July 18-23, 2025
Emory University | Atlanta, GA
2025 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 Lori Bolton, CSE
- 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 Patrick Downey, CCE
- Todd Van Beck College of Funeral Home Management | Dean Mathew Forastiere and Dean Mike Watkins
- School of Graduate Studies | Dean Robbie Pape, CCFE
Happening in conjunction with ICCFAU is the PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course!
Registration Rates
| Price | |
|---|---|
| One-Day Cremation Operator Registration | $625 |
| All Colleges | $2,175 |
| School of Graduate Studies | $3,000 |
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.
ICCFA Educational Foundation Scholarships
Every year, the ICCFA Educational Foundation offers scholarships to attend ICCFA University. This generosity allows the ICCFA to provide the incredible educational experience of ICCFAU for free! Scholarship applications are open now through Friday, May 9. Spots are limited, apply now!
- Those who are awarded a scholarship will receive their tuition (which includes meals) paid in full.
- Please note: All scholarship winners will be responsible for their hotel and transportation.
The School of Graduate Studies
with Dean Robbie Pape, CCFE
The ICCFA School of Graduate Studies is an exclusive program for C-Suite leaders and senior executives seeking to drive collaboration, innovation, and growth. Limited to 12 participants, this highly interactive experience features expert-led instruction, one-on-one mentoring, and group projects to enhance leadership and operational performance.
Graduation from ICCFA University is required. Verify your status via the application linked below. If you are not a graduate, submit a recommendation letter from an ICCFA University Dean or the Chancellor. ICCFA staff will confirm your eligibility.
Note: Limited scholarships are available for this program.
Join us for the 2025 PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course!
Join us July 18-20, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia for the next PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course! The course is two full days of learning and networking with other fellow pet loss professionals.
Registration and scholarship applications for ICCFA Members are now open!
HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS
Emory Conference Center Hotel at Emory University
1615 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
Phone: 404.712.6000
Toll Free: 1.800.933.6679
Fax: 404.712.6025
With state-of-the-art technology, spacious meeting rooms, conference dining, and well-appointed guestrooms, the Emory Conference Center Hotel offers an all-inclusive setting ideal for learning from top professionals, networking across all areas of cemetery, cremation, and funeral service, and forming the lifelong friendships that define the ICCFA University experience.
The ICCFA room block is open now through June 30, 2025.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Black Diamond Level
Diamond Level
Platinum Level
Gold Level
Silver Level
Bronze Level
Sponsorship Opportunities
For sponsorship opportunities, contact ICCFA Director of Meetings Lindsy Gundrum at lindsy@iccfa.com.