Members of the Alumni Association gathered with fellow graduates for their annual reception held in conjunction with the 2005 JCK Las Vegas Show June 5. Attendees had the opportunity to visit with the Alumni Executive Council and chapter officers to hear updates on the Association. James Shigley, Ph.D., director of GIA Research, presented the winner of a drawing with a signed copy of Gems & Gemology In Review: Synthetic Diamonds at the event. Proceeds from the event benefited the GIA Alumni Endowment Fund.

Save the Date: Symposium 2006

Remember to save the date for GIA's 4th International Gemological Symposium (IGS) Aug. 27-29, 2006 in San Diego. The event's theme is "Navigating the Challenges Ahead" and will feature keynote speakers, presentations and panel discussions from experts representing all areas of the industry. In conjunction with IGS, GIA will host a Gemological Research Conference Aug. 26-27, 2006 to explore the most recent technical developments in gemology. Sessions will feature presentations and opportunities for participant discussions. The Gemological Research Conference is sponsored by Charles & Colvard, Ltd.

Send Us Your Auction Items

The Alumni Association is accepting items for the silent and live auctions to be held during the Tucson Dance Party in February. If you think you have a hot-ticket item that will help raise money for the Alumni Endowment Fund, why not donate it? All donations are tax deductible and proceeds will help future alumni-related activities. Contact Alumni Relations Manager Rose McKenna for more details.

The Association is also accepting nominations for the 2005 Alumni Awards. Let us know about fellow alumni who regularly go the extra mile for their chapter on the Alumni Association's Web site. Awards will be handed out preceding the 2006 Tucson Dance Party.

For more information on any of these programs, contact: Ruby Contreras, Alumni Relations assistant,  (760) 603-4145 or ruby.contreras@gia.edu; Missie Jacobs, Alumni Relations coordinator,  (760) 603-4155 or missie.jacobs@gia.edu; Rose McKenna, Alumni Relations manager,  (760) 603-4135 or rmckenna@gia.edu

Web site: www.gia.edu, click on "Alumni Association"