On May 15, 1928, a local professional fraternity by the name of
Gamma Theta Upsilon was formed at Illinois State Normal University
under the guidance of Dr. R. G. Buzzard. Before that is was the
Geography Club at Illinois State Normal University. After three years
letters were sent out to other geography clubs suggesting the
formation of a national fraternity.
On May 15, 1931, the organization, consisting of four chapters, was
announced. On March 5, 1936, Gamma Theta Upsilon was incorporated,
then with ten chapters, as a professional fraternity in geography
under the laws of Illinois.
Gamma Theta Upsilon became an International Honorary Geographical
Society in January 1969.
Persons seeking membership must be initiated through an
established chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon. A chapter is also
maintained for Alumni after graduation. There are two classes of
membership in GTU:
Regular Member: Initiates must have completed a minimum of 3
geography courses, have a B average in geography, must rank in the
upper 35% of their class and shall have completed at least 3 semester
or 5 quarters of college course work.
Honorary Member: A chapter may extend honorary membership to
anyone whom it feels has, by exploration, research, lecturing,
publishing, teaching, or any other way contributed to marked
advancement in any phase of Geography. The fees for Honorary
membership are paid by the local chapter.
1. to further professional interest in Geography by affording a
common organization for those interested in the field
2. to strengthen student and professional training through academic
experiences in addition to those of the classroom and laboratory
3. to advance the status of Geography as a cultural and practical
discipline for study and investigation
4. to encourage student research of high quality, and to promote an
outlet for publication
5. to create and administer funds for furthering graduate study
and/or research in the field of Geography.
Gamma Theta Upsilon membership is earned through superior
scholarship; it is an honor, and a professional distinction.
Members receive a handsome certificate, suitable for framing.
No further membership dues are paid to the national organization
after the initiation fee.
Many members choose to remain active in GTU after graduation, by
joining Omega Omega, the Alumni Chapter of GTU.
Most chapters sponsor speakers, campus-wide programs, field trips
and social events and participate in service functions.
Members can participate in numerous extra-curricular activities.
Membership provides a network where you can become better acquainted
with other geography students and can meet and talk with geography
faculty informally.
Members can improve their expertise in the field of geography by
learning things not normally dealt with in the classroom.
Members are eligible to apply for Gamma Theta Upsilon
scholarships.
Membership in an academic honor society is evidence of your
dedication and competency in your career field. Some employers give
hiring preference to honor society members.
For Membership Information: Ask your local chapter officers or GTU
faculty advisor for information on membership procedures, and the
many benefits of joining Gamma Theta Upsilon.
This scholarly journal is published twice a year by GTU. Articles
concerning any area of geographical interest are solicited from
students and faculty. Initiates receive two free issues after
initiation and may subsequently renew their subscription.
An Educational Fund was established to support publications,
scholarships, and other activities.
Four scholarships are awarded annually to Gamma Theta Upsilon
members: two to undergraduates; one to a senior entering graduate
school; and one to a continuing graduate student.
The Visiting Geographical Scientist Program, funded by GTU and
administered by the Association of American Geographers (AAG),
provides an opportunity for chapters to host a distinguished
geographer on their campus. The visiting geographer will give a
lecture on a topic in geography will give a lecture on a topic in
geography and meet with faculty, students and administrators.
Chapters should contact the AAG for information about the Visiting
Geographical Scientist Program.
The society is governed under a constitution and by-laws. Nine
elected officers, including two student representatives, form the
Executive Committee. The annual business meeting, held in at the fall
meeting of the National Council for Geographic Education, is open to
all GTU members and other interested persons.
Local Chapters are chartered by Gamma Theta Upsilon at colleges
and universities. GTU chapters sponsor a variety of activities that
support geographical learning.
The Omega Omega chapter serves alumni of all chapters. After graduation, alumni members are encouraged to join the Omega Omega and receive continuing benefits from active affiliation with the Society.