About Us

What is AIPG?

The American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) was founded in 1963, and is the only national organization representing and promoting the political, ethical, and professional interests of geologists. AIPG currently has more than 5,000 members, and is organized into Regional Sections. AIPG remains dedicated to communicating to the public and to it's 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. The Institute adheres to the principles of professional responsibility and public service and is the only international organization that certifies the competence and ethical conduct of geological scientists in all branches of the science with members employed in industry, government, and academia.

AIPG is a nonprofit 501(c)6 organization whose policies are determined by its Executive Committee.

AIPG Purposes

• The advancement of the geological sciences and the profession of geology;

• The establishment of qualifications for professional geologists;

• The certification of the qualifications of individual Member geologists to the public;

• The promotion of high standards of ethical conduct among its Members, Affiliates, and within the profession of geology.

What AIPG does

Professional Certification - Certifies geologists based on their Competence, Integrity, and Ethics. Classifications include Certified Professional Geologist, Retired, Honorary Emeritus Member, Affiliated Professional, Candidate for Certification, and Student.

Ombudsman - Intervenes with regulatory boards and agencies on behalf of individual geologists, at the geologist's request. Information also is disseminated in cooperation with the Association of State Boards of Geologists.

Lobbying - Presents testimony and position papers to Federal and State legislators and agencies on matters affecting geologists and geologists' employment opportunities. Exhibits at the National Conference of State Legislators.

Job Bank - Provides access to an employment referral service.

Publications - Publishes a monthly magazine, an annual directory, and a variety of publications for both the profession and the general public.

Liability Insurance - Provides access to insurance for errors and omissions, designed specifically for geologists.

Continuing Education - Through publications, seminars, short courses, and field trips, provides educational opportunities for geologists, other scientists, engineers, and the general public. The American Institute of Professional Geologists, in cooperation with the Colorado School of Mines, presents the Management Development Program for Geologists and Related Professionals. This program is specifically structured for geologists and other scientific and engineering professionals.

Health, Life, and Accident Insurance - Provides access to a full line of health, life, and accident insurance.

International Comity - Through agreements with professional societies in other countries, provides access for its Members to professional registration, certification, or chartered status in those countries.

State and Section Activities - State and regional sections work on local political issues and the professional status of geologists in their geographic areas. The Institute's sections around the country hold regular meetings, featuring educational programs covering important subjects of interest to professional geologists. One of the most worthwhile benefits of AIPG Membership is the opportunity to make personal contact at the local and State level; to meet fellow geologists; and to learn from them.

The Minnesota Section of AIPG

The Minnesota Section of AIPG is govered by the Bylaws of the Minnesota Section. The Minnesota Section was established on October 25, 1965. The Minnesota Section and the Wisconsin Section merged on September 24, 1970 to form the Minnesota-Wisconsin Section. The Minnesota-Wisconsin Section then split back into seperate state sections on January 1, 1988.

The Minnesota Section of AIPG holds monthly technical talks September through May, generally the first Tuesday of the month. The talks are designed to fulfill 1 Professional Development Hour (PDH) towards the continuing education requirements for licensure. Professional Geologists, as licensed in the State of Minnesota, are required to complete 24 PDHs every biennium licensing period, including 2 PDHs of professional ethics.  The technical talks also feature important subjects of interest to professional geologists. The Minnesota Section of AIPG also hosts other events and learning opportunities throughout the year.

The Minnesota Section of AIPG members participate in and facilitate outreach events (talks to k-12 students, career panels, talks to college/university classes), provide feedback to the Minnesota Legislature, the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design (MN Board of AELSLAGID), and various state and local groups and agencies. 

National Conferences Hosted by the Minnesota Section of AIPG

• St. Paul, MN in 1985 (Minnesota-Wisconsin Section)
  
• Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN in 2006
• Duluth, MN happening in 2026!

Minnesota Section of AIPG Members - National Roles

• Ernest K. Lehmann, 1981 National Vice-President
• Ernest K. Lehmann, 1982-1983 Intersociety Advisory Group Chair
• Ernest K. Lehmann, 1985 National President
• Terrance E. Swor, 1986 National Advisory Board Representative
• Gary E. Van Guilder, 1998 National Advisory Board Representative
• Kathryn (Kate) J. Kleiter, 2004 National Advisory Board Representative
• Jane M. Willard, 2005 National Advisory Board Representative
• Shanna A. Schmitt, 2016 National Advisory Board Representative
• Shanna A. Schmitt, 2019 National Advisory Board Representative
• Shanna A. Schmitt, 2020 National Advisory Board Representative
• Shanna A. Schmitt, 2024 National President
• Hong T. Spores, 2026 National Advisory Board Representative

Minnesota Section of AIPG Members - National Awards

• Robert Pendergast, 1985 Presidential Certificate of Merit
• Ernest K. Lehmann, 1987 Ben H. Parker Memorial Distinguished Service Medal
• Ernest K. Lehmann, 1991 Presidential Certificate of Merit
• Gary E. Van Guilder, 1997 Presidential Certificate of Merit
• Ernest K. Lehmann, 1997 Honorary Membership Award
• Robert L. DeGroot, 1995 Presidential Certificate of Merit
• Nicholas Spano, University of Minnesota-Duluth, 2014 AIPG National Undergraduate Scholarship
• Jane M. Willard, 2015 Section Leadership Award
• Bruce D. Johnson, 2016 Section Leadership Award
• Curtis M. Hudak, 2017 Section Leadership Award
• Michael C. Hultgren, 2018 Section Leadership Award
• Shanna A. Schmitt, 2018 Presidential Certificate of Merit
• Shanna A. Schmitt, 2018 Section Leadership Award
• Michael J. Urban, 2018 Presidential Certificate of Merit
• Elizabeth Evenocheck, Winona State University, 2019 AIPG National Undergraduate Scholarship
• Keith B. Rapp, 2019 Section Leadership Award
• Carlton (Trey) V. Howard, III, 2021 Section Leadership Award
• Shanna A. Schmitt, 2022 John T. Galey, Sr., Memorial Public Service Award
• Kelsi Ustipak, 2022 John Stewart Memorial Early Career Professional Award
• Paula M. Berger, 2023 Section Leadership Award
• Paul F. Putzier, 2025 Section Leadership Award
• Jennifer B. Wolff, 2025 Section Leadership Award