The Gemological Institute of America recognized and honored 10 of the Institute’s principal supporters at its 2002 League of Honor Founders Dinner, Oct. 21 in New York City. The annual event is held to recognize those being inducting into GIA’s esteemed League of Honor, signified by a contribution of $100,000 or more to GIA’s nonprofit mission of serving the gem and jewelry industry through gemological education, research, and laboratory services.

Former GIA President and Chairman Richard T. Liddicoat, known formidably as “The Father of Modern Gemology,” who passed away in July, was remembered and honored for his contributions to the entire industry at the dinner. All proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Richard T. Liddicoat Memorial Fund, which, as part of GIA’s Endowment Fund, will assist the Institute in carrying on Liddicoat’s vision and life’s work on behalf of the industry.

Dinner Co-Chairs Ed Bridge, president and co-chief executive officer of Ben Bridge Jeweler Inc., and Elliot Tannenbaum, partner of Schachter & Namdar Polishing Works Ltd., were among the first to congratulate the honorees for their vision and foresight in supporting GIA’s Endowment Campaign.

The honorees, Richard T. Liddicoat (in memoriam), Matt Stuller, Hedda T. Schupak, Dr. Giovanni Lasagna, Dr. Andrea Turcato, Peter K. Gross, Martin Klein, Norbert Steinmetz, Ralph Destino and Lee Michael Berg, all contributed $100,000 or more on behalf of themselves or their organization to further GIA’s critical programs and services. For their support, each received the coveted League of Honor medallion at the dinner among hundreds of their peers and industry leaders.

“The GIA Endowment will create a solid financial foundation that will secure and support GIA and enable it to grow for years to come,” said GIA President William E. Boyajian, G.G. “The industry has helped us in the past and now we’re off to a good start to continue building for the future. I challenge everyone to join those of us who have contributed to the Endowment Fund. It’s crucial in our efforts to safeguard the public’s confidence in our precious products and our wonderful industry.”

The campaign to grow the Endowment Fund, a permanent fund that is invested to grow and whose interest will sustain GIA long into the future, was officially launched at the dinner. The fund provides a perpetual source of income for critical programs and services offered to the industry by GIA.

To learn more about the GIA Endowment Fund or the Richard T. Liddicoat Memorial Fund, see the latest issue of the Fall 2002 The Loupe: GIA World News. The issue also includes a special, keepsake supplement that honors and remembers the late Mr. Liddicoat.

2002 League of Honor Inductees:

Richard T. Liddicoat, former GIA Chairman of the Board (In Memoriam)
Matt Stuller, Stuller, Inc.
Hedda T. Schupak, The JCK Shows and JCK magazine Dr. Giovanni Lasagna, Vicenza Trade Fair
Dr. Andrea Turcato, Vicenza Trade Fair
Peter K. Gross, ABN AMRO Bank
Martin Klein, Julius Klein Diamonds Inc.
Norbert Steinmetz, E. Schreiber Inc.
Ralph Destino, Cartier, Inc.
Lee Michael Berg, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry

JCK