Featuring Dan Salter

Robert L. Waltrip formed Service Corporation International (SCI) in 1962. It began as a family-owned and operated funeral home in Houston, Texas, and soon grew to be North America’s largest provider of funeral, cemetery, and cremation services. Mr. Dan Salter was able to bring his love of servicing families in need and his curiosity surrounding crematories by joining the SCI family in 1981.

Although Mr. Salter was not able to pursue higher education, he found success through other means. Mr. Salter said it best: “Success is taking what you do seriously with dedication and loyalty.” He has demonstrated this ethic through his work for the past 50 years.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how businesses address public safety and the health of their staff and guests, and the funeral home industry is no different. With stay-at-home orders and social distancing preventing traditional funeral gatherings, SCI had adapted their services to meet the needs of families virtually.

Despite the pandemic, one of SCI’s top goals this year is surrounding cultural fluency and diversity. Mr. Salter finds the importance of diversity starts with leadership. Talking about racial issues is significant; however, he finds that actions speak louder than words. The Chairman of SCI Tom Ryan has stated, “Our people make us who we are, and we believe that our differences make us stronger. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where people of all walks of life can build a rewarding career and achieve their full potential.”

SCI continues to act on their commitment to education and cultural fluency through their contribution to Catholic Education Arizona which directly supports Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona Scholars. Mr. Salter and SCI value the impact CEA and BHGH have on a diverse group of scholars who work hard at their college preparatory Catholic schools. Through this support BHGH Scholars are able to go on to do extraordinary things in college and in life and will no doubt work with dedication and loyalty in whatever their pursue.

Article contributed by Genesis Canizales
BHGH Former Scholar and Current Intern
Graduate of Xavier College Preparatory