Gamma Theta Upsilon will be hosting the annual Geography Bowl on November 7 in the Frey Suite starting at 4:30 p.m.
Randy Bertolas, the chair of the history, politics and geography department, said the group is delighted to be holding this fun filled competition for the thirteenth year.
There will be eight student teams attending the Geography Bowl. Lesli Rawlings, a geography professor at WSC, said history professors Eric Colvard, Phillip Fox and Jason Eden will serve as faculty judges. There are no fees to participate or watch the event.
Bertolas and Rawlings have been planning the Geography Bowl since early August.
“The Kanter Student Center Frey Suites is reserved several months in advance,” Rawlings said. “In August, we inform students in our geography classes to save the date for the Geography Bowl.”
Many tasks and duties are assigned to GTU members along with Bertolas and Rawlings.
“As coordinator, I have a sign-up sheet listing tasks to need fulfilled,” Rawlings said. “Dr. Bertolas is the master of ceremonies (M.C.). Student assistants serve as scorekeepers, timekeepers, update the brackets, distribute tickets for door prizes or help clean-up after the event.”
Kaitlin Arney joined GTU in the fall of 2023 and is now the club’s president.
“I do enjoy being a part of Gamma Theta Upsilon,” she said. “I get to make connections with other geography students and spread the word about our honor society to those looking to join or learn more about it.”
Armey’s majors in geography with minors in Earth science and geospatial technology. She tasks on many tasks as president and attends events to encourage other students to join GTU.
“I have learned how to manage my time like making sure my coursework is completed, and my schedule is open and the importance of teamwork,” Arney said. “I have attended club and organization fairs in hopes of inspiring others to learn more about geography and see if they have the requirements to join GTU.”
Along with other students, Arney will be attending to help and support the Geography Bowl.
“I think people should come to this event to watch a friendly competition between peers and learn more about the world we live in,” Arney said.
The Geography Bowl is open for everyone to come and watch.
“The Geography Bowl is a precursor event to commemorate Geography Awareness Week and give students information about careers and degrees related to geography,” Rawlings said.
