MORTUARY SCIENCE

Graduated in 1986
Funeral Home Liaison, Gift of Life Michigan

Q: Why did you choose WSU?

A: Wayne State was regarded as the top program in the U.S. by alumni. Additionally, Wayne State Mortuary Science was one of a handful of programs that offered an in-house embalming lab. 

Q: What inspired you to pursue this career?

A: My father died suddenly when I was 13. The impact of his death and the deaths of numerous family members that followed inspired me to help others in their grief.

Q: Who was your most memorable instructor?

A: Hands down, Dr. Mary Louise Fritts-Williams, who was then chair of the program. Dr. Williams existed to empower her students. She was the most approachable and kind instructor I ever encountered. Her open-door policy was welcoming and appreciated by her students. May she rest in peace.

Q: What was your most challenging class?

A: Not a class, but the Math Proficiency Exam was required for graduation when I was a student. I reached out to my junior high algebra teacher for tutoring. We developed a wonderful friendship over the many weeks. And I passed!

Q: Where was your favorite place to study?

A: The Mort Sci Building was located off-campus in the Cass Corridor (Alexandrine and Second). Mostly, I holed up in the library or conference room there to study. A few instructors were usually in the building and made themselves available for questions or some needed encouragement. I was very fond of historic Old Main. Between study sessions, I would stretch my legs with a brisk walk there and back.

Q: Tell us more about your time at Wayne State.

A: I have the fondest memories of my student years plus 24 years of teaching. To this day, I repeat the previous slogan, “Wayne State University: World class education in the real world.” I am very proud to be an alum. I have a grand collection of Wayne State clothing. I always don a Mort Sci t-shirt or hoodie when I travel. Inevitably, I meet other alumni. Many of my closest friends went to WSU.

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

A: The high enrollment of first-generation funeral directors is very different from my own experience. In a class of 46, only a handful of us did not come from funeral service families.

Q: Share a career highlight or summary:

A: Easy: Being selected editor of the sixth edition of the embalming textbook.  But most recently, joining the team at Gift of Life Michigan as a Funeral Home Liaison.

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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.