Four UT Alumni Find Success at Service Corporation International

Though none of them knew each other during their time at the University of Texas, four alumni have found a success and a professional home at Service Corporation International. The company, which is based in Houston, is a leading provider of funeral and cemetery services. SCI prides itself on the opportunities it has had "to care for families of diverse national, religious and cultural backgrounds." Notably, in 1999, the company launched the first national brand of funeral, cremation, and cemetery services and merchandise under the name Dignity Memorial. Since that then, SCI has strived to make their brand and products synonymous for excellence and quality in funeral care.

"At first, I had my doubts about considering a position in the 'Death Care' industry," admits Communications Supervisor Amanda McDonald (B.S. 2002). "However, after my first interview, I knew it would be a wise career decision. I was extremely impressed with the company's community outreach programs, their marketing initiatives and the leadership within the company. I also could tell that there was tremendous potential for innovative thought and creativity."

McDonald was one of the four Texas Exes to accept a position with SCI. She was joined by Project Manager, Kristin Freshwater (B.S. 2004); and Communications Coordinators, Tumy Phung (BA, 2005) and Lindsey O'Neil (B.S. 2005).

The Austin native, McDonald says her role as Communications Supervisor entails overseeing strategic development, implementation, measurement and evaluation of community outreach initiatives which are delivered throughout North America by more than 2,000 employees. Recently she was asked to participate in the company's profitable growth plan, which was led by Bain Consulting. In doing so, she facilitated corporate focus groups and provided specific community outreach guidelines based upon customer segmentation findings.

Freshwater, who is originally from Spring, Texas, was excited to take on the responsibilities and challenges SCI had to offer so early in her career. As Project Manager, she manages SCI's Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty survey program. Essentially, this entails everything from setting operational standards and location specific goals, to ensuring locations have a solid understanding of the program and how it works. She also serves as Marketing Manager for 700 of our locations across North America, providing general advertising and marketing support; and recently became the youngest employee to present to the Board of Directors. Freshwater constantly sees the value of her Texas Advertising degree every single day.

"Having a solid understanding of advertising and marketing definitely adds credibility and confidence when you find yourself in a decision-making position. I cannot imagine making the decisions I do on a daily basis without my education," she said. She also credited Dr. Murphy for providing her with a valuable base of information in her introductory advertising class that she continues to use as an industry professional.

Communications Coordinator, Tumy Phung provides support for SCI's community outreach programs, which include an abduction protection program for children and a support group for widow and widowers. Recently Phung was part of an effort to evaluate and reorganize the company's outreach programs and make recommendations to improve them, noting how rewarding it was to develop a plan which reorganizes the community programs and allows the company to maximize exposure and grow market share. Phung also finds it rewarding to be a part of efforts that can truly make a difference in people's lives, and enjoys knowing that every workday presents a new learning experience.

Meanwhile, Lindsey O'Neil, also a Communications Coordinator and Houston native, has been tasked with redesigning the Dignity Memorial website in addition to handling internet marketing and strategy related to the main website. She also coordinates the over one thousand individual websites for all of their North American locations. She continues to strive to learn as much as possible in her new position and enhance her professional skills.

Even though they did not know each other before working at SCI, the group enjoys a special bond over shared memories of football seasons and the Forty Acres. Not only that, but these Texas Exes are teammates that continually motivate and inspire each other with their different viewpoints. However, they also stress the important of networking. As Tumy Phung said, "The right people can open up so many doors and opportunities for you if you allow them to."

For this group of alumni, networking has allowed them to find success early in their careers at a unique company. Service Corporation International help these four alumni grow as professionals, as they in turn help the company continue to thrive.

7/31/2006