Calling For GEO Award Applications!

January 23, 2020

It’s the time of year that we start looking ahead to the slate of Department awards, and solicit membership in Gamma Theta Upsilon, the International Geography Honor Society. Below is a thumbnail of each award; info on GTU is also included. Department Undergraduate and Graduate students should consider whether you meet the criteria and apply!

Image of award table

  • Michael Graff Dissertation ($2000): Criteria and application material forthcoming
  • Owen Gregg Climate Research Award ($1000): undergraduate major or graduate student in Geography pursuing studies that make significant progress toward understanding climate change, its causes, and impacts.
  • Lawrence and Marjorie Sommers International Travel Fellowship ($1500): provides financial support to a graduate student who will conduct international research within the next 12 months.
  • Harold ‘Duke’ Winters Fellowship ($500): provides financial support to an Environmental Geography major at the Junior level, with a special interest in the depositional landforms associated with continental glaciation.
  • Dan Jacobson Memorial Scholarship ($500): outstanding student at the Junior level, majoring in Human or Economic Geography interested in the cultural geographies of Native Americans, other marginalized groups, and geography education.
  • James Potchen ‘Geographer of the Year’ (one grad/one undergrad, $1000 each): honors one outstanding graduate and one outstanding undergraduate student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences. The students will have shown remarkable professionalism and leadership skills in activities within both the department and the campus community. (NOTE TO FACULTY: Students do not directly apply for this award themselves; they must be nominated by a faculty member)

Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU) is a recognized international Honor Society for geographers, established in 1928. This renowned organization is part of the Association of College Honor Societies; it publishes a journal, The Geographical Bulletin. Membership in such an organization connects you with a global network of geographers, provides access to scholarship and travel funds, and for undergrads, in particular, gives a helpful line on your resume. Faculty are also encouraged to apply. A one-time $40 membership fee is good for life.