The First "Gems and Jewelry Valuation" Course.

Dean of the School of Management Dr. Vindhai Cocrakul giving a speech during the Certificate Award Ceremony held Bang Na Campus on September 13. Director Christopher Keenan of GIA Thailand Campus with Dean and faculty members of the School of Management in a photo session with students. GIA Thailand Campus Director Christopher Keenan awarding a certificate to a student of the Gems and Jewelry course at Bang Na on September 13.

Assumption University and Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Thailand Campus have cooperated on a "Gems and Jewelry Valuation" course which concluded in a ceremony to award certificates at Bang Na campus in September, 2002. Gems and Jewelry Valuation course is a three credit, elective course taught in the Department of property Valuation. Forty students enrolled in the first course, presented during the summer session from March to May, 2002.

Dr. Vindhai Cocracul, Dean, ABAC School of Management, presided over the certificate award ceremony, in which students who met course requirements earned the GIA Insurance Replacement Appraisals Certificates. Addressing the first class, Dr. Vindhai Cocracul emphasized the special benefit provided to our students through this cooperation between ABAC and GIA. Dr. Cocracul went on to advise the students to live by the ethical standards they have learned.

According to Christopher Keenan, Director, Gemological Institute of America, Thailand Campus, the Gems and Jewelry Valuation course offers an opportunity to learn about gem and jewelry value factors, and valuation principles applied to determine insurance replacement value - the most asked for and commonly provided jewelry appraisal service. Hands-on lab sessions with gems demonstrate the knowledge and skills, instruments, methods, and documentation required for professional valuation of gems and jewelry.

Patima Jeerapaet, Chairperson, Department of property Valuation, initiated this exclusive cooperation between Assumption University and GIA Thailand Campus. According to him "We are broadening our Department of Property Valuation education to include valuation training for a variety of properties. Gems and jewelry play a very important role in the economy of Thailand. GIA is recognized as the world's foremost authority in gemology. The GIA Graduate Gemologist Diploma is the most recognized gemological credential; it is also an imprtant qualification for professionals who specialize in gem and jewelry valuation. We are most pleased that GIA will customize its training for the benefit of Assumption University students."

Christopher Keenan confirmed GM's interest. "We are most pleased to cooperate with Assumption University, which is Thailand's first international university. Over the years, a significant number of Thai, GIA Graduate Gemologists will be Assumption University alumni. Today, 20,000 students attend Assumption University and the Department of Property Valuation is making an important contribution to Thailand's business environment. Whether they seek a career as appraisers or study for personal enjoyment, ABAC students are future consumers of Thai-made gems and jewelry.

Keenan went on to say that "We will work hand-in-hand with Assumption University to adapt the Gems and Jewelry Valuation course to best serve the students. The next course, scheduled for 2003 summer session will be presented in a more concentrated form to promote greater skill development. For our next offering, we will add one of GIA's new and popular courses "Colored Stone Essentials" as a second course text. Gems and Jewelry Valuation students will have the potential to earn 3 credits at Assumption University and at the same time, complete two GIA Distance education courses at an accelerated pace. The Colored Stone Essentials is a required course for our Graduate Gemologist Diploma."

Reported by A. Patima J.