Gamma Sigma Delta

Gamma Sigma Delta is an international honor society dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments of students, faculty, staff, alumnus or industry supporter. Nomination to the society is more than an honor; it is a challenge and an obligation to contribute to the understanding and advancement of agriculture and related sciences, including natural resources, human ecology and veterinary medicine. The strength of Gamma Sigma Delta is in its 52 local chapters. Chapters operate under the International Constitution and By-laws but otherwise maintain complete choice of and control over their activities. The local chapter´s activities center on recognizing superior achievements through awards and invitations to membership. While all chapters agree on objectives, individual chapter differences occur on how objectives are attained. Membership in our society is an indicator of exceptional academic and/or professional performance. Benefits include: receiving recognition of your achievements at the local and international level, participating in and contribute to chapter activities, making and sharing professional contacts, and becoming a life-long international member. Election to membership is conducted by the local chapter in accordance with the international and local chapter by-laws. This includes students, faculty, professional staff and alumni, as well as outstanding individuals in agriculture and related sciences who meet specific criteria are eligible for membership. The University of Tennessee Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta was chartered on June 4, 1964, with 70 original members imitated. Our membership includes undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni of The Herbert College of Agriculture and The UT College of Veterinary Medicine. In recognition of the activities and accomplishments our chapter has been recognized as a Gold, Silver, and Outstanding chapter at the international level. We have had several students receive scholarships and awards. Our membership typically meets four times a year: a fall business meeting, the fall initiation and awards banquet, a spring business meeting, and spring initiation and awards reception. One of the highlights of our annual awards and initiation ceremony is the presentation of the Chapter’s annual awards for the outstanding Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, and Graduate Students in the Herbert College of Agriculture; and, the Outstanding first, second, and third-year student in the College of Veterinary Medicine. We have an active chapter that supports projects on our campus with assistance in student competitions, maintaining the Native American Interpretation Garden, and food drives.