Recipient Teresa Givan always felt a draw to the funeral industry. This began early with the loss of her grandmother. Through her grandmother’s death, Givan was able to wander the funeral home as her parents sat with the funeral director. This had a positive experience on her. Years later, she enrolled in the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Givan’s education at CCMS prepared her to be the very best she can be as she takes on this ministry to heal wounds of death that everyone needs when there is a loss of life.

  Recipient Tanya Y. Reid is expected to graduate from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2018 as a licensed funeral director. “My desire is to serve and to help my community in a time when sensitivity is needed. I believe I have the qualifications of a funeral director because they must display great communication skills and be a good listener to deal with each case by need. While it’s important to be sympathetic, calm and addressing the issues at hand, I truly believe it is just as important to have a business mind for organizational skills and details. I know with my background I will make a phenomenal impact on society, community and the families I serve in the profession as a licensed funeral director.”

  Recipient Ann McCollough didn’t choose to be a funeral director, it was who she was meant to be. She has embalmed, sat in on funeral arrangements, made removals, supervised visitations and funerals alone, and has never felt such a strong connection to a career more than she does now. Every choice she made in her life was leading her to where she is now. McCollough is expected to graduate from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in September of 2017.

Donor: Preston Funeral Homes

  Rev. James N. Preston graduated from the Simmons College of Mortuary Science in 1969. He and his wife, Irene L. Preston, who is also a licensed funeral director and embalmer, established Preston Funeral Homes, which is one of the few and possibly the only African American owned and operated firms in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ.

  In addition to serving as business owners and grief counselors, Lady P and Rev. Preston serve on several prestigious boards and committees, locally and nationally. Together they established the Preston Funeral Home Mortuary Scholarship for the most outstanding graduating mortuary science senior at Mesa Community College.

Donor: Nancy Pierce Barber

  A lifelong resident of Texas, Nancy Pierce Barber is a graduate of the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service. She is the daughter of the late William “Bill” Pierce who was president and chairman of the Pierce Companies in Dallas. After her father passed away in 1998, Barber became involved in her dad’s vision for excellence in all that she did. Bill was her role model and to continue his legacy, the best of the best recieve the William H. Pierce Award at all three of the Pierce Colleges.

Donor: Dr. Hari P. Close

  Dr. Hari P. Close, owner and founder of the Hari P. Close Funeral Services, PA in Baltimore, MD, is licensed in Maryland, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts and Delaware. He has served as executive director for the National Funeral Directors and Mortician Association. As president of the International Conference Board of Funeral Examining Boards, Dr. Close made a commitment for preparing students for their ministry in funeral service by encouraging them to strive for excellence in all that they do. He served as president of the State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors of Maryland and has also worked on the American Board of Funeral Service Executive Council, Education, and Policy Board. Education and license is a top priority for Dr. Close, who assists the 100BWFS with a mortuary scholarship.

Donor: Phil Mathis

  Phil Mathis of Phil’s Coaches has faithfully served the automobile business since the early 1970’s and learned the art of merchandising and financing vehicles in the Washington, DC area. He became one of the first minority Cadillac representatives. In 1991, Moore decided to sell and contract with Federal Coach of Fort Smith, AR, serving as general manager of Fleet Sales, and in 1992, Cadillac introduced the Professional Vehicle Group.

  In 2010 Phil became the first minority distributor representing the Mid-Atlantic Region. With the opening of the Funeral Car Store, he intended to bring the market place the same high integrity and professionalism that he has learned and acquired over the years. More than ten years ago, Phil donated his first mortuary science scholarship. He is always a willing successful businessman who makes things happen for students through financial donations.