Support CCMS

CCMS  is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on the generous support of our alumni, our donors, and the general public. Please see below for ways to support the College.

Ways to Give

• Become a member of the 1882 Society!
• Become a member of the Cincinnati Foundation for Mortuary Education
• Support the new Educational Cremation Center (ECC)
• Purchase CCMS merchandise 
• Monetary donation
• Donation of goods or services
• Planned giving bequest 
• Rachael Anderson Scholarship (see below)
• Kroger Community Rewards Program (see below)
• AmazonSmile (see below)
• Beth Williams Memorial Scholarship
• Todd Van Beck Memorial Scholarship

Todd Van Beck Memorial Scholarship

The death care profession lost an icon in funeral service on May 23^rd with the passing of Todd Van Beck. Beloved father of Thomas. Son of the late Tony and Norma (nee Fecan). Brother of Scott (Sarah) Van Beck; uncle of Wesley, Helen, Sam and Neil Van Beck.  Todd was a person who had a half-century love affair with both funeral and cemetery service. He willingly admitted that he was no “expert!” and also quickly admitted that there was nothing about this work and life that he did not enjoy, and in which he did not have intense interest. Todd had said: “I have never done a day’s work in my life; it has all been fun and interesting.” 

Todd was uniquely gifted and took great pride in providing reverent care for the dead and compassionate care for the living. Todd earned his Professional Diploma in Mortuary Science in 1973 from the New England Institute of Funeral Service Arts and Sciences (MA), his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Psychology from Mount Mercy University (IA), and his Master of Arts in Religion from Athenaeum of Ohio (Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary).  In 2005, he was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters Degree from Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service, (Houston, TX).   Todd held several certifications and licensures, including the Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP), Certified Funeral Executive (CFE) and licensure in several states.

Prior to his employment as Program Director at Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (CCMS), Todd served as Faculty/Director of Continuing Education at John A. Gupton College (TN); General Manager of Forest Hill Funeral Homes & Memorial Parks (TN); Director of Family Funeral Care and Public Relations at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home (GA); President and CEO of the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service (TX); Director of Education for the Loewen Group, Inc. (OH), and Director of Education for Trust 100.  His academic career began at CCMS in 1982.

Todd was an active writer and prominent international speaker in the profession. He authored 8 books and over 400 articles on death care topics.  An avid historian and academician, Mr. Van Beck grew up in Southwestern Iowa and declared at the young age of 5 that he would become a funeral director one day. Todd operated funeral homes, cemeteries and mortuary colleges during his career. Todd selflessly served the death care profession in many arenas across the nation and internationally, which satisfied his desire to see the world. An Abraham Lincoln scholar, he was an expert in the deaths of United States presidents and authored a presentation about each of the funerals of the deceased American presidents. He was thrilled and humbled to return to CCMS and his cherished Queen City where he planned to continue his mission until retirement. Todd served on the boards of the Cincinnati Fire Museum, the William Howard Taft National Birthplace Site, and the Funeral Service Foundation of the National Funeral Director Association.

CCMS has established a scholarship in Todd's name to honor his legacy.

Donate to the Todd Van Beck Memorial Scholarship

Beth Williams Memorial Scholarship

On May 8, 2023, the CCMS family lost a dear member.  Beth Williams lost her courageous battle with breast cancer.  Beth was an alumna of the University of Cincinnati (1996) and CCMS (1998), completing her Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree at CCMS.  She was pursuing a Masters of Thanatology degree at the time of her death.  Beth had been an Ohio Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer since 1999 and was certified as a Master Funeral Director/Embalmer and Funeral Celebrant.  She also held an Ohio Crematory Operator Permit.

Beth joined the CCMS team in 2013 after many years as a practicing Funeral Director/Embalmer.  She served as the Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Chief of Staff.

Beth is survived by her husband Russell (Rusty) and her two children, Lainey and Grey.

CCMS has established a scholarship in Beth's name to honor her legacy.

Donate to the Beth Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund

Kroger Community Rewards Program

CCMS is now part of the Kroger Community Rewards program, which means we will receive a portion of most purchases made at Kroger stores whenever supporters swipe their rewards card.

AmazonSmile

A convenient, easy way to support CCMS by doing something you would have done anyway!  Every time you make a purchase through Amazon, a percentage of your eligible purchases will be donated to CCMS at no cost to you. 

Rachael Anderson Memorial Scholarship 

The Rachael Anderson Memorial Scholarship was established to honor 2016 CCMS Alumna Rachael Anderson whose life was abruptly taken just thirteen months after graduating from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Through this educational scholarship we celebrate and remember her charismatic, energetic, funny, and compassionate personality.

Rachael graduated from CCMS on December 17, 2016, earning a Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree.

The educational scholarship is established through the partnership of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and Ohio Funeral Directors Association to honor Rachael’s passion for life and passion for becoming a funeral service professional. CCMS and OFDA are working to honor the Anderson family’s vision in memorializing their daughter.