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New AGS award honors its first female president
The American Gem Society has announced the new Sallie Morton Guild Award to recognize individuals who have gone over and above in their service to the AGS Guilds each year.
The award will be given on April 25 at the AGS Conclave conference in San Diego.
It pays homage to Sallie Morton, ECG, who was vital in the development of the AGS National Guilds, a system that is still in place with the AGS today. Additionally, Morton was the first female named as president of AGS and served in that role from 1977 to 1979. She also was the first woman to receive the prestigious Robert M. Shipley Award in 1982.
Morton was also a recipient of the Women’s Jewelry Association Hall of Fame award in 1986, and served as an AGS trustee from 1980 to 1992.
“An award in Sallie’s name is very fitting,” said Ruth Batson, CEO of the American Gem Society and AGS Laboratories. “Given her immense contribution to the AGS, what better way to recognize a member’s outstanding service to our guilds than by giving them an award named after this legend.”
Laura Stanley, Chair of the AGS’ International Guilds Committee, said, ““For my entire professional career, I have heard stories about Sallie Morton. Chatting with her and planning this award has just reinforced what a dynamo she is, especially considering the considerable glass ceiling she shattered in the jewelry industry. She has always been a role model, and I’m delighted this award honors her life and future legacy.”
The AGS Conclave Conference will be held at the Hotel Coronado in San Diego from April 23 to 26.
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