The inspiration for the fraternity was Professor Richard T. Ely, who is commonly referred to as the "Father of Land Economics." Professor Ely taught land economics at Northwest- ern University and the University of Wisconsin and was the first honorary member of Lambda Alpha. In recognition of his key role in the field of land economics, and to perpetuate his memory, the Chicago Chapter of Lambda Alpha International is named the Ely Chapter.
The promotion of a closer affiliation and liaison between the students and teachers of land economics in the Universities and the individuals in the business world who utilize the principles of land economics in their business activities or profession proved to be an important and timely development. In the years that have elapsed since Its founding, Lambda Alpha has evolved from a university.oriented fraternity into an honorary profes- sional society whose members are chosen solely by invitation on the basis of an outstand- ing 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. This change in the composition of membership was subsequently reflected in a change of name to Lambda Alpha International and a change of description to "an honorary land economics society.
Lambda Alpha now has a number of chapters in various key cities in the United States, Canada, and England and members-at-large in many other parts of the world. Its mem- bership 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 eco- nomlc related activities.
In 1991, Lambda Alpha returned to its roots by forming the Lambda Alpha International Student Association (LAISA). LAISA chapters are forming at universities and colleges throughout the United States, Canada, and overseas. This movement has stimulated new interest in the education of land economics at the university level; and forged a stronger connection between students and professionals.