This profile is part of a series that highlights Chesapeake College graduates serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more in this series, visit our Alumni page.

Your Name: Passion Bolden Tilghman

Year that you graduated from Chesapeake College:1994

Degree or Certification that you received from Chesapeake College: Business Management (Certificate)

Current Position/Employer: Owner/Mortician of Bolden-Tilghman Mortuary  and Co-Pastor of International House of Worship, Inc.

What impact did your experience at Chesapeake College have on your life? Chesapeake College was very influential for me. The positive influence actually began when I attended the “Upward Bound” program during my high school years. I was very impressed with the college as a whole. I recall attending the classes with such a feeling of accomplishment. It was during those days that I knew that I would have a college career, regardless of the hardships that I encountered as a child. Beyond that, I knew that Chesapeake College would be a viable option for me especially since I was already familiar with the college. The advisors and other staff made everything seamless for me, everything from financial aid to academic advising was made easily accessible.

How are you serving your community in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic? Given my position as mortician, we are still called to be available for our grieving communities during this crisis. Not only for those who have personally been affected by the virus, but those who are grieving who still have to operate within the parameters of the restrictions placed on them because of the pandemic. For instance; at the onset of the Stay at Home order, there were only 10 people that were allowed at a funeral service, so families would be forced to choose which of the 10 out of 15 children could attend a funeral to mourn the loss of a parent. So, needless to say, the grandchildren would potentially be left out during these cases. The one thing I did to help ease the grief process during this time is make myself available to hold extended viewing times at no additional cost to allow groups of 10 to come in by appointment to say their final farewell.

How did your experience at Chesapeake College prepare you for your current career? Chesapeake College allowed me to acquire the credits that I needed to transfer to Mortuary School on the western shore. Being able to get these credits locally played a huge roll in my goal to pursue a Mortuary Degree.

What has been your most rewarding professional achievement/experience since graduating from Chesapeake College? Opening my own funeral home 10 years ago.

What advice would you like to give to current or prospective Chesapeake College students? Set your goal and Go after it and know that if you REALLY want it, you can have it.