For 10 years, the Willed Body Program at the Health Science Center has held an interment ceremony, honoring body donors for their lasting contribution to the medical sciences and to humankind. Today at 5:30 p.m., the Burial of the Ashes ceremony will begin behind the McDermott building at North campus. This small part of the campus has been set aside as a memorial.
“The ceremony demonstrates the respect and gratitude that our students have for the donors and the gift of their body,” said Ron Philo, Ph.D., senior lecturer of cellular and structural biology.
President Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D.; Christi Walter, Ph.D., professor and interim chair of cellular and structural biology; and several students will be present to pay their respects to the body donors and to reflect upon their experiences.
“Our student body is sincere in their appreciation for the body donation,” Dr. Philo said. “The altruism of the donors can inspire the professional student through their entire career.”
The ceremony traditionally begins and ends with pipers leading the crowd to and from the interment site. Everyone is invited to attend.
