GIA promotes G.G. diploma programme scholarship

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has begun promotions for the Sixth Annual Richard T. Liddicoat (RTL) Scholarship Fund, and is inviting applications. The scholarship assists students in the gem and jewellery industry, to gain access to good quality gemological education. The RTL Scholarship Fund was created by the GIA Alumni Association in 2003, as an honour to its president and chairman, Liddicoat, the “Father of Modern Gemology.” The fund extends Liddicoat mission to provide gemological education to students.

Two full scholarships are awarded each year in the GIA Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma programme. The two winners are announced annually at GIA’s Alumni Dinner Dance and Auction at the Tucson trade show in February. GIA holds two promotions fort he scholarship each year; in spring and another during fall. Bev Berthoty, GIA manager of Institute Relations, said, “An RTL Scholarship is one of the highest honours GIA offers, not only because it was named for Liddicoat, but because it allows anyone in the gem and jewellery industry to contribute to the education of future generations of jewellers.”

More than 440 individual donors have contributed to this scholarship programme, with funds worth $102,000 in donations and 10 full scholarships. Berthoty said, “It is especially heartwarming to note that many RTL donors support the scholarship fund year after year, helping make the dream of a G.G. education a reality for students who otherwise wouldn’t have the resources.”