STERLING, Va. (August 6, 2025) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of ICCFA University 2025, held July 18–23 at the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. The event welcomed 168 students from across the profession for an intensive week of education, inspiration, and personal growth.
Hosted annually, ICCFA University brings together deathcare professionals for a uniquely immersive educational experience unlike any other in the field. Students choose from nine colleges—including 21st Century Services, Cremation Services, Hospitality & Customer Experience, Land Management & Grounds Operations, Leadership, Management & Administration, Technology, Sales & Marketing, Funeral Home Management, and the School of Graduate Studies—each offering expert-led instruction designed to challenge, engage, and elevate. College Deans and faculty members included some of the most respected educators and practitioners in the profession.
“This program continues to be one of the most meaningful and transformational experiences we offer,” said ICCFA Executive Director Nadira Baddeliyanage. “The diversity of curriculum, depth of faculty knowledge, and energy among students is unmatched. Our attendees don’t just gain skills—they gain lifelong mentors and colleagues.”
Classroom learning was only part of the impact. ICCFA University 2025 also fostered a powerful spirit of connection through evening events like Student Trivia Night and Sports Night and culminated in the University Graduation and Graduate Reception on July 22, celebrating both certificate recipients and those who completed their fourth college to officially become ICCFAU graduates.
Among the many highlights of the week was the graduation address delivered by valedictorian Sandra Goldman, who movingly captured the spirit of the University. “When we enrolled at ICCFA University, we expected education. What many of us did not expect was transformation,” she shared. “We thought we would fill our notebooks. Instead, we filled our hearts… We are not in the business of death. We are in the ministry of meaning.”
Sandra, who lives with metastatic breast cancer, offered a profound testimony of resilience and purpose. “Our work is not about what ends,” she told her fellow graduates. “It is about what remains. The story. The love. The meaning we leave behind.”
“Each year, I’m humbled to watch how this program helps shape the next generation of deathcare leaders,” said ICCFA University Chancellor Jeff Kidwiler, CCE, CSE. “From first-time students to seasoned professionals, everyone leaves here reenergized, refocused, and reconnected to the heart of what we do.”
“This event exemplifies the soul of our profession,” said ICCFA President Bob Gordon, Jr., CCE. “It’s one thing to teach skills; it’s another to cultivate excellence. ICCFA University continues to be a source of both.”
Planning is already underway for next year’s ICCFA University, which will return to the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta. ICCFA University 2026 will take place July 17–22, 2026.
For more information and updates, visit iccfa.com/university.
###
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.
