Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Chicago, IL

10/06/2026

Worsham students and faculty had the honor of standing in as family for an unclaimed veteran at The Final Salute in Iowa.

We were privileged to honor and remember an Army veteran who called Chicago home, ensuring that he was laid to rest surrounded by people who came to recognize his life, his service, and his sacrifice.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Lanae Strovers for founding this incredible project and for giving our students the opportunity to experience firsthand the profound impact of showing up for those who might otherwise have no one present to say goodbye.

For our students, this was more than an opportunity to learn about funeral service. It was a reminder of why our profession matters: to honor a life, to preserve dignity, and to ensure that no one is forgotten.

10/04/2026

Celebrating the Worsham College Fall Class of 2026!

We were honored to welcome Rachel Gunderson as our graduation speaker. Her words helped make an already memorable day even more special.

To our graduates: you have earned this moment. We cannot wait to see the impact you make on the families, communities, and profession you are now prepared to serve.

Congratulations, graduates. Your Worsham story may have started in the classroom, but this is where the next chapter begins!

09/28/2026

Worsham faculty are continuing to bring even more real-world expertise into the classroom.

Congratulations to faculty members Allison Voorhees and Jennifer Werthman, now InSight Institute Funeral Celebrant Trainers, and Tristan Jardee, who completed Certified Celebrant training.

With two Celebrant Trainers on our faculty, Worsham students will have the opportunity to become certified while developing the listening, communication, storytelling, and service-planning skills that are so important in serving families well.

A special thank you to Glenda Stansbury, also a member of the Worsham faculty, and Kathy Burns for sharing their expertise and helping us bring this training to our students.

09/07/2026

Hands-on from start to finish. Transfer Lab gave our students time to practice cot handling, dressing, and casketing. They are building the skills and confidence that come from actually doing the work!

09/05/2026

Professional development, but make it fun!

A great week of learning with Lanae Strovers and National Funeral Directors Association Arranger Training, Melinda Buffington Asher from Gift of Hope, Erin Wilson with Funeral Women Lead, Ellen Wynn McBrayer sharing her experience and wisdom, and of course our amazing Worsham faculty.

Grateful for everyone who shared their expertise and so proud of our students for showing up ready to learn.

09/03/2026

Confidence starts with what you know and then you build from there.

Today our students put anatomy, restorative art, and a whole lot of problem-solving into practice during cranial reconstruction lab. It’s one thing to learn the landmarks and techniques in class; it’s another to trust what you know and start rebuilding step by step.

08/28/2026

Today was Orientation for our campus students!

There is always something exciting about welcoming a new class to Worsham, the beginning of new friendships, new challenges, and a whole lot of learning ahead. We are excited to see what this group accomplishes and to be part of their journey into funeral service.

Welcome to Worsham! We’re so glad you’re here.

08/13/2026

The K9 Comfort Dogs joined us on campus during finals, and our students loved having them here. They were a welcome break during a busy week and brought a lot of smiles to campus!

05/29/2026

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Tim Kowalski, a former instructor at Worsham College and a cherished member of our Worsham community.

Tim gave so much of himself to Worsham and to the funeral service profession. Over the years, he taught thousands of students, sharing not only his knowledge and experience, but also his dedication to the work and his respect for the calling of funeral service. His influence can be seen in the many funeral professionals whose lives and careers he helped shape.

We are grateful for all that Tim gave to Worsham College, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, former students, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His obituary and service details are shared below.

View Timothy Kowalski's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/28/2026

Our students brought restorative art to life through wax, cosmetics, and color theory. They practiced building features and blending cosmetics.

We loved the focus and enthusiasm our students brought to this hands-on learning experience.