Advance Your Career with ICCFA University’s Immersive, Expert-Led Courses

Advance Your Career with ICCFA University’s Immersive, Expert-Led Courses

STERLING, Va. (May 21, 2025) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) is proud to announce the return of ICCFA University, taking place July 18–23, 2025, at the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. Celebrated as one of the most comprehensive and transformative professional development opportunities in the deathcare profession, ICCFA University offers students a powerful blend of classroom learning, networking, and industry best practices.

With a focus on relevant, real-world education, ICCFA University brings together top experts and practitioners to lead students through in-depth coursework across nine specialized colleges, each designed to target key facets of cemetery, cremation, funeral service, and the suppliers who support the profession. 

The 2025 colleges and their deans are:

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• College of 21st Century Services | Dean Glenda Stansbury
  Focuses on innovative service delivery and funeral celebrant training.
• College of Cremation Services | Dean Clift Dempsey, CCrE, CCFE
  Offers multi-tiered cremation certifications and operations management.
• College of Hospitality & Customer Experience | Dean Lori Bolton, CSE, CXE
  Explores event planning, hospitality integration, and personalized service strategies.
• College of Land Management & Grounds Operations | Dean Gino Merendino
  Emphasizes cemetery grounds maintenance, environmental planning, and operations.
• College of Leadership, Management & Administration | Dean Gary Freytag, CCFE
  Delivers results-driven leadership, financial management, and human resources education.
• College of Technology | Dean Nick Timpe, CSE
  Equips professionals to harness digital tools, CRM systems, and AI integration.
• J. Asher Neel College of Sales & Marketing | Dean Patrick Downey, CCE
  Focuses on relationship-based selling, branding, and lead generation strategies.
• Todd Van Beck College of Funeral Home Management | Deans Mike Watkins & Mat Forastiere
  Offers comprehensive insight into funeral home operations and business sustainability.
• School of Graduate Studies | Dean Robbie Pape, CCFE
  Tailored for experienced professionals ready to elevate their leadership impact.

“The ICCFA University experience is unlike anything else in the profession,” said Chancellor Jeff Kidwiler, CCE, CSE. “Students don’t just attend classes—they build lifelong friendships, sharpen their professional skills, and come away with new perspectives that shape their careers.”

Participants can also take advantage of a deeply immersive campus environment with meals, accommodations, and networking activities all under one roof. From student trivia night to Sports Night and a celebratory graduation reception, the University fosters community and professional growth in equal measure.

To learn more about ICCFA University 2025 or to register, visit iccfa.com/university. Class sizes are limited, and early registration is encouraged.

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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.