GIA Honours Susan Jacques with Top Award; Bids Farewell to Barbara Dutrow for Her Years of Service
At its Carlsbad Board meeting, the Gemological Institute of America celebrated leadership, legacy, and scientific excellence with special tributes to two distinguished figures.
At its recent Board of Governors meeting in Carlsbad, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) celebrated two remarkable contributors to its legacy — Susan M. Jacques, former President and CEO, and Barbara L. Dutrow, PhD, who concluded her tenure on the Board.
Susan Jacques was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement, GIA’s highest honour, in recognition of her visionary leadership and lasting contributions to the gem and jewellery industry. The award was presented by GIA executives Lisa Locklear and Pritesh Patel, who lauded Jacques for her dedication and integrity.
Locklear described Jacques as “the heart and soul of GIA,” while Patel noted that her “vision, compassion, and commitment” have left a powerful and enduring legacy within the organization and beyond. Jacques, GIA’s sixth president and CEO, stepped down from her role in August and will officially conclude her tenure at the end of the year.
The meeting also marked the retirement of Barbara L. Dutrow, who joined the GIA Board in 2016. A respected geologist and Williams Alumni Distinguished Professor at Louisiana State University, Dutrow’s academic insight has been instrumental in guiding GIA’s research direction and educational initiatives.
Locklear commended Dutrow for her contributions, saying, “Her scientific expertise and passion for GIA’s mission have helped shape the Institute’s approach to innovation and research.”
Established in 1994, the Richard T. Liddicoat Award has been conferred upon only 14 individuals to date. Among the distinguished recipients are John Koivula, Tom Moses, and James E. Shigley, who continue to contribute to GIA’s research and advisory efforts.
✨ The event served as a heartfelt celebration of leadership, scholarship, and the enduring pursuit of excellence that defines GIA’s mission.
