On September 24, Max Starks was awarded an honorary degree in embalming and funeral directing from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science at its commencement exercise. Before becoming an NFL Super Bowl champion with the Steelers, Starks grew up and actively worked in funeral service, as his mother, Elleanor Starks, graduated from mortuary school in 1983.

In the early 90s, she went on to open the first multinational/multicultural funeral home in central Florida, The Morales and Starks Multinational Funeral Home (Kissimmee). This visionary enterprise was so successful because Starks focused on serving the diverse populations in the area. She learned the customs, understood the languages and tailored her business to create an environment of comfort for all. Max helped at the funeral home in various ways, including transferring decedents from their place of death, attending to the needs of the bereaved and keeping the funeral home well appointed.

In 1993, Elleanor also founded 100 Black Women of Funeral Service in an effort to assist African Americans and minority women who have chosen a funeral service career. Today, the organization celebrates 28 years as an advocate for the profession in general, while highlighting the unique talents and gifts women bring to funeral service.

With such a remarkable family history, PIMS was proud to have various members of the Starks family involved in the commencement. Max received the honorary degree, and Elleanor was recognized for her work in funeral service. For more information about the school, visit pims.edu.