University Testimonials

Robin Naiman, City of Vancouver

Memphis was a unique experience, and one that everyone should take the opportunity to participate in.  The lecturers were brilliant!  They knew their topics and were able to deliver in an engaging manner.

The opportunity to learn and meet other people was exceptional.  There were professionals from as far away as South Africa, as well as from the home town  of Memphis.  The students were friendly and helpful.  The lecturers were very approachable and eager to share.

I brought home lots of information that I know I will be referring back to in years to come.

 

Lorraine Piller, Town of Olds

The ICCFAU was amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed attending the university. It was absolutely the best educational opportunity I have ever attended. I strongly encourage anyone in this industry to attend the ICCFAU. The speakers were vibrant and very knowledgeable, and it was a unique opportunity to speak with other people in this industry from around the world.

 

2010 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:

Kevin Bunnett, City of Coquitlam

- Thank you to the CCABC.  I was fortunate enough to be selected as one of the 2010 recipients of the Scholarship to attend the ICCFAU at the University of Memphis.

I participated in the Land College program and was very pleased to find out that the main theme was customer service.  We had various speakers all relating their topics to customer service and to why it is important for all cemetery staff to be aware of the impact they have on the people who we serve.  It was made clear that all levels of staff need to be trained in all aspects of the cemetery and be encouraged to do the right thing.

I went there thinking “What can I be taught?” and was happy to find that the service my staff and I are providing is in line with the University teachings and I did learn some valuable tips to keep us all motivated to be providing the best service we can offer the Families we deal with.

Jeffrey Young, Personal Alternative Funeral Services

- I wanted to thank you sincerely for the recent opportunity I was awarded through your scholarship to attend the ICCFA University in Memphis, Tennessee, USA.  My experience was nothing short of very rewarding and motivating.

I am presently the assistant manager of a local funeral home and attended the university for their Funeral Home Management Program.  I found this program to be very informative, helpful and encouraging, as my dean, Mr. Todd Van Beck has 42+ years of experience and was quite a captivating instructor.  There are other pgorams that I will be pursuing through ICCFAU as the knowledge and networking that I gained and shared is something that will continue to benefit not only myself, but other professionals as well.

I am very pleased to see associations such as the CCABC investing in the professional development of those in our field.  I will continue and have been encouraging others to not only apply for next year’s scholarship, but also investigate getting there on their own due to the wonderful experience I had.

Thank you again for the opportunity and I will look forward to accompanying next year’s scholarship winners in beautiful Memphis, Tennessee.

 

2009 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS: 

Dorothy Bell, City of Abbotsford

- The ICCFA University in Mississippi was fabulous!  Not only was there networking and camaraderie outside the classroom it also moved into the classroom.  The classroom experience was a mixture of practical theories, real life examples from around the globe and open discussions that we were able to easily apply to our own place of work.

 The university provides you with the opportunity to gain knowledge as well as to open your mind to the workings of cemeteries from all over the world.  It is amazing to acknowledge that though we are all in the same business there are so many different ways to manage cemeteries. We are able to learn much from these differences.  I was lucky enough to be is a group that had people from Ecuador, Jamaica, the west to east coast of the US, and 2 crazy Canadians from BC. Oops 3 including the Dean (from Eastern Canada ).

I have to say that prior to going to the University I was unsure of what I would be able to bring back and put into practice …after my first year of the University, I am now prepared to continue with this learning experience independently.  I can’t wait for next year.  Needless to say, I am hooked and would not hesitate to recommend the University to others in our profession.

Sandy Hewitson, City of Prince George

- The College of Administration and Management at ICCFA University surpassed every expectation I had.  As the fortunate receipient of the CCABC (Supplier) scholarship I knew I was going to receive a rare industry focused education.

Upon arriving in Mississippi , it became apparent that this was no run of the mill training program. The classes were truly international with many countries attending. Although my classmates were from around the world, I quickly learned our focus and challenges were similar. Differences in culture quickly disappeared as we worked to find new and innovative ways to assist our clients while responsibly managing our cemeteries and funeral homes.

The mix of cemeterians and funeral home/crematoryoperators was also an advantage as we could learn from ‘the other side’ of our industry.  our professors were very knowledgeable and the subjects were well researched and professionally presented.  I have implemented several programs and procedures since I returned home, including a strategic marketing program.  As the administrator of the only cemetery in Prince George, the networking opporunities have provided me with priceless resources I will draw on regularly.  For excellence in our industry’s best practices, I highly recommend the ICCFA University to any cemetery or funeral home operators.  I look forward to attending the Sales and Marketing College in the near future.