May 2019

Page A30 MAY 2019 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A ® Free Marketing Support for Today’s Funeral Professionals The Funeral and Memorial Information Council (FAMIC) created Have the Talk of a Lifetime ® – a national campaign that encourages people to find out what matters most to their loved ones, so they can celebrate life when the time comes. We’ve prepared free marketing materials for use in your community, including: print and digital ads, PR materials, social media, and more. FAMIC members can download materials at: FAMIC.org Have questions? Email us at: HavetheTalkofaLifetime@gmail.com OGR Foundation announces Scholarship Winners News Educational ContinueD James Norris Jessica Keller Alexander Mock AUSTIN,TX— The Or- der of the Golden Rule (OGR) Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2019 Awards of Excellence Gold, Silver, and Bronze Scholarships. The schol- arships help students who are about to gradu- ate from mortuary school and enter the funeral pro- fession. The OGR Foun- dation awarded three scholarships this year to mortuary students based on strong academic per- formance, communi- ty involvement, and the strength of their essays which exemplify a com- mitment to serving griev- ing families with compas- sion, fairness, and dignity. The 2019 Bronze Award of Excellence recipient is Alexander Mock of Wor- sham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, IL. Alex would like to one day own a funeral home, which has an inclusive approach to working with families. “I want to create a culture where accepting all people’s religious views, personal ideas, and wishes is second nature, where families can come in and see how open, transparent and caring we are,” said Alex. He is being awarded a $1,000 scholar- ship to help complete his studies. The recipient of the 2019 Silver Award of Excellence is James Norris of Pitts- burgh Institute of Mortu- ary Science in Pittsburgh, PA, who is interested in helping families find heal- ing through innovation. “I plan on exceeding the ex- pectations of my families by providing them with the most personalized, adaptive services I can. I know first-hand how per- sonalization can facilitate the grieving process be- cause of my own loss and I hope to innovate how fu- nerals are conducted,” said Norris. He will receive a $2,000 scholarship to help complete his studies. The recipient of the 2019 Gold Award of Ex- cellence is Jessica Keller of PIMS, who believes as a funeral director, she’ll have the opportunity to go beyond simply offer- ing families’ services. “I want to provide a mean- ingful experience for grieving families and pro- vide them with support as they experience death and loss. I want to dedicate my life to helping fam- ilies begin the path to- ward healing,” said Keller. She will receive a $3,500 scholarship to help com- plete her studies. Scholarships were award- ed at OGR’s Annual Con- ference and Solution Cen- ter in Williamsburg, VA. “These students embody values and principles on which OGR is based. We are happy to help mortuary students realize their goals, and I am sure they will make a wonderful addition to the field of funeral ser- vice,” said Paul Hummel, OGR Foundation chair. The mission of OGR’s charitable foundation is to fund, perform and/or sup- port activities on behalf of the International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR). Its nine-member board of directors is responsible for identifying projects that advance the standards of funeral service or contrib- ute to the compassionate care of individuals in need. Learn more at www.ogr. org/charitable-foundation. Founded in 1928, OGR is affiliated with inde- pendent funeral homes throughout North Ameri- ca and overseas that share common goals of exempla- ry service, uncompromis- ing care and compassion to families in their time of need. For more informa- tion, visit www.ogr.org. O n -L ine A ssOciAte D egree i n F unerAL s ervice 1616 Church Street | Nashville, TN 37203 615-327-3927 | www.guptoncollege.edu For information concerning cost and program call 615-327-3927, go to our website at guptoncollege.edu or email admissions@guptoncollege.edu. If you are interested in becoming a licensed funeral professional, John A. Gupton College can help you get there. The Associate Degree in Funeral Service is an accredited program. Our online program is flexible, career-focused and may be completed in 12 or 16 months. Financial Aid is available.