MORTUARY SCIENCE

Graduated in 1988
Co-Owner Wakeman Funeral Home, Inc.

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State University?

A: Wayne State’s mortuary science program is a respected, high quality, in-state school. It is one of the oldest programs in the country.

Q: What inspired you to pursue Mortuary Science?

A: My family has been in the profession since 1955.

Q: Who was your most memorable Professor?

A: Dr. Gordon Rose. He was the smartest instructor I ever had in school. I respected his knowledge.

Another was Gerald Cavalier. He was one of the instructors we were with throughout most days. He was a very down-to-earth man and worked hard to help us relate to the practical work of a funeral director.

Q: What was your most challenging class?

A: The science courses were always challenging. But the breadth of knowledge behind the science in mortuary science serves well in preparation of the National Board Examination and in daily practice.

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

A: Wayne State served me well as a place to formalize my career in mortuary science. Even though funeral service is in our family, and I was literally raised in the funeral home, putting in the work at school was still necessary. When it comes to the training and schoolwork, having a fully self-contained building for the mortuary science program is a significant benefit to students. It provided us with the opportunity to study with classmates. I still maintain friendships from my days at WSU.

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

A: Today, the use of cremation as final disposition has found its way into most arrangement conferences with families. Personalization plays a large role in helping our families through their loss.

Q: Please share some career highlights:

A: I am thankful for the opportunity to work in a family business alongside my brother. Our late father was a tremendous teacher. I was proud to serve as chairman of the Michigan Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science and President of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association. Finally, I had the honor of being elected to the Michigan House of Representatives to represent part of Saginaw County in the 94th House District from 2018-2022.

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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.