During the GIA Board of Governors meeting in early November at the Institute’s headquarters in Carlsbad, California, the Institute presented Susan M. Jacques with its highest honour, the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement. The Board also recognised the exceptional service of retiring Governor Barbara L. Dutrow, Ph.D., the Williams Alumni Distinguished Professor of Geology at Louisiana State University.
Chair of the GIA Board of Governors Lisa Locklear and GIA President and CEO Pritesh Patel presented the Liddicoat Award to Jacques, who stepped down as GIA’s sixth president and CEO in August and will retire at the end of the year. “It is with great pride and admiration that we present the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement to Susan Jacques,” said Lisa Locklear. She continued, “A leader throughout her remarkable career, Susan has been the heart and soul of GIA.” Pritesh Patel added, “Susan’s vision, integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication influenced GIA, the gem and jewelry industry, and everyone she has shared her time with. That positivity will resonate for years to come.”
Recognizing Governor Dutrow’s contributions since she joined the board in 2016, Locklear said, “Dr. Dutrow’s deep scientific expertise has been invaluable as GIA and the Board navigated the challenges and opportunities of the past decade. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for GIA’s mission will be missed.”
Since its establishment in 1994, the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement has been awarded to just 14 individuals. Three of those continue to contribute their expertise to GIA – analytical microscopist John Koivula; Tom Moses, the executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer; and Dr. James E. Shigley, GIA’s only distinguished research fellow.