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Press Release: Dr. Emmanuel Fritsch will receive the prestigious Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology and Alice Keller, the editor-in-chief emeritus of Gems & Gemology will receive the Accredited Gemologists Association's (AGA) Lifetime Achievement Award in Tucson next month. AGA's president Donna Hawrelko said, “The Accredited Gemologists Association is particularly pleased to honor both Dr. Fritsch and Ms. Keller. Each has made significant contributions that have not only benefited but also enriched the international gemological community.” AGA's board of governors’ member, Stuart Robertson, noted, “Ms. Keller’s contributions cannot be overstated. During her time as editor-in-chief the gemological community witnessed in G&G, an already good product, transform into a peer-reviewed, scientific, premier gemological journal. During her career Alice teamed up with the leading researchers from around the globe to publish the most important collection of gemological research of our time. The printed editions of Gems & Gemology stand in testimony of her career achievements; and survive as an invaluable research resource for generations to come.” Robertson added, “Dr. Fritsch’s many contributions to gemology are too numerous to recall in total here. However, the DUG diploma course to which he is strongly connected is regarded as a standard for laboratory gemologists. This fact was not lost on many of AGA’s delegates.” About the Honorees Dr. Fritsch is professor of physics at Nantes University since 1995. He earned his PhD in Geophysics and Internal Geodynamics from Paris VII University in 1985, on the subject of parasitic colorations in industrial silica glass. He then joined the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) first as a postdoc researcher, then as a scientist, and finally as manager of GIA Research from 1993 to 1995. Today he is in charge of the gemological education programs at the University of Nantes, in particular the DUG diploma for which he is the primary teacher. His contribution to the gemological literature is extensive, having published more than 250 articles and book chapters. Keller has directed Gems & Gemology since 1981 and served as editor-in-chief from 2002 to 2011. Under her leadership, G&G became a full-color, peer-reviewed professional journal. She has spoken at gem conferences internationally and served as co-chair of GIA’s 1999 and 2006 International Gemological Symposiums. In 1998, she received the Women’s Jewelry Association’s Award of Excellence and the American Gem Trade Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2003, GIA awarded Keller its highest honor, the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a master’s from Georgetown University. Dr. Fritsch and Keller will be recognized at AGA’s gala dinner dance held at the conclusion of its Tucson Conference, on February 6, 2013, from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Marriott University Park Hotel. The cost of the conference (including dinner gala) for AGA and Gem-A members is $230; cost for non-members, $280. For those not attending the all-day conference, cost for the dinner and Bonanno Award presentation is $75 per person for AGA/GemA members and $90 for non-members. For more information about the conference or gala, or to register now, go to www.accreditedgemologists.org or call 619.501.5444.
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