It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Joe Dymond, a geography professor in GW’s Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS).
“Joe was a legendary teacher, respected scholar and an unwavering mentor to his students,” said Paul Wahlbeck, CCAS interim dean. “This is a huge loss for the college and our Department of Geography.”
A lifelong educator, Joe Dymond began teaching world regional geography in 1995 at Louisiana State University before coming to GW in 2002. He received many accolades and awards throughout his career at GW, including the Morton A. Bender Teaching Award for instructional excellence in 2006, the Service Excellence “Student Choice” Award in 2010, the Writing in the Disciplines Distinguished Teaching Award in 2012 and an appointment to the GW Academy of Distinguished Teachers in 2013.
“Joe won every teaching award he was eligible for and was greatly admired by his students, many of whom stayed in touch with him long after they graduated,” said Marie Price, interim chair of the Department of Geography. “He loved what he did and was so passionate about teaching geography. And, as my colleagues would affirm, he was one of the kindest and most considerate people we have ever known.”
An expert in culture, identity and nationality, Dymond co-authored Contemporary World Regional Geography: Global Connections and Local Voices, an award winning geography textbook now in its fourth edition, and Essentials of World Regional Geography, an issue-based geography text currently in its third edition. He graduated from St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Penn., in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and received a Master of Science from The Pennsylvania State University in 1994 and a Master of Natural Science from Louisiana State University in 1999 where he also did his doctoral studies.
At the family’s request, the Department of Geography has established The Joseph Dymond Scholarship Fund in support of students. Memorial donations may be made online. There is also an event on campus being organized to celebrate Dymond’s life and legacy. In preparation, the department is asking students, alumni and colleagues who wish to share a memory or photo to either drop them off at the department’s main office in Samson Hall on 2036 H Street, NW, or email them to the Department of Geography.