STERLING, VA (December 6, 2023) – International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association) (ICCFA) University Chancellor Jeff Kidwiler announced that the College of Funeral Home Management will be renamed the Todd Van Beck College of Funeral Home Management, in honor of the late Todd Van Beck.
Van Beck was a man who had a half-century love affair with both funeral and cemetery service. He willingly admitted that he was, “no expert!”, but also quickly admitted that there was nothing about this work and life that he didn’t enjoy, and have intense interest in. Todd was known to have said, “I’ve never done a day’s work in my life, it has all been fun and interesting.”
After the 2022 ICCFA University ended, Van Beck announced his retirement as the Dean of the College of Funeral Home Management after 25 years. His enthusiasm for funeral service, entertaining stories, and captivating speaking style made him the perfect candidate to educate hundreds of deathcare professionals over the years. Todd unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
“It is fitting to memorialize Todd’s contributions to the quality and thoughtfulness of the curriculum at the ICCFA University by renaming the college he loved so dearly in his honor, making him an enduring part of the ICCFA University experience for generations to come,” said ICCFA University Chancellor Jeff Kidwiler. “No one embodied a passion for funeral service and education the way that he did. I know that his spirit will continue through the future deans, professors, and students at this incredible program.”
Mark your calendars for ICCFA University 2024, set for July 19-24, at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Stay updated with more information at iccfa.com/university.
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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.
