Student Memorial Honors Anatomy Donors

More than 70 students and faculty gathered at the third annual Donor Memorial Service at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland Monday to reflect on the generosity of those who willed their bodies to science, and to recognize their role in the educational journey of a healthcare professional. 

"The 43 men and women who willed their bodies to our anatomy program came from all walks of life," said Fred Feuchter, Chair of Basic Sciences Department. "And the last thing they did was to come here to teach us about the complexity and beauty of the human body."

Students from each of the five degree programs spoke about the lessons learned from their donors, and how the experience better prepared them to examine living patients.

The celebration was both reflective and light: Students bowed their heads for a moment of silence, sang, wrote thank you letters to their donors, and created a shrine of flowers, candles, and small gifts.

"We are all grateful for their gift to us," Feuchter told the students. "You may learn more from these teachers than any of your living teachers."  

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