Geography

History and Purpose of GTU

History

Gamma Theta Upsilon began as a geography club at Illinois State University-Normal, founded by Professor Robert G. Buzzard in the 1920's.  In 1928, Gamma Theta Upsilon was formed as a professional geography fraternity, with this club as its Alpha Chapter.  Within three years, the fraternity had become a national organization, with additional chapters at University of Northern Iowa, Iowa; Sam Houston State Teachers College, Texas; State Teachers College, Pennsylvania; and Southwest Missouri State College, Missouri.  There are now more than 200 chapters and the organization has become an international one.  Region divisions, similar to those used by the Association of American Geographers were established in 1972.

 

Purpose

Gamma Theta Upsilon recognizes five official purposes:

    1.  To further professional interest in geography by affording a common

         organization for those interested in this field.

    2.  To strengthen student and professional training through academic experiences

         other than 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 provide an outlet of

         publication.

    5.  To create and administer funds for furthering graduate study and/or research in

         the field of geography.