Chapter Officers’ Dedication Raises Alumni to New Level

A lot of hard work and dedication went into moving new programs forward and moving our organization ahead in the last year. I want to acknowledge all of our chapter officers for the time and effort you gave in 2003 and thank you for the commitment and expertise you provide to help make the GIA Alumni Association the successful organization it is today.

I know our members appreciate all the work you do, as well. Many times I have heard comments such as, “I am so glad that our chapter is active,” “I don’t know how I would stay on top of all that is going on in the industry without our chapter” and “It is wonderful to network with my peers and exchange ideas and information.”

Gemological field trips, guest speakers, GIA Extension seminars, socials and chapter fundraising auctions, all offer a wide variety of industry-related networking opportunities and growth that is so crucial in this dynamic industry.

The Alumni Association in Japan, for example, has grown to eight chapters throughout that country and provides a variety of networking opportunities. The Texas Lone Star Chapter offers a myriad of education and industry related events – including an annual scholarship to GIA. The Pennsylvania-Delaware Chapter, which also encourages continuing education and networking, organized three field trips last year and hosted its regularly scheduled chapter meetings.

And here’s to our unsung heroes: Ruth Rose in Texas, a volunteer who has tirelessly worked the Texas Lone Star Auction for many years and is an inspiration with her attitude and willingness to give; Catherine Lee in Ohio, who created a chapter newsletter, promotes GIA at Career Night at her local high school and consistently recruits new members; and Sun Woong Kang of the Korea Chapter, an officer for the past eight years who donates his time and resources and began the GIA Alumni Korea Chapter annual charity soccer games to raise money for local orphanages.

There are so many more of you who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to keep your chapter active and viable. We have over 125 chapter officers, board members and volunteers – too numerous to list here – but please know that we extend our thanks and sincerest appreciation to all of you.

Looking forward to a successful and exciting future.

Warm regards,
Rose M. McKenna
Manager, GIA Alumni Association