I’m sure those who attended GIA’s League of Honor Dinner in October remember the touching stories of John Hess and Cheryl Hopper. They were the two aspiring jewelry professionals and scholarship recipients whose stories were featured in the video shown that evening.

Hess, a 24-year-old father of two, expressed his gratitude to the Institute for providing funds donated by the Kazanjian Foundation for GIA scholarships. These monies gave him an opportunity he had previously only dreamed of: to attend GIA’s Graduate Jeweler diploma program. The chance to learn a new craft set him on a career path he hopes to someday pass on to his children, he said.

Hopper was working in jewelry retail before an accident left her in a wheelchair. The scholarship to the G.J. program has given her a new outlook on life and provided her the chance to pursue a different career in the industry she loves, she said.

“I feel honored to have received the scholarship. It’s such a wonderful gift that has changed my life,” Hopper said. “I hope people realize how much good [scholarships] can do.”

These are the types of promising stories I enjoy hearing. It’s a reflection of how your gift to the GIA Endowment Fund can change lives for the better. I’m encouraged by the number of philanthropists who have made pledges toward GIA scholarships over the last year. They have helped build the Endowment, so much so, that I’m happy to announce that GIA is now able to grant funds to provide five full scholarships in 2006, including the Dr. Edward J. Gübelin Memorial Scholarship.

It’s the generosity of the Million Dollar Roundtable, League of Honor members and others who have helped the Institute provide this wonderful opportunity for five individuals. But this is just the beginning. We can all expect to hear many more success stories when the Endowment reaches and surpasses its $75 million goal.

If you haven’t made a contribution yet, I urge you to consider one today. Your gift can change lives and help secure our future by introducing young, passionate professionals to the gem and jewelry industry. 

Matt Stuller
Chairman, GIA Endowment Campaign