GIA discontinues alumni membership fees, adds education program
-- JCK-Jewelers Circular Keystone, 7/3/2006 10:26:00 PM
The Gemological Institute of America’s Alumni Association has announced that as of April 1, 2007, its membership will expand to include all graduates of GIA and will no longer require dues. Graduates will become alumni members when they pass a final examination in a course or program that awards a certificate or diploma.
The 24-year-old alumni association will encompass more than 65,000 members once the initiative is launched in 2007, and will continue to grow as students complete their studies.
“We want to be more connected with our GIA family of graduates and create valuable networking and educational opportunities for them worldwide,” said Linda Ellis Harmeling, vice president of GIA Institute Advancement.
Central to the evolution of the alumni association will be a continuing education program for GIA Graduate Gemologists and a related recognition system.
Alumni will be able to view presentations, which will vary in topic each year, through online podcasts, either on their computer or by downloading them to an iPod or similar device. Podcasts can also be presented to groups at chapter meetings and other gatherings.
Topics for 2007 lectures will include treatments for diamonds and other gems; synthetic diamonds; rubies, sapphires, and emeralds; GIA Diamond Cut Grading System updates; and other in-demand topics.
Currently paid annual members of the GIA Alumni Association whose yearly membership expires after April 2007 may call 760-603-4135, or e-mail alumni@gia.edu, for a pro-rated refund. Dues from members who do not contact GIA will remain in the Alumni general fund.
