91ɫ��Ƭ

In 1939, 91ɫ��Ƭ came to life. The new training institute was known as the Pittsburgh School of Embalming. The co-founders included three educators, Dr. Otto S. Margolis and Professor John Rebol.

The co-founders, formerly affiliated with the Cleveland School of Embalming, are pictured above with Dr. Emory S. James, Instructor in the Anatomy Department of the Ohio State Medical School in Columbus, Ohio.

Mr. John A. Freyvogel, Sr., a funeral director, was the backbone when it came to making the new school in Pittsburgh an entity. He was the Western Pennsylvania representative for the State Anatomical Board. 

His contacts in the business and University of Pittsburgh communities were constructive in finding a location for the school, securing furniture and equipment, and selecting additional faculty members. He served as the first President of the Pittsburgh School of Embalming.

On September 18, 1939, sixty students enrolled for a nine-month curriculum and graduated June 23, 1940. The excellent dedication and cooperation of the students, which still exists today, resulted in outstanding academic achievement as well as the completion of several traditional projects for the new school.

These endeavors included the development of the school seal, motto, and the Alma Mater. The Motto, “Scientia, Sollertia, Servitium,” translated from Latin means, “Knowledge, Skills, Service,” which expresses in part the objectives of the Institute.

Geraldine K. Johnson, a student from Berlin, Pennsylvania, wrote the lyrics of the Alma Mater. The music was composed by her uncle, Alfred H. Johnson, a member of the faculty.

During 1940, faculty members attended the first of the teachers’ institutes and committee meetings dealing with curriculum and course development. The second teachers’ institute, which included representatives from all the approved schools was hosted by the Pittsburgh School of Embalming.

In 1945, the Pittsburgh School of Embalming updated its name to the 91ɫ��Ƭ after many modifications in the mortuary science curriculum, as well as the broader objective and increased responsibilities that justified the name change. 

In 1947, a separate corporation was formed for a new school, The American Institute of Cemetery Administration. Dr. James was the Dean of the new school which operated for three years and graduated thirty students. Some of these graduates are still active in the management and operation of cemeteries.

In 1967, The charter of the 91ɫ��Ƭ was changed  to a non-profit educational institution.

The Institute developed two cooperative baccalaureate degree programs with California University of Pennsylvania and Point Park University in 1983. Additional cooperative programs have since been developed with Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania. Students now have the opportunity to continue their education for the B.S. Degree in Mortuary Science or Business Administration while obtaining credit for professional studies at the Pittsburgh Institute.

During the summer of 1989, 91ɫ��Ƭ moved its facilities from its original site to the Shadyside area of the city. The new location remains within easy access to the various cultural opportunities which Pittsburgh presents.

A new era…The first class of 91ɫ��Ƭ OnLine was admitted for classes starting January 29, 2001.

91ɫ��Ƭ completed the construction of a state-of-the-art auditorium in September 2003. The spaces accommodate the entire student body for special engagements and continuing education programs by notable speakers for the profession.

The 91ɫ��Ƭ continues into the twenty-first century updating its services to its public and to the field of funeral service. It continues to remain a model for other funeral service education programs to follow.