July 18-23, 2025
Emory University | Atlanta, GA
Colleges
ICCFA University currently has nine colleges for attendees to enroll in. Each is overseen by their respective Dean, an expert in the area of deathcare that the college focuses on. In many of the colleges, our Deans are joined by outside professors who provide individual expertise in the college.
The current colleges are:
- College of 21st Century Services | Dean Glenda Stansbury
- College of Cremation Services | Dean Clift Dempsey, CCrE, CCFE.
- College of Hospitality & Customer Experience | Dean John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE, CXE
- College of Land Management & Grounds Operations | Dean Gino Merendino
- College of Leadership, Management & Administration | Dean Gary Freytag, CCFE
- College of Technology | Dean Nick Timpe, CSE
- J. Asher Neel College of Sales and Marketing | Dean Daniel Thomas
- Todd Van Beck College of Funeral Home Management | Dean Mathew Forastiere
- School of Graduate Studies | Dean Robbie Pape, CCFE
I have experienced a lot of education over the years, and I must admit – this ICCFAU College has topped them all! The training from Dean Glenda Stansbury was outstanding and I am excited about being a Certified Celebrant. I firmly believe every funeral director or their staff should attend the Celebrant training.
ICCFAU never disappoints. It’s the professional highlight of my year. I love being surrounded by goal-oriented, high achievers. The knowledge obtained in such a short amount of time is priceless.
Oh, the doors and avenues ICCFAU has opened for us. Not only will our funeral service exceed the excellent service now given, but go above and beyond consistently. I have also earned a newfound respect from my managers, all thanks to ICCFAU.
The Land Management College left me feeling inspired and excited to get back home and start pushing for new ideas in our cemeteries. Being able to see what some of the most beautiful memorial parks around the country are doing opened my eyes to the possibilities and the potential of our grounds.
This was my first time attending ICCFAU. I came to Atlanta worn out with everyday work activities and was hoping these sessions would rekindle my fire for what I love to do. It did; it motivated me to make not only myself better but help to lead and improve my co-workers around me.
Attending the ICCFA University College of Technology was an invaluable experience. The program offered profound insights into how modern technology can revolutionize the funeral industry. I learned how businesses can streamline operations and enhance efficiency by implementing technological innovations such as barcode tracking and cemetery management.
I believe the relationships formed while attending ICCFA University will become a lasting network of professional support. Attending ICCFA University was invaluable to me professionally because of the knowledge I attained and personally because it supports my commitment to lifelong learning.
I left the ICCFA University having met so many new colleagues and I acquired a newfound knowledge base. Since my attendance at the University, I have also renewed my purpose as a funeral professional and created a catalytic spark for change in the funeral service industry.
The Graduate experience is so much more than learning about our industry, trends, and operations. It’s a cross between evaluating any self-improvement you may need to be the best leader you can be, and how to stay relevant in today’s ever-changing world.