Lambda Alpha International Background

Lambda Alpha International is an honorary, non-political professional organization that:

• Recognizes and honors men and women in all parts of the world whose achievements have contributed, directly or indirectly, to the advancement of the science of land economics, to a better understanding of the principles of land economics, or to the practical application of such principles in the preservation, development or better utilization of the world’s land resources.

• Expands the world’s knowledge and understanding of the principles of land economics and encourages and supports the application of such principles to both public policy and private endeavor.

• Takes those actions and supports those ideas, individually and collectively, that contribute to the enrichment of our urban and rural environment and that benefit the quality of human life.

• Advances a close working bond and mutual understanding among men and women engaged in all disciplines and activities related to land economics.

Lambda Alpha was established November 5, 1930 as a land economics fraternity at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Its original purposes included:

• Encouraging of the study of real estate and land economics in universities.

• Promoting a closer affiliation between its members and the commercial world.

• Furthering of the highest ideals of scholarship and honesty in business and universities.

In the more than 70 years that have elapsed since its founding, Lambda Alpha International slowly evolved from a university-oriented fraternity into an honorary professional society whose members are chosen solely by invitation on the basis of an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the knowledge or practice of land economics, or on the basis of achievements in a field that is directly related to land economics.

The change in composition of membership was subsequently reflected in a change of name from an “honorary fraternity” to Lambda Alpha International and a change of description to “an honorary land economics society.”

Lambda Alpha International now has chapters in key cities in the United States, Canada and Great Britain plus members-at-large in many other parts of the world. Its membership is a virtual “Who’s Who in Land Economics” and represents an “International Hall of Fame” honoring men and women who have distinguished themselves in land economic related activities.

The exchange of information and ideas relating to land economics continues to be a primary goal of Lambda Alpha International. The membership of Lambda Alpha International includes outstanding individuals from many parts of the world who have distinguished themselves in the various disciplines and activities related to the use and re-use of land. These individuals include not only those who are involved in the ownership, management, regulation and conservation of land, but also those who are involved in its development, redevelopment, and preservation. Membership includes architects, engineers, real estate developers, planners, government officials, professors, bankers, attorneys, real estate consultants, and officials of local, national, and international organizations.