The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has officially launched the Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science in collaboration with the University of Arizona (UA).
This initiative recognises the contributions of Dick Greenwood, a gemstone dealer and two-time AGTA Board President, known for his leadership and support of newcomers to the jewelry industry.
The scholarship, funded through donations and managed by a newly formed AGTA Foundation, will provide full-year tuition coverage for qualified students in UA’s Geosciences Department. The first recipient will be selected for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Honoring a Leader in the Gem Trade
Dick Greenwood, the late owner of A. F. Greenwood & Co., was a respected figure in the gemstone trade. Following his passing, colleagues and industry peers worked together to establish this scholarship in his memory. Kimberly Collins, AGTA Board President, worked extensively to ensure the scholarship became a reality.
“I am thrilled that we are finally able to make this education scholarship in Dick Greenwood’s name a reality,” said Collins. “This was one of my last goals as president, to make sure it came to fruition. Richard (Dick) Greenwood epitomized what AGTA strives for in the gemstone and jewelry industry. The highest ethical standards and integrity. He was always striving to learn more, to be better, to be responsible. To take care of those that enable us to be successful.”
AGTA CEO John W. Ford, Sr. acknowledged Kimberly Collins’ leadership in advancing the scholarship and emphasised AGTA’s commitment to attracting young talent to the jewelry industry.
“The idea for this scholarship started at AGTA, but I want to credit Kim for never giving up on this idea and fulfilling this promise made to honor Dick Greenwood’s legacy. Kim persisted to see it through to completion. This scholarship is the first initiative on a long list of commitments that AGTA has in store to bring more young people into the industry and work with the UA to do so,” said Ford.
Supporting the Next Generation of Gem Scientists
The scholarship is available to students entering their fourth year of a Geosciences degree at UA. Recipients will have their tuition and fees fully funded for one year, with the AGTA Foundation providing direct payment to the university. The foundation will sustain the program through tax-deductible donations and revenue from AGTA trade shows.
In early 2025, an AGTA Foundation scholarship committee will finalise the criteria for selecting recipients. The scholarship will be awarded annually, supporting one student for both the fall and spring semesters.
Partnership with a Leading Geosciences Institution
Officials at the University of Arizona highlighted the importance of this initiative for students in the Geosciences Department.
“We thank AGTA for its generosity in helping us move closer toward our mission of educating young minds who will fill and expand the pipeline of the next generation of gem and mineral experts,” said Joellen Russell, a UA distinguished professor, Thomas R. Brown Distinguished Chair of Integrative Science, and Head of the Department of Geosciences. “The UA Geosciences is deeply impressed by the commitment of AGTA to our young gem and mineral scientists and their future careers. Collaborating with AGTA to train and support the next generation of gem science leaders has been a long-held goal of our UA Geosciences that we are delighted is growing rapidly!”
This scholarship recognises a respected industry figure while supporting the education of future professionals in gem science, a vital field for the jewelry and gemstone industries.
For additional information, AGTA can be contacted at info@agta.org. UA-related inquiries can be directed to Scott Coleman, Director of Marketing and Communications for the College of Science, at scottcoleman@arizona.edu.
