RAPAPORT...  The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) kicks-off its annual Richard T. Liddicoat (RTL) Scholarship Campaign by seeking donors to assist qualified individuals hoping to study at the Institute.

The RTL Scholarship Fund, organized by the GIA Alumni Association, was created to honor Liddicoat's contributions to gemology and support one of his highest priorities: Gemological education.

According to Bev Hayes Berthoty, Institute Relations manager, the RTL Scholarship Fund enables GIA to award two full tuition scholarships each year to students enrolled in the Graduate Gemologist diploma program.

"With the assistance of companies and individuals, we can change individual lives while investing in the future of the industry," said Hayes Berthoty.

The RTL Fund was launched in 2003 and, to date, has granted six full scholarships. Winners are announced at GIA's annual Industry Awards Presentation in Tucson, Arizona, during February 2006. Ursula Wade of Marshfield, Massachusetts, and Brenda Robinson of Tucson, were awarded scholarships for GIA's On Campus and Distance Education programs, respectively.

"Being a Richard T. Liddicoat Scholarship recipient for 2006 was an extreme honor," said Wade. "I feel like I'm starting out on the right foot toward my goals, and I have GIA to thank." 

Hayes Berthoty is handling contributions for 2007 and she can be reached at 800-421-7250 ext. 4120.