The Gemological Institute of America’s campaign for the sixth annual Richard T. Liddicoat Scholarship Fund campaign is currently underway. 

The scholarship donation campaign runs twice a year –in the spring and fall. Anyone in the worldwide gem and jewelry trade can contribute whatever he or she wants to the scholarship fund to help qualified individuals attain a gemological education.

To date, the RTL Scholarship Fund has received more than $102,000 in donations and has granted 10 full scholarships. Donations received by Dec. 31, will be made available for the 2009 RTL Scholarships.

The RTL Scholarship Fund was created by the GIA Alumni Association in 2003 to honor Liddicoat (pictured), the Institute’s longtime president and chairman who is regarded as the “Father of Modern Gemology.” 

This fund awards two full scholarships each year in the GIA Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma program. The two winners are announced annually at GIA’s Alumni Dinner Dance and Auction at the Tucson trade show in February.

To contribute to the RTL Scholarship Fund or to establish a GIA scholarship in the name of an individual, company, or professional organization, contact Bev Berthoty, GIA manager of Institute Relations at 800-421-7250, ext. 4120.

Those interested in applying for the 2009 RTL Scholarships should visit the GIA Web site in the Education section. Applications for the 2009 RTL scholarships will be accepted until Oct. 15.

JCK