Delaware native Jack Thompson ’27 became a pioneer in environmental policy within his community before arriving at Gettysburg College, and he is continuing this consequential work on campus today.
Thompson founded the Delaware chapter of the environmental advocacy organization Fridays for Future U.S. He took an active role in Fridays for Future Delaware by coordinating environmental rallies, speaking with local policymakers, and even helping with the creation of reform bills.
“As a group of high school students, we advocated different policies at the State House and we even wrote an environmental permitting reform bill,” Thompson explained. “When there is a facility that is going to pollute, say a refinery, they have to apply with the State Environmental Control Department to say what pollution is expected. If the facility violates that agreement, there are penalties. What Fridays for Future Delaware did is tweak the penalties to make them more of a deterrent.”
For this work, Gettysburg College awarded Thompson the Eisenhower Scholarship—Gettysburg’s most selective scholarship that acknowledges outstanding first-year applicants who demonstrate achievement in civic engagement, leadership, and change agency. Receiving this scholarship was a driving force for Thompson to attend Gettysburg College.
“What set Gettysburg College apart for me was the Eisenhower Scholar program,” Thompson explained. “I feel that the Eisenhower Scholarship was the culmination of my work in high school. It was the first time that I was told that what I was doing mattered. The fact that you can have a real impact on the community and be seen by the Eisenhower Scholar program has been a very fulfilling experience.”
During the Class of 2027’s First-Year Walk, Gettysburg’s mayor, the Hon. Rita C. Frealing, presented the key to the city to Thompson. In doing so, she recognized the work that he has accomplished in his local community and the tremendous potential he brings to Gettysburg.
After one semester at Gettysburg College, Thompson has already become highly involved on campus, serving as President of the Class of 2027, Founder and President of the Debate Club, and senator at-large for Student Senate. Thompson’s role on Student Senate has helped him to deepen his understanding of the impact students can have on campus.
“Being a senator-at-large holds a lot of weight. The College does listen to what we have to say, and that’s something that impresses me about it every day,” Thompson said. “The stuff that we do actually has an impact on campus, the administration, professors, and students.”
This campus community has already proved inspiring and motivating to Thompson, who quickly appreciated the passionate professors at Gettysburg College. One of these professors impacted Thompson’s decision to enroll at the College and sparked greater interest in the field of public policy: Public Policy Department Chair Dr. Anne Douds.
“She was one of the reasons that I came to Gettysburg College. We went to an information session for the Public Policy Department, and to hear her pitch it, it was clear that she was an important figure in the department and the College as a whole. I haven’t been let down once,” Thompson reflected. “I’ve definitely benefited from having her as a professor early on in my college career.”
With Douds’ guidance and Thompson’s personal commitment to environmental advocacy, he plans to double major in public policy and environmental studies with a minor in economics. He also hopes to become further involved on campus through the Eisenhower Institute’s undergraduate programs, such as the Washington Summer Fellowship. Through these experiences, Gettysburg College courses, and valuable mentors, Thompson is eager to learn more about how he can continue his work in environmental policy.
Reflecting on the people he’s met and the relationships he’s established during his first semester at Gettysburg, Thompson acknowledged the influence this community has had on him and the value it holds.
“Why is Gettysburg College worth it? The people and the community,” Thompson explained. “I’ve always enjoyed being able to talk to people on the street and on the way to class. It’s such a tight-knit community, and you meet somebody new every day. That’s something that I really value.”
By Laken Franchetti ’24
Photos by Sofia Gutierrez ’26
Posted: 02/27/24