Redlands, California—At the Esri Federal GIS (FedGIS) Conference in Washington, DC, today, Esri president Jack Dangermond awarded Dr. John Brockhaus, director of the geospatial program at the United States Military Academy at West Point, with the prestigious Making a Difference Award for inspiring students to serve others.
"The United States Military Academy’s geospatial department does an outstanding job of preparing its graduates to use their technical skills to contribute essential services to our nation," said Dangermond. "Dr. Brockhaus has demonstrated great leadership for a program that supports missions of national importance in the army and well beyond."
Dr. Brockhaus has been director of the Geospatial program within the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering at West Point for the past 22 years. Throughout his career, he has encouraged students to pursue their interests in geographic information system (GIS) technology and supported their efforts to grow professionally. As he guides students toward meaningful careers, Brockhaus also supports the field of GIS with research on GIS for military applications and environmental monitoring.
"Unlike many organizations and individuals who have received this award, our primary product is not a map, an enterprise solution, or a new web app," said Dr. Brockhaus. "Our product is a cohort of second lieutenants who are experts in the development and application of geospatial technologies. It is my distinct privilege to be in the classroom with these bright, motivated young women and men, who will be proponents for the utilization of these technologies not only for the exploitation of the battlefield but also for humanitarian relief efforts and the sustainable use of military lands. They inspire me, challenge me, and leave me confident that the future of our military and our country are, indeed, in good hands."
In 2015, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and United States Geological Survey (USGS) selected the US Military Academy to be one of the academic institutions included in the Centers of Academic Excellence in Geospatial Sciences program.
Located in West Point, New York, the US Military Academy is an internationally recognized institution for academic, military, and physical excellence. West Point offers cadets a bachelor of science degree in GIS, and the graduates go on to serve in the armed services as well as various positions in the public and private sectors.
For more information on the FedGIS Conference, visit esri.com/fedgis.
