Director of Alumni Takes on New Role
By Amanda J. Luke

Patrick Ball began his association with GIA more than 18 years ago when he signed up for the Graduate Gemologist resident program. An eager and avid student, he caught the eye of chairman of the board Richard T. Liddicoat, who said he would make a great instructor some day.

So began Ball’s commitment to GIA. He became an instructor shortly after he graduated, then manager of the Resident Diamonds department, director of New York Education and, most recently, director of the Alumni Association.

He absorbed GIA’s mission to serve the jewelry industry and the public trust, and often shared it with students and alumni. Because of Ball’s expertise, Brook Ellis, vice president of Education, tapped him to be director of Instructor Training for GIA Education.

“This is a perfect fit for GIA and Patrick,” Ellis said. “He will be able to implement instructor training at a new level. Patrick’s long-time commitment to the Institute makes him uniquely qualified to do so.”

Ball will be responsible for creating a program that willenhance instructor teaching method-ology, consistency in lesson plans and professional development.

“I’m honored to be asked and excited about the opportunity to spend more time in education,” Ball said. “I’m delighted to be working with the instructors who are the lifeblood of the Institute.”

The executive council of the Alumni Association is supportive of Ball’s new role and recognizes that it will give him a great opportunity to continue to support Alumni priorities and initiatives, said Linda Ellis Harmeling, chief Development officer.

“We are sorry to lose Patrick and are going to miss him. He did a great job of moving the Alumni Association forward, especially in creating the Alumni Endowment Fund,” Ellis Harmeling said. “I am delighted for him to have this fantastic opportunity. It’s great for Patrick and great for GIA.”

The Alumni Association will continue to operate as normal under Alumni Manager Rose McKenna, Ellis Harmeling said.

“We are fortunate to have a very capable person in place to ensure that alumni services continue to grow,” she said.