GIA President William E. Boyajian was honored with the Ben Kaiser Award at the Women's Jewelry Association's 22nd Annual Awards for Excellence Dinner July 31 in New York City. Given only two other times in its history, the award honors men who lend support to the organization and the industry.

"Bill Boyajian exemplifies the visionary spirit of the Ben Kaiser Award," said WJA President Anna Martin. "He has been a strong advocate for the advancement of women at GIA, and a longtime supporter of WJA's goals."

Boyajian expressed gratitude for WJA's contributions to the industry and the respect he has for the organization. He also thanked the women at GIA, and noted how the industry has changed since WJA's inception in 1983.

"In 1988, I declared that our success in the 1990s would be largely the result of our ability to attract and retain great women," Boyajian said during his acceptance speech. "Today when I speak, I say that the key to GIA's future success will be our ability to attract and retain great people. I don't have to single women out because it is self-evident today that they are an integral part of our organization - and a real key to every firm's success."

Boyajian, who celebrates his 30th anniversary with GIA this year, is best known in the industry for shepherding the Institute as president through nearly 20 years of growth and development. A member of several industry organizations, he has won many awards for his contributions.

"His passion is contagious and he has always encouraged our participation in WJA," said Susan Elliott, GIA dean of students and WJA San Diego president. "His dedication to GIA, and our industry as a whole, is inspirational."

Men were not always an integral part of WJA, the jewelry and watch industry's pre-eminent association of professional women. But the late Baume & Mercier Chairman Ben Kaiser helped change that in 1996 when he helped then-WJA President Rachel Rosin lead a membership drive for male associates. The WJA board created an award in his name when he died a year later.