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.

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

[1] The Gamma Theta Upsilon badge 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.

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.

[4] 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.