MORTUARY SCIENCE

Graduated in 1968

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State University?

A: It was a family tradition; my father graduated from Wayne State and my older brother was a senior at Wayne State when I was a freshman.

Q: What inspired you to pursue Mortuary Science?

A: A desire to help people and make a difference in their lives during difficult times.

Q: Who was your most memorable Professor?

A: Dr. Gordon Rose was my most memorable Professor. He was a kind and complete educator. He made difficult subjects understandable and was always willing to help a student.

Q: What was your most challenging class?

A: My most challenging class was probably Restorative Arts. It was difficult for me because I was trying to be absolutely perfect in everything I did. I can remember receiving a negative critique from an instructor on a long-term project that I thought was excellent, and he did not.

Q: Did you have a favorite hangout on campus?

A: The mortuary science program was located off campus on West Alexandrine at the time but when I did get to campus, I enjoyed TJ's and Verne's.

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

A: It was a good time in my life. I learned what I needed to do to be successful in my profession. The connections I made at Wayne State helped me throughout my career.

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

A: One of the most dramatic changes I have witnessed is the move away from traditional funerals. This could be reflective of the public wanting more personal celebrations of life.

Q: Share a career highlight or summary:

A: Becoming a partner in a successful firm was truly a highlight of my career. I am very proud of being elected as the President of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association in 1990 and President of the National Funeral Directors in 2001. I have been very fortunate to serve my profession in many capacities throughout the years. I have also been able to serve WSU as a member of the Board of Visitors for the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and as a long time member of the WSU Mortuary Science Advisory Board.

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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.