PIMS Pulse
THE LATEST AT PIMS
Read about recent updates at the facility, news, and more:
Remembering Mike Nicodemus: A Teacher, Leader and Friend to PIMS
In Remembrance The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science joins the funeral service profession in mourning the sudden passing of Mike Nicodemus, a longtime leader in cremation education, former member of the PIMS Board of Directors, and a familiar presence at the...
Carrying the Light Forward: Celebrating PIMS’ September 2026 Graduates
Celebrating the PIMS September 2026 Graduation On Friday, September 4, the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science gathered at Calvary Episcopal Church to celebrate a milestone years in the making for our September 2026 graduates. Commencement has always represented...
Winnie in the Spotlight: PIMS’ Therapy Dog Featured in Pittsburgh Magazine
There is a new celebrity walking the halls of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, although this particular member of the PIMS family measures only about a foot tall and prefers belly rubs to autographs. Winifred “Winnie” Valentine, PIMS’ Director of Love and...
Carrying the Light: PIMS’ New Graduation Regalia
Beginning in Fall 2026, PIMS’ new graduation regalia reflects far more than a change in color. It symbolizes nearly nine decades of preparing funeral service professionals and the responsibility each graduate carries as they enter the profession. For centuries,...
PIMS Reaccredited for Seven Years by the American Board of Funeral Service Education
The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS) has officially been reaccredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) for seven years with no stipulations, reaffirming PIMS’ position as one of the leading mortuary science institutions in the...
PIMS Dedicates Alumni Hall to Eugene C. Ogrodnik
On Monday, May 4, 2026, the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, together with the PIMS Board of Directors and President/CEO Dr. Barry Lease, officially dedicated Alumni Hall Auditorium to former PIMS President and CEO Eugene C. Ogrodnik. The dedication...
PIMS Job Fair Connects Students & Alumni with Funeral Firms from Across the Country
The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science recently hosted its annual Job Fair, bringing together students, alumni, and funeral service employers for a highly engaged and career-focused event. Held on campus on March 13, the PIMS Job Fair continues to stand out as a...
Why Starting Mortuary School in the Summer Might Be the Smartest Move You Make
When most students think about beginning college, they picture a fall start. But if you’re considering a career in funeral service, starting mortuary school in the summer may actually give you a significant advantage. At the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science,...
The Healing Power of Dogs: Why Funeral Professionals Need Comfort Companions Too
Most dog owners will tell you that their furry friends often help them emotionally, and service dog owners will tell you that their companion can even help them physically. Dogs are extremely comforting animals, whether they make you laugh by acting goofy or snuggle...