The Samuel Q. Baxter Scholarship was created in 1985 to honor the memory of Samuel Q. Baxter, a man committed to education throughout his life. Early on he aspired to become a teacher, but circumstances led him to funeral service. After graduating from Simmons Institute in 1934, Mr. Baxter became a licensed embalmer and licensed undertaker. (Separate licensure has since merged to a single license - that of funeral director.)

Samuel Q. Baxter was profoundly involved with the New York State Funeral Directors Association's Education Committee and was instrumental in starting the mortuary science program at SUNY Canton and SUNY Farmingdale. To honor him, the Samuel Q. Baxter award provides financial assistance to qualified students in their second year of a mortuary science program. Students must be committed to completing their education and to serving the public in their chosen profession.

 The Samuel Q. Baxter Scholarship Committee has established nomination guidelines for the award. For consideration, nominees must meet the following criteria:

• New York State resident
• Currently a second year student at an accredited NYS Mortuary Science School
• Must intend to serve their residency in New York State
• Must exhibit strong potential for professional excellence in funeral service

All decisions are based on the nominations submitted by licensed New York State funeral directors and/or faculty of accredited mortuary science schools. The scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Samuel Q. Baxter Scholarship Committee.   A $500 monetary award will be presented at the NYSFDA Annual Convention in August.

If you know of a deserving student and would like to nominate him/her for this award, please click here to complete the nomination form and return to:

Reminder: A short essay written by the nominee must accompany the completed nomination form. See nomination form for essay content requirements.

Nominations must be received by June 30 of each year.