Events & Awards

AGTA Launches Scholarship for University of Arizona Geosciences Students

Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024

AGTA Launches Scholarship for University of Arizona Geosciences Students

The inaugural Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science will cover the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.

American Gem Trade Association and University of Arizona
The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA), in partnership with the University of Arizona (UA), has launched the Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science, created in honor of the late gemstone dealer Dick Greenwood.
Dallas—The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has announced a new scholarship created in partnership with the University of Arizona (UA).

The Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science was created in honor of the late gemstone dealer Richard (Dick) Greenwood who died in 2019

The scholarship will fund one year of tuition and fees for a fourth-year Geosciences major at UA.  

The first award will cover the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters. 

AGTA will pay the student’s tuition directly to UA, and this scholarship will exist in perpetuity. 

The funding comes from a newly formed AGTA 501(c)(3) Foundation, which will accept tax-deductible donations from the industry, as well as provide funding from its trade shows.  

Criteria for applicant selection will be established by the AGTA Foundation scholarship committee early next year. 

Officials at UA said they are delighted to offer their students this opportunity. 

“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, and Thomas R. Brown, a distinguished chair of Integrative Science, and head of the department of Geosciences in a joint statement.  

“The UA Geosciences [department] 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 [department] that we are delighted is growing rapidly!” 

 Related stories will be right here … 

The idea for this scholarship came shortly after Greenwood’s passing. 

He was remembered as being generous with his time and knowledge, especially for industry newcomers, and he ran the wholesale gemstone business A. F. Greenwood & Co., which was started by his father.

Dick Greenwood AGTA
Richard (Dick) Greenwood, former owner of A. F. Greenwood & Co.


Greenwood was also devoted to the jewelry industry and contributed in various ways, including serving on the American Gem Society board, as well as on the AGTA board, where he served as president twice.

With help from Greenwood’s colleagues and dedicated donations, AGTA Board President Kimberly Collins has worked to ensure the scholarship was established.

“I am thrilled that we are finally able to make this education scholarship in Dick Greenwood’s name a reality,” said Collins, whose three-year term will end next year. 

“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.”

Bruce Bridges of Bridges Tsavorite will become president at the 2025 AGTA GemFair in Tucson. 

John W. Ford Sr., CEO of AGTA praised Collins for seeing the project through. 

“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,” he said. 

“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.” 

Questions about the scholarship can be directed to AGTA at info@agta.org or to Scott Coleman, director of marketing and communications for the UA College of Science, at scottcoleman@arizona.edu

The Latest

CCWW lifesaver necklace
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?

Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.

Nick Jonas x Fossil Campaign
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil Campaign

The Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.

Wally Hinkamp and Donna Hinkamp Warren
IndependentsAug 26, 2025
Hinkamp Jewelers Celebrates 70 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsAug 26, 2025
Back to School, Back to Style: Why August is Prime Time for Self-Gifting

In his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.

Weekly QuizAug 22, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
London Jewelers Rolex East Hampton Boutique Exterior
WatchesAug 25, 2025
London Jewelers Brings Rolex to Historic Hamptons Home

The new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.

Madison Keys
CollectionsAug 25, 2025
Tennis Star Madison Keys Has the Perfect Necklace for the US Open

The Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Marie Lichtenberg emerald and diamond locket on the 18-karat gold “Rosa” chain
TrendsAug 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: That’s a Wrap

Wrap jewelry is more than just a trend; it’s the perfect motif for the coming season of layering, scarves, and pumpkin spice.

WatchTime New York
WatchesAug 25, 2025
WatchTime NY Show Returns for 10th Anniversary Edition

The three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan
GradingAug 22, 2025
Former Head of GIA India Promoted to Oversee Global Operations

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.

Retrouvaí Diamond Vein Bond Collar
CollectionsAug 22, 2025
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s ‘Diamond Vein Bond’ Collar

The one-of-a-kind collar represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength to rebuild.

Kendra Scott
MajorsAug 22, 2025
Kendra Scott Returns as CEO of Her Jewelry Empire

Three C-suite executives, including former CEO Tom Nolan, have resigned as part of what the company describes as a “transition.”

Claire’s storefront
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Claire’s Finds Buyer, Could Save up to 950 Stores

The retailer, which recently filed Chapter 11, inked a deal to sell its North American business and intellectual property.

Target CEO Brian Cornell and COO Michael Fiddelke
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Target Names New CEO as Sales Continue to Lag

Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down in February and be replaced by the company’s chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke.

Jewelers of America in Washington DC
Policies & IssuesAug 21, 2025
JA, IDMA Talk Tariffs With Execs in DC

The group met with the president's senior trade advisor earlier this week to express the industry’s concerns about the effects of tariffs.

Tiffany & Co. Pop Up at U.S. Open
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Pops Up at 2025 US Open

The pop-up will display this year's Tiffany & Co. Singles Championship trophies along with a diamond-encrusted tennis racket and ball.

Bellman’s Jewelers The Truthful Jeweler Alex Bellman
IndependentsAug 20, 2025
Bellman’s Jewelers Opens Second Store After COO's TikTok Takes Off

The New Hampshire-based store has expanded to Boston, propelled by the success of Alex Bellman’s TikTok page, “The Truthful Jeweler.”

Stock image of police cars with lights flashing
CrimeAug 20, 2025
Another CA Jewelry Store Rammed With Car, Robbed

The latest incident happened Monday at a store in Oakland, California, continuing a pattern JSA first warned about last month.

Oris New York Harbor Limited Edition II Watch
WatchesAug 20, 2025
Oris Launches Watch Benefiting NYC Harbor Oyster Restoration

The new aqua green New York Harbor Limited Edition II is the watchmaker’s second collaboration with the Billion Oyster Project.

Lulo Rose pink diamond
SourcingAug 19, 2025
Dubai’s Jemora Group Buys Diamond Miner Lucapa

The investment company, founded by Dev Shetty, has acquired the struggling miner and its assets, including the Lulo mine in Angola.

National Jeweler columnist and jewelry sales expert Peter Smith
ColumnistsAug 19, 2025
Peter Smith: The Arrival Fallacy and Jewelry Retail

Smith shares wisdom he gleaned from a podcast he was listening to one morning while being walked by his dog, a Malshi named Sophie.

Fake Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra earrings
CrimeAug 19, 2025
Customs Seizes 7,300 Pairs of Fake ‘Alhambra’ Earrings

The counterfeit Van Cleef & Arpels jewels would have been worth more than $30 million if genuine.

MJSA Logo
MajorsAug 19, 2025
MJSA Apprenticeship Program Is Nationally Recognized

The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program received the Registered Apprenticeship Program designation by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Masaki Obu
WatchesAug 19, 2025
Casio America Names New Timepiece Division Manager

Casio executive and watch enthusiast Masaki Obu is the new general manager of its U.S. timepiece division.

Michael Barabash and husband Raymond Cuadrado
MajorsAug 18, 2025
Verragio’s Michael Barabash, a ‘Kind Soul,’ Dies at 58

Barabash, Verragio’s client relations representative, was a vital member of the team and is remembered as being warm and full of life.

John Hardy Dot Coil Necklace and Dot Hoop Earrings
CollectionsAug 18, 2025
John Hardy’s New ‘Dot’ Collection Is on Point

Originally introduced in 1992, the “Dot” collection is back with a capsule featuring five archival designs and three new creations.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy