MORTUARY SCIENCE

Graduated in 2008
Funeral Director, Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors

Q: What inspired you to pursue Mortuary Science?

A: I'm a third-generation funeral director. About 20 of my family members work in funeral service; we operate 8 funeral homes in metro Detroit. My family, especially my father, inspired me.

Q: Who was your most memorable instructor?

A: Mike Wilk was my most memorable professor as he taught me how to embalm and physically care for the dead.

Q: Share some reflections about your time at Wayne State:

A: I remain grateful to have studied mortuary science at a top-notch institution in the heart of Detroit. All of the funeral directors in my family went to Wayne State University, so it feels good to be part of that legacy.

Q: In your opinion, what is one of the biggest changes that has occurred in your profession since graduating?

A: Funeral service has changed over time. The majority of the population now chooses to be cremated, with people opting not to have a funeral at all. That said, funeral directors are still in a very special position as people rely on us for proper guidance and care. No matter what the future holds, that will always be important.

Q: Share a career highlight or summary:

A: My career can be summarized in the words of my grandfather: "Take care of people and everything else will take of itself." Funeral service, like many careers, can be stressful and challenging — financially, emotionally, and otherwise. But if you focus on treating people well at the most difficult time in their lives, then things typically work out in the end. Our family has been in funeral service since 1948, and this has proven true time and time again.

Learn more about Paddy Lynch and Dutch Girl Donuts, one of his local passions.

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Since 1939, the Wayne State University Mortuary Science Program has been dedicated to educating and developing funeral service professionals who serve their communities with care and distinction.

Through traditional, online and hybrid programs, students benefit from high quality instruction and practical experiences that lay the foundation for their funeral service careers. Learn more about the application process and make plans to attend a college information meeting, held for prospective students at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.