MORTUARY SCIENCE

Graduated in 1989
Owner, Howe-Peterson Funeral Homes
WSU Alumni Association Board of Directors member

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State University?

A: I chose to attend Wayne State University because I received a scholarship to play football.

Q: What inspired you to pursue Mortuary Science?

A: I was inspired, slowly, by a series of events: First, I have a passion to help others, somehow, someway. Second, a career aptitude test indicated that I should be a funeral director. Third, an athletic scholarship to WSU is where I found the Mortuary Science Program and met Dr. Gordon Rose, who really sparked my interest to a higher level. Lastly, as an 18-year-old high school senior, Joseph Peterson, spent three days with me, showing me every aspect of funeral service at Howe-Peterson. At the end of those three days, I knew I wanted to be a funeral director and Joe Peterson offered me a job when I entered the program.

Q: Who was your most memorable instructor?

A: My most memorable professor is impossible to say, there were so many who had an impact on me personally and professionally. Dr. Gordon Rose might be the smartest person I ever met, and his humor was over the top. Gerry Caviler, his work ethic and standards of professionalism I still follow to this day. Thomas Zaremba, I can still hear his voice in my head every day. Mary Lou Williams taught me so much about the human body and how to study and prepare for any class. Mike Wilk for his techniques, experience, humor and his continued friendship throughout my career.

Q: What was your most challenging class?

A: My most challenging class was Pathology with Dr. Pool. His years of experience and knowledge were so hard to pack into a single semester. Dr. Pool's class challenged your ability to memorize terms and definitions at a level I had never experienced.

Q: Tell us about your time on campus.

A: As I reflect on my time at Wayne State, I think about the lifetime friendships I have developed. I think about how Wayne State gave so much to me, not only my professional education, but how going there and living there shaped me. I experienced so much culturally from the arts, plays, concerts, sports, lectures and foods while going to and living at Wayne State. I have never forgotten those experiences.

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

A: Changing consumer preferences. When I graduated, 95% of our client families were choosing viewing and ceremony prior to final disposition to acknowledge a unique life had been lived. Today, over 30% of our client families choose not to recognize a life has been lived and lost.

Q: Share a career highlight or summary:

A: I am a first-generation funeral director. I worked for three generations of the Peterson family before becoming a first-generation owner of Howe-Peterson Funeral Homes. I am Past President of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association and Past President of the Michigan Mortuary Science Foundation. I am proud to say I continue to give back to Wayne State.  I serve on the WSU Alumni Association Board, the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Board of Visitors and the Mortuary Science Program Advisory Board. I am Commander of MI-MORT, Michigan's Mass Fatality Response Team and a Team VIC member of NDMS and DMORT. I have the honor and privilege of service as a current Funeral Service Foundation Trustee.

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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.