The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Alumni Association has launched the Richard T. Liddicoat Scholarship Campaign to raise funds for on-campus and distance education scholarships. K.R. Gems & Diamonds International and the Platinum Guild International have agreed to match every dollar raised, up to a combined $20,000, to kick off the campaign. The scholarship is named in honor of GIA’s former chairman, who led the institute through most of its 72-year existence. Liddicoat created the International Diamond Grading System and is widely known as “The Father of Modern Gemology.”

The first scholarships will be awarded this month at the GIA Industry Awards Presentation held in conjunction with the Tucson Gem & Mineral Shows, and annually thereafter. Full tuition will be granted for one student enrolled in the 2004 Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma program at GIA’s world headquarters in Carlsbad. Another scholarship will be given for enrollment in the G.G. Distance Education program, including the three required Gemology Extension courses: Diamond Grading, Gem Identification, and Colored Stone Grading.