Catherine Kusuma works as a manager of Shipboard Personnel for the PPI Group and wants to formalize her gemology education to teach her staff how to better promote and sell gemstones.  A Pearls Diploma Scholarship from Mikimoto (America) Co., Ltd. will help her put a new training program in place. Photo courtesy of Catherine Kusuma

Catherine Kusuma began her career in the cruise industry more than eight years ago and doesn't plan on leaving any time soon. She's convinced no other field will satisfy her appetite for travel and adventure.

That's why her reason for earning a Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma from GIA isn't to switch careers, but to enhance the one she's got.

As manager of Shipboard Personnel for the PPI Group in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Kusuma is in charge of training her staff to become educated Port Lecturers who give onboard seminars about recommended stores at various ports – many of which are jewelry stores.

"I teach my staff that credibility is the most important characteristic to possess in this business. Without knowledge, you cannot have credibility," Kusuma said.

Kusuma will be the only G.G. on a staff of more than 60 after she completes her GIA education, and will finally be able to implement a new Port Lecturer training program that includes the diamond and gemstone basics needed to promote and sell jewelry effectively.

"I have absolutely no doubt that this training will increase revenue not only for our company, but also for the cruise lines and the local merchants in our shopping program," she said.

Kusuma's eye on increasing revenue for her company earned her some much needed financial aid of her own: a scholarship provided by Mikimoto (America) Co., Ltd. for GIA's Pearls Diploma program.

She is one of 35 qualified applicants to receive a GIA Education scholarship in 2006. The Institute has distributed more than $138,000 in scholarships this year – the most ever allocated – through the help of several industry donations.

"It's through the generous people and organizations like Mikimoto, the Kazanjian Foundation and many others that people have the opportunity to get an education and flourish in the industry," said Bev Hayes Ross, Institute Relations manager.

Jovana Nikolic, who will study Gemology through the Kazanjian Foundation Scholarship, believes a GIA education will help her fulfill her aspirations in jewelry design.

"I would like to show that jewelry design is not just art, it is a craft," she said.

Nikolic was born and raised in the former Yugoslavia, where she and her family endured exile, torture and near homelessness. The family moved to North Carolina in 1997, where, following the death of their mother, Nikolic and her sister have been going to school and working part-time to support their father.

Nikolic says her determination to continue her education at GIA is inspired by her parents and their hopes for her success.

"Their strong will for life and my strong desire for more knowledge are two big elements that motivate me," she said.

"Having this education will definitely open doors and help fulfill my dreams."

Tanya Little-Palmer, wearing one of her original designs, received the Robert Kammerling Scholarship for a G.G. diploma and plans to use her GIA education to further her jewelry manufacturing business, Eumenides Jewelry. Photo courtesy of Tanya Little-Palmer

Tanya Little-Palmer already owns a small manufacturing business, Eumenides Jewelry, but it has left her with few funds to pursue the G.G. diploma she sees as important to her future goals. The Robert Kammerling Scholarship will give her the means to achieve a successful business.

"The opportunity to be a GIA Graduate Gemologist is the only option, goal, determination, belief and passion I hold in my heart," she said.

Stanley Hooper, who received the Dr. Edward J. Gübelin Scholarship for a G.G. diploma, previously worked in the restaurant industry for more than 16 years. He said he developed great interpersonal skills as a bartender and waiter and aspires to become a gemology instructor for GIA.

Brenda Robinson and Ursula Wade are recipients of the Richard T. Liddicoat Scholarships, which give two students the funds to complete a G.G. diploma. The scholarship honors the memory of Liddicoat, who is known as the "Father of Modern Gemology," and all of his contributions to the gem and jewelry industry.

Robinson, a happily married mother of two, is excited to finally put her education first.

"I was taking courses as my budget and time would allow. This scholarship will take the financial worry away and motivate me to mark time away just to study," she said.

"I am very excited to be able to achieve a goal I started on a long time ago. Sometimes patience pays off!"

Wade, who has set her sights on owning her own jewelry store, said she was honored to be chosen for this scholarship and, after being recognized during a ceremony at GIA's Annual Dance Party and Auction in Tucson, placed the winning bid on a ring owned by Mrs. Liddicoat. (See Tucson Coverage, this issue.)

"I have a piece of jewelry for every major milestone in my life," Wade said. "To me, this scholarship was an extraordinary accomplishment that needed to be memorialized with an extraordinary piece of jewelry – one I would never be able to find again. Mrs. Liddicoat's ring was literally a perfect fit!"

Applications for 2007 scholarships will be available for download on the Institute's Web site beginning June 15. Please note that scholarship applications must be submitted between June 15 and Oct. 15. Those sent to GIA at any other time will not be considered by the scholarship committee.

For more information about making a donation to name a scholarship, contact Institute Relations Manager Bev Hayes Ross at (760) 603-4120 or e-mail: bev.ross@gia.edu.