| History |
A Brief History of AIPGPrior to 1963, numerous societies existed in the United States to focus on the science of geology and upon specialty areas within this science, but many geological scientists were concerned about the lack of any national organization that focused on geology as a profession. The practice of geology, particularly with respect to public responsibility, regulation, and business practice, had no established guidelines and no national representation. This deficiency was finally addressed in 1963, when a small group of dedicated geologists met in Golden, Colorado, to compose the Constitution and Bylaws for the American Institute of Professional Geologists. November 14, 1963, when AIPG was chartered as a non-profit corporation, is considered the official date of the founding of the Institute. Martin Van Couvering was elected the first President, and the first AIPG Headquarters was located at the Colorado School of Mines. Members were distinguished as a "Certified Professional Geologist" and were authorized to use this title, abbreviated by the letters "CPG" after their name. Steps were promptly taken to establish Sections of the Institute at the state and regional levels. In some areas, local organizations existed with the purpose of advancing geology as a profession. Members of these organizations recognized the advantages of having national affiliation and merged into the Institute. AIPG became a national organization with a membership of nearly 850 by 1965, little more than a year after its founding. By 1974, the Institute had a membership of over 2,000, outgrew its office at the School of Mines, and moved its Headquarters to 622 Gardenia Court in Golden, where it remained for eight years. Additional geological scientists such as geophysicists, geochemists, and engineering geologists expressed interest in membership. This broader constituency is also served under the certification title "CPG", (Certified Professional Geologist). In 1982, Headquarters moved to Arvada, Colorado, in 1999 to Westminster, Colorado and, in 2004 to a different location in Westminster, Colorado, in 2010 to 2000 Washington St., Suite 285, Thornton, Colorado and in 2018 to 1333 W. 120th Ave., Suite 211, Westminster, Colorado 80234-2710 through present. Today, AIPG has over 5,000 Members and Adjuncts. They are organized into thirty-five Sections. The primary purpose of AIPG, to strengthen geological science as a profession, remains undiminished. AIPG remains dedicated to communicating to the public and to its representatives the importance to society of the profession of geology. The Institute promotes ethical conduct and seeks to protect the public and the geological sciences from unprofessional practice. AIPG establishes qualifications for granting of the title, "Certified Professional Geologist", and certifies to the public that those geologists who hold this title have undergone peer review and have been deemed competent practitioners who are worthy of public trust. A History of AIPG 1963-2003 (2004)This 390 page book includes many photographs, a Who's Who/Who Was Who in AIPG, and more than 70 selected speeches and papers by CPGs. Find answers to questions like: How did AIPG really get started? What roles did the well-established AAPG and AGI play in the formation of the first Professional (not scientific) geological society? Who were the "Magnificent Seven" who founded AIPG in 1963-63? The answers to these and other questions make interesting reading to the curious as to the formation and progress of AIPG. Contact the office about this publication at aipg@aipg.org or call 303-412-6205. AIPG Membership Statistics 1998 - 2020Legend for Membership Statistics: A - Associate, S - Student, ECP - Early Career Professional, MEM - Member, CPG - Certified Professional Geologist, C - Corporate AIPG Executive DirectorsEdward E. Rue, 1963-1964 AIPG Past Annual Meeting Locations2024 - Durango, Colorado |
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