Faculty Sponsor
GTU Officers
Membership Info
GTU Events
Gamma Theta Upsilon-Geographical Honor Society
Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU) is an international honor society in geography. Gamma Theta Upsilon was founded in 1928 and
became a national organization in 1931. Members of GTU have met academic requirements and share a background and
interest in geography. GTU chapter activities support geography knowledge and awareness. The goal is
to bring together geography majors working towards common goals and projects
oriented in the field of geography.
Montgomery College is the only two-year institution to be awarded a
chapter (Theta Eta) of GTU. We are proud of our geography program, our accomplishments,
commitments, and even more so of our students and Applied Geography
graduates. GTU is one of two honor societies at Montgomery College.
Message from Professor and GTU Advisor Tanya Allison:
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Montgomery College's
GTU website. Please take this time to browse and read about the many activities
that Theta Eta and the Geography Club have been involved in. My goal as the
GTU advisor is to help plan, participate, and encourage students to be active
members. As a member of Oklahoma State University's Chi Chapter, I
reflect on and understand the significance of student relationships, camaraderie,
and achievements. I am extremely proud of our GTU members and participants at
Montgomery College for all of their achievements. There is never a dull moment!
I would like to extend an invitation to other GTU societies to visit us on
your next trip to the Washington, D.C. metro area. We will accompany you to a
dinner night out at one of the local cultural restaurants. We will also be happy
to conduct a sightseeing tour if requested in advance.
The best to you all in 2005-2006!
- T. Allison
GTU Officers
Johnny Whiddon, President
Donetta Jensen, Vice President
Kerrin Kastorf, Secretary/Treasurer
Eligibility for Membership
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.
The Goals of GTU are:
-
to further professional interest in Geography by affording a common
organization for those interested in the field;
-
to
strengthen student and professional training through academic experiences in addition to 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.
Why should you join GTU?
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.
Benefits of GTU Membership
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.
The Geographical Bulletin
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.
Educational Fund
An Educational Fund was established to support publications, scholarships, and other activities.
Scholarships
Five scholarships are awarded annually to Gamma Theta Upsilon members: three to undergraduates; one to a senior entering
graduate school; and one to a continuing graduate student.
Visiting Geographical Scientist Program (VGSP)
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 and meet with faculty, students and
administrators.
Chapters should contact the AAG for information about the Visiting Geographical Scientist Program.
International Organization
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
Local Chapters are chartered by Gamma Theta Upsilon at colleges and universities. GTU chapters sponsor a variety of
activities that support geographical learning.
Alumni Chapter
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.
For more information about GTU contact:
Tanya Allison
Professor
and Program Coordinator
Dept.
of Applied Technology
Montgomery
College
Rockville,
Maryland 20850
(301)
251-7614
tanya.allison@montgomerycollege.edu
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