Active GIA Alumni Members: More Than 100,000 Strong
October 7, 2014
Our alumni association hit a milestone recently when we surpassed 100,000 active members. That is significant for all of us because it gives us more opportunities for networking, mentoring and connecting with more people who have a passion for what we do.
That was brought home to me in the last few months as I was on the road (and in the air) traveling to tradeshows and alumni events in Boston, New York, Chicago and across South Africa. I met many alumni members along the way and in each place I went, I felt their passion for what they do. It was inspiring to hear the stories, aspirations and memories of so many graduates and students, which resonates with my own passion for gemology, which I was fortunate to recognize a long time ago. I love sharing it with so many amazing people across the globe.
While I was busy traveling, our chapters ‒ more than 70 worldwide ‒ were busy doing what they do best ‒ delivering events and education to our alumni worldwide. They have hosted 100 events so far this year, with more than 45 activities since June!
The following are some highlights:
- The 5th Global Alumni Forum session took place in late August and continues to grow in measured success and effectiveness for our chapters: 43 alumni leaders from 38 chapters and nine countries participated. We spent the time discussing how to develop and support of our global alumni community.
- A visit to Africa – Johannesburg, Cape Town and Gaborone. Three events, featuring GIA updates, research news and gemological history, were hosted for our alumni and the gem and jewelry trade across South Africa. Their success and attendance were extraordinary and we appreciate the lengths many traveled to attend.
- 40th Reunion – Graduates from the Class of 1974 gathered for a reception, dinner and visit to the new GIA lab and campus location in the International Gem Tower in New York. Attendees eagerly shared stories from the classroom that made us all laugh, their successes and personal notes and remembrances of those who could not attend. Susan Jacques, president and CEO of GIA, and Tom Moses, executive vice president and chief lab and research officer of GIA, also attended the evening celebration.
Here’s some of the chapter news and events that have occurred in recent months:
- Tanzania – our newest chapter! – hosted a very successful first event in July.
- Social gatherings brought members of the Houston, Malaysia, Metro-Phoenix, Toronto and Vancouver chapters together.
- Hong Kong Gem and Jewelry Fair – was a prime meeting spot for chapter leaders from Malaysia, Taiwan, China and Philippines.
- Historical jewelry brands, museum collections and archaeogemmology were some of the topics and field trips put together, including: California – Golden Gate’s lecture on Faberge and notable jewels by Fred Feldmesser; a Colorado – Mile High evening with Dr. Jeffrey Post, curator of the Smithsonian Institute; Houston’s field trip to a Bulgari exhibit; Washington D.C. presentations by Dr. Cigdem Lule on archeogemmology, jewelry historians Elyse Zorn Karlin and Gail Brett Levine, and a third historically focused event that featured Helen Serras-Herman on Maya jade.
- A private gem and mineral collection viewing and museum tour was the good fortune of our London members.
- Colored gems inspired many industry notables to educate our chapters, including: Doug Hucker, CEO of American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) for New England; Edward Boehm on sourcing gemstones for North Carolina; Metro-Phoenix hosted tsavorite expert Bruce Bridges; Professor Robert Stern on ruby and jadeite for Washington D.C.; and author Renee Newman speaking on exotic gems for Michigan and Houston.
- Diamond faceting demonstrations and a lecture featuring Mike and Evert Botha, of Embee Diamonds, were held by Mid-Tennessee and Northeast Florida.
- Four chapter events tapped into the knowledge and experience of their members. San Diego and Mid-Tennessee featured Blaire Beavers and Gina Latendresse on pearls, and Colorado – Mile High, San Diego and South Carolina featured members’ experiences in gemology and first-hand field gemology travels to Madagascar, South Africa and Namibia.
- Films on gems and jewelry created by alumni were featured, including the production journey of the soon-to-be-released film “Mine to Market” by Roger Dery (AGTA Spectrum winner) in Manhattan, and the “Masters of Dreams” documentary by alum and creator Ken McGrath was shared in London.
The documentary film “Masters of Dreams” was the creative work of GIA graduate Ken McGrath, left, who autographs copies for students at the GIA campus in London.
- Gemology “hands-on” emerald treatment sessions were held in Michigan by representatives from Gemworld Intl.
- Jewelry design events featured famed jewelry designers Paula Crevoshay in Manhattan and Judy Evans in Metro-Phoenix.
- The Mexico City chapter hosted their latest Gemstone Safari to see the pearl harvest at Sea of Cortez pearl farms.
- GIA laboratory and education representatives spoke, including Nathan Renfro who presented on the micro art of gems in St. Louis; and Claudia D'Andrea, GIA director of education in Thailand, and Kenneth Scarratt, GIA managing director of Southeast Asia and director of the GIA Laboratory in Bangkok, who gave colored gemstone and diamond updates in Malaysia.
- Save the Date! Join us to “Party at the GIA Gem Mine: Rocking Down Under” at the annual Tucson reunion, dinner dance and auction on Feb. 6, 2015. Chapters and individuals can help make this a success with your attendance and support. Consider donating something related to this fun theme. Please contact us for further donation information. Tickets are available; register early and save!
- Scholarships are available – Take advantage of the MANY scholarship opportunities available. Simply apply before Oct. 31 by submitting an online application for GIA education scholarships offered around the world including on campus, eLearning and lab classes.
Kate Donovan, GIA alumni relations manager, visits Diamond Trading Company
Botswana(DTCB) to deliver a copy of Gems & Gemology to Keneilwe Dihutso, a
diamond grader at DTCB whose photo is featured in the summer 2014 issue.
Botswana(DTCB) to deliver a copy of Gems & Gemology to Keneilwe Dihutso, a
diamond grader at DTCB whose photo is featured in the summer 2014 issue.
