Former GIA President Glenn Nord Dies at 90

RAPAPORT… Glenn Nord, the third president of the Gemological Institute
of America (GIA) and a pioneer of its corporate training program and global
outreach, died Sunday aged 90.

“Glenn Nord was a committed advocate for GIA’s mission, and
for our students and the GIA staff,” GIA president Susan Jacques said Monday.
“His business acumen and wisdom, shared over decades with GIA management and
the board of governors, provided strategic guidance that built GIA’s success.”

In 1959, Nord earned his graduate gemologist
diploma from the GIA. He joined the institute as a traveling instructor in 1961,
promoting the GIA to local jewelers. Using that knowledge, Nord developed the
institute’s corporate training programs. In 1970, he extended the GIA’s
instruction courses to Israel and Japan, beginning a global outreach program
that now encompasses 14 cities in 12 countries.

He left the GIA in 1974, but returned in 1983 to take over
the presidency from Richard Liddicoat. He retired in 1986, when Bill Boyajian became
president. In 2001, GIA presented Nord with its highest honor, the Richard T.
Liddicoat Award. He remained on the institute’s board of governors until his
death.

Nord is survived by his wife, Hannah, their three children,
and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services will take place on
June 22 in Pasadena, California.

The GIA plans to establish a scholarship in his name.

Image: Former GIA president Glenn Nord. (Gemological Institute of America)