Arlington Celebrates: Alecia Braddock’s ICCFA University Graduation
July 29, 2024
We’re pleased to share some wonderful news from The Arlington Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home. Alecia Braddock, an AMG Funeral Director, has recently graduated from the prestigious International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) University. This marks a significant milestone, as Alecia is the first of the Arlington Funeral Home directors to achieve this distinction.
Dan Applegate, AMG President and CEO, spoke warmly of Alecia’s accomplishment: “This achievement is a testament to Alecia’s dedication and expertise in the deathcare profession. Her commitment to understanding the needs of today’s funeral consumers is truly commendable.”
Alecia’s graduation from ICCFA University reflects not only her personal growth but also Arlington’s commitment to providing the highest level of service to our community. Her enhanced knowledge and skills will undoubtedly benefit the families we serve.
We at Arlington are proud of Alecia’s hard work and this well-deserved recognition. Her achievement strengthens our team and reaffirms our dedication to excellence in funeral care.
Please join us in congratulating Alecia on this impressive accomplishment. Well done, Alecia!
A Journey of Learning and Growth
The ICCFA University is an international program that brings together professionals worldwide to learn from top leaders in death care, network with peers, and hone skills that will shape their careers for years to come. The program is designed to provide solid, relevant, and results-focused training targeted at today’s core competencies needed in the cemetery, cremation, and funeral service professions.
The Colleges and Their Impact
Alecia’s journey through ICCFA University involved attending different colleges each year, each offering specialized training and certifications:
● College of 21st Century: Alecia learned to go beyond traditional funeral services with innovative offerings. She became a certified celebrant, trained to provide meaningful alternatives to clergy-led services, fundamentally changing her approach to serving families.
● College of Cremation Services: Alecia’s training at ICCFA University significantly expanded her knowledge despite already being a certified crematory operator in Ohio. She earned certifications as a crematory operator, cremation arranger, and cremation administrator, gaining insights to improve cremation operations and the best customer experiences for Arlington Funeral Home families.
● College of Hospitality and Customer Experience: This college equipped Alecia with a foundation in funeral home and cemetery hospitality and catering management. She learned essential skills ranging from event planning to interpreting financial budgets, leadership, and managing catering teams, enhancing her ability to provide exceptional service to families.
● College of Leadership, Management & Administration: Alecia received training targeted at the core competencies needed to manage and lead effectively in the changing deathcare profession. This has equipped her with the skills to provide families with the services they need and deserve and to lead with transparency and decisiveness.
Hands-On Learning and Global Perspectives
Throughout her time at ICCFA University, Alecia participated in rigorous testing and hands-on exercises. This immersive approach ensured that she not only gained theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that are directly applicable to her work. Furthermore, the international nature of the program allowed her to learn from educators and peers worldwide, broadening her perspective and understanding of global deathcare practices.
A Significant Achievement and a Look Ahead
Alecia’s graduation from ICCFA University is a considerable achievement. It required a personal commitment over four years, and only about 5-10% of attendees actually graduate. This makes her accomplishment even more remarkable. Out of approximately 300-350 attendees, Alecia was one of the 18 graduates this year, indicating her excellence and dedication.
With her newfound education, ideas, and resources, Alecia is now better equipped to serve families, providing not only what they want but also what they need. Her achievement is not just a personal milestone but a significant step forward for the Arlington Funeral Home in offering unparalleled services to the community. Arlington looks forward to the positive impact her expertise and relentless pursuit of excellence will bring to our organization and the families we serve.
Congratulations, Alecia!
