GTU Inducts 19 Members During its Fall Ceremony

December 8, 2006

Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU) has seen resurgence in recent years. The Alpha Tau Chapter of the International Geographical Honor Society, GTU, recently inducted 19 new members to the chapter. Exactly 55 years after its founding by E. Willard Miller, Alpha Tau Chapter President Adam Naito welcomed the new 16 undergraduate students and three graduate students to the organization.

The four officers of GTU, Adam Naito (President), Gillian Hay (Vice President), Matt Spinelli (Secretary), and Justin Bukartek (Treasurer) formally inducted the students during the ceremony held in 319 Walker. It was a great time to recognize those students who have excelled in the field of Geography. It was also a great time to socialize with one another over food and beverage. The ceremony was highlighted with a talk by keynote speaker Andrew Scholl, GTU inductee and Ph.D. candidate in the Department. He spoke about his forest fire research experience in the Western United States. Entitled "Reading Nature's History Book," Andy expounded on implications for forest fire research, what we can learn from historical forest landscapes, and what it means for the future. The talk was well-received and triggered many insightful questions from the audience.

Students that were recently inducted are: Daniel K. Addyson, Ruth Bacher, Amber Bagherian, Michael Balkenhol, Ron Feingold, Jonathon Foster, Nicholas Giner, Benjamin Harshyne, Kathleen Kelliher, Jessica Lehman, Erin McMullen, Daniel Morath, Brian Pompeii, Andrew Scholl, Carl Sherlock, Armand Silva, Wes Stroh, Romare Truely, and Jennifer White.

GTU has been going strong over the past several years. Students who are in the top 35% of their class and maintain a 'B' average are eligible to join GTU. There will be another induction ceremony during the spring semester.

GTU Group (B-F, L-R: Jon Foster, Daniel Morath, Justin Bukartek, Brian Pompeii, Ruth Bacher, Carl Sherlock; Wes Stroh, Erin McMullen,
Jessica Lehman, Armand Silva, Matt Spinelli, Gillian Hay; Andy Scholl, Jodi Vender, Michael Balkenhol, and Adam Naito)

GTU Seal
GTU Back Inductees get sworn in
Matt and Gillian Secretary Matt Spinelli and Vice President
Gillian Hay recite the GTU oath
GTU Officers (L-R): Adam Naito (President), Justin Bukartek
(Treasurer), Matt Spinelli (Secretary), and Gillian Hay
(Vice President)