger community of geographers, helping students see how their academic experiences could translate into real careers.”

— Jack Scrivani

Emily Herrup, GTU president and a junior geography major, said the recognition reflects the ongoing work students are putting into the growing organization. “We’re doing something right,” she said. “I hope it keeps growing – more people, more events and a larger executive board.”

Herrup credits much of the chapter’s momentum to Dohrenwend’s mentorship. “Having Dr. Dohrenwend’s support has been instrumental,” she said.

“Dr. Dohrenwend played a key role in supporting the chapter while allowing students to truly lead the organization,” Scrivani added. “He offered guidance when needed, but he also trusted the leadership team to take initiative and shape the direction of GTU.”

GTU also offers five annual scholarships. Scrivani, a 2025 recipient of the Maxfield Scholarship, which is awarded to a junior or senior with career or graduate school aspirations, said receiving the scholarship was incredibly meaningful. “It recognized academic performance and the work that went into rebuilding and strengthening the chapter,” Scrivani explained.

Now working in geospatial technology supporting intelligence and emergency management, Scrivani said his experience with GTU shaped his career path. Through his leadership role, he connected with professionals in GIS, cartography, emergency management and geospatial intelligence. “Without exposure to those industries, many students might never realize how widely geography is applied,” Scrivani said. “GTU helps bridge that gap.

Members of GTU volunteer at Keister Elementary.

Through guest speakers, career preparation and alumni connections, students gain insight into how spatial thinking and GIS skills are used across many sectors.” Scrivani added. “GTU gave me early exposure to the professional side of geography in a way coursework alone could not."

“We continue to strengthen our programming with events like faculty research showcases, peer advising, and outdoor activities as well as through volunteer opportunities,” Dohrenwend said. With over 50 students strong, I’m really excited for what the future holds.”