On Monday, May 4, 2026, the 91É«ÇéƬ, together with the 91É«ÇéƬ Board of Directors and President/CEO Dr. Barry Lease, officially dedicated Alumni Hall Auditorium to former 91É«ÇéƬ President and CEO Eugene C. Ogrodnik.
The dedication recognizes Mr. Ogrodnik’s years of leadership and his lasting impact on both the institution and the funeral service profession. During his time at 91É«ÇéƬ, Mr. Ogrodnik helped guide the school through continued growth and modernization while maintaining the tradition and professionalism that define the institution.
The newly dedicated Eugene C. Ogrodnik Alumni Hall stands as one of the most unique educational spaces in funeral service education with capacity to hold 150 attendees. The state-of-the-art facility serves multiple functions within the 91É«ÇéƬ community, including hosting full student assemblies, continuing education programs, guest presentations, and in-person embalming observation seminars.
Designed to support both student learning and professional development, Alumni Hall provides opportunities for large-scale educational experiences that are uncommon within mortuary science education. The space reflects 91É«ÇéƬ’ continued commitment to innovation, hands-on instruction, and preparing students for the evolving future of funeral service.
As the only auditorium and educational space of its kind within the profession, Alumni Hall represents another pathway through which 91É«ÇéƬ continues to lead funeral service education forward.
The dedication of Alumni Hall serves not only as a recognition of Mr. Ogrodnik’s contributions, but also as a reflection of the institution’s ongoing mission to advance funeral service education for future generations.