Gamma Theta Upsilon

Gamma Theta Upsilon (ΓΘΥ or GTU) is an international honor society in geography. It was established in 1928 as a professional fraternity at Illinois State University and became international in 1969. Gamma Theta Upsilon is a member of Association of College Honor Societies.

History
On May 15, 1928, a local professional fraternity by the name of Gamma Theta Upsilon was formed at Illinois State University under the guidance of Dr. R. G. Buzzard. Before that, it 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. The organization is a college honor society and has been a member of the Association of College Honor Societies since 1976.

The purpose of Gamma Theta Upsilon is:


 * To further professional interest in geography by affording a common organization for those interested in this field.
 * To strengthen student and professional training through academic experiences other than those of the classroom and laboratory.
 * To advance the status of geography as a cultural and practical discipline for study and investigation.
 * To encourage student research of high quality and to promote an outlet for publication. To create and administer funds for furthering graduate study and/or research in the field of geography.

Symbols
The initials of Gamma Theta Upsilon, ΓΘΥ, represent three Greek words, (Ge), (Thalatta), and (Hypaithrios), meaning earth, sea, and atmosphere respectively.

The badge of Gamma Theta Upsilon is key in the form of a seven-sided shield, the bevel of which carries on each side the initial of one of the continents of the earth. Beginning with Europe at the top, left and going clockwise are the symbols for North America, South America, Antarctica, the Old or Eastern World, Australia, Africa, and Asia. Across the base of the key are five wavy blue lines, symbolizing the five oceans— the Atlantic, the Indian, the Pacific, the Arctic, and the Antarctic or Great Southern Ocean. On top of the waves is a white star, symbolic of Polaris or the North Star which is used for navigation. In the center of the key are the Greek letters ΓΘΥ.

The society's colors are brown for the earth, blue for the oceans, and gold for sunlight.

Membership
Once a chapter has been established, students can be initiated into the society. Initiates must have completed a minimum of three geography courses, must have a GPA of at least 3.3 overall and in geography, and must have completed at least three semesters or five quarters of college course work.

Chapters
Local Chapters are chartered by Gamma Theta Upsilon at colleges and universities. A petition for a new chapter must be submitted by the faculty member who will serve as chapter sponsor or by the department chair and a letter of support from the department chair (if not the petitioner) or an appropriate administrator is required. As of December 2012, there are 312 chartered chapters and 163 active chapters.

Bulletin
The GTU published the Geographical Bulletin, a peer-reviewed scholarly journal twice a year. 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.

Scholarships
Gamma Theta Upsilon annually awards four undergraduate scholarships and one graduate scholarship to geography students. The scholarships are:
 * Buzzard Graduate Scholarship.
 * Buzzard Undergraduate Scholarship
 * Maxfield Undergraduate Scholarship
 * Rechlin Undergraduate Scholarship
 * Richason Undergraduate Scholarship

Visiting Geographical Scientist Program
The GTU funds the Visiting Geographical Scientist Program, which is administered by the Association of American Geographers. The program allows chapters to host a distinguished geographer who presents a lecture on a topic in geography and meets with faculty, students, and administrators.