The Nassau-Suffolk Funeral Directors Association offers the John M. Lieblang Mortuary Science Award supporting mortuary science students from the region. This annual award is made possible by a generous contribution from Cooperative Funeral Fund and is given in memory of a funeral industry leader, a founding member of the mortuary science department at SUNY Farmingdale, and former chairman of the mortuary science program at Nassau Community College. Applications must be received electronically by Friday, April 19, 2024 for consideration by the Award Committee.

Eligibility

An applicant must:

  • Be enrolled in an ABFSE accredited New York State Mortuary Science Program
  • Be enrolled in their final semester
  • Must intend to do a licensure residency in New York State
  • Submit a copy of their most recent semester transcript
  • Submit a letter of recommendation by a professor or teacher of mortuary science
  • Not be a previous recipient of the award

Applicants must submit a two-to-five minute video introducing themselves and their interest in the funeral industry. Your creativity is encouraged as you tell us:

  • What unique personal experience you bring to the funeral service;
  • How you want to change the funeral service for the better, and;
  • Why you’re a good fit for helping a grieving family.

Past Recipients:

2024: Giuliana Diakovasilis
2023: Susan E. Bua, NCC
2022: Ashley Kaminski, NCC
2021: Kate Wilson, NCC
2019: Francisco James, NCC
2018: Courtney Maurice, NCC
2017: April Lynn Todaro, NCC
2016: Stephanie Haasnour, NCC
2015: Melissa McNulty, NCC

The Nassau-Suffolk Funeral Directors Association John M. Lieblang Mortuary Science Award Committee reviews all applications submitted and grants the award to the student found to express the most promise and potential in the field of mortuary science and funeral service; without regard for gender, sexual identity or sexual orientation, race, creed or ethnic origin. All submitted materials become the property of the Nassau-Suffolk Funeral Directors Association and will not be returned to the applicant. The winner of the award will be notified by the chairperson of the John M. Lieblang Mortuary Science Award Committee and will be invited to the annual meeting of the Nassau-Suffolk Funeral Directors Association for presentation of their award.