Serenity Mortuary Cosmetics recently donated samples of their new cosmetic product line to the mortuary science program of Ivy Tech Community College-Northwest.

Originally developed for the photography and theatrical industry, Serenity Cosmetics is a subsidiary of Lakeview Laboratories and a derivative of Stephen Dante Cosmetics –a cosmetic line known for its easy application and flawless coverage of make-up. After the fame of the cosmetic line spread across Europe, a distributor from the UK sampled the product and suggested to Lakeview Laboratories president, Jeff Matera, that the line be marketed exclusively to the mortuary industry.

After enjoying much success in Europe and the U.K., Matera re-named the mortuary product line Serenity Cosmetics, and moved to have it tested in funeral parlors across the U.S.

In October 2005, Ivy Tech Mortuary Science Chair, Rick Soria attended the National Funeral Director Convention in Chicago, IL, where he met Diane Carson, the marketing consultant for Lakeview Laboratories and discussed ways to partner the two institutions in a way that promotes the product while giving practical, hands-on experience to students.

Only months later, Ivy Tech’s mortuary science program became the first practicum lab for student experimentation in the US.

Soria says "The donation came at an opportune time. Students recently completed Restorative Art and are serving their second semester of embalming practicums. The opportunity to master the skills of cosmetizing only comes from practice and the product will allow students to become more proficient in the art."

Ivy Tech students also enjoy the benefit of the new-found partnership. Second year mortuary science student Carman Dobbins says “Having used many other cosmetics, I found Serenity to be the easiest to apply and most natural in appearance. I love using their products.” Dobbins is currently serving her embalming practicum at Solan-Pruzin Funeral Service in Hammond and Schererville.

Dean G. Wagner, adjunct instructor for Ivy Tech, believes using the donated cosmetics gives students a great advantage. He says, I believe our students greatly benefit from learning through hands on application of the products. It's just great to see that Serenity Cosmetics also recognizes that benefit, and is taking an active part in helping our students achieve success.”

For more information on Ivy Tech’s mortuary science program and its initiatives, please call mortuary department chair Rick Soria at 392-3600 ext. 284.