VGSP visits

Snapshot of Some Past VGSP Visits

The Visiting Geographical Scientist Program seeks to stimulate interest in geography and Gamma Theta Upsilon (GTU) by sponsoring visits by prominent geographers to colleges and universities across the country — especially in small departments that do not have the resources to bring in well-known speakers. Below are examples of the experiences and presentation materials of past visits listed in alpha order by speaker.

Sarah Witham Bednarz , Texas A&M University, visited California State University, Fullerton and California State University, San Bernardino (2015)
Photos and reflection: scenes from the events
Caroline Faria , University of Texas at Austin, visited Grand Rapids Community College and Aquinas College (2014)
Interview: video from GRCC, Conversation With a Geographer
Owen Furuseth, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, visited Macalester College and University of St. Thomas (2013)
Presentation: program from Macalester College
William G. Moseley , Macalester College, visited University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2014)
Presentation: video
Rickie Sanders, Temple University, visited California State University, San Bernadino and California State Polytechnic, Pomona (2013)
Presentation: photos
Kate Swanson, San Diego State University, visited Grand Rapids Community College and Aquinas College (2013)
Interview: video from GRCC, Conversation With a Geographer
Antoinette WinklerPrins, Johns Hopkins University, visited Northern Michigan University, Utah State University and Weber State University (2013)
Presentation: video from Utah State and information page
Leon Yacher, Southern Connecticut State University, visited Grand Rapids Community College and Aquinas College (2011)
Interview: video from GRCC, Conversation With a Geographer

Quotes

Laura Pulido

"Participating in the Visiting Geographical Scientist Program was a great way for me to learn about geography departments and institutions that I otherwise would not have. I had the opportunity to meet with administrators and colleagues and learn about their concerns and challenges, but most importantly, I was able to meet a wide array of students that have the potential to change our discipline." — Laura Pulido, USC

David Butler

The visits were worthwhile and I felt like the students appreciated seeing a presentation from a person external to their university and on a topic not normally covered in their curriculum. — David Butler, Texas State University - San Marcos

"Conversations with faculty and heads/chairs of departments can bring about insights and possible collaborations and also a realization that many issues transcend departments/colleges and universities. The VGSP can also provide role models for students which are very valuable."
— Antoinette WinklerPrins, Johns Hopkins University

"The audience enjoyed hearing about the long lasting impact of human interactions with the environment, and especially about the formation of black earths or terra preta. We were grateful to have the support of the AAG and GTU to bring Dr. WinklerPrins from Washington, D.C. to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan." — Susy Ziegler, Northern Michigan University