Those Who Gave Their Bodies to Science Remembered

The Panuska College of Professional Studies held a Celebration of Remembrance to honor individuals who donated their bodies to further the education of students in the health professions at The University of Scranton. Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president, offered a special prayer at the service held on Nov. 18 in the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall.

At the ceremony, Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of The Panuska College of Professional Studies, shared the poem, “The Anatomy Teacher,” by Amy Marie Millikan from The New England Journal of Medicine. In her remarks, Dr. Pellegrino expressed gratitude “to these individuals who donated their bodies so that our students can learn, and to these teachers who have shared their lasting gift even after their death.”

During the summer and fall of 2021 academic semesters, 176 undergraduate and graduate students at Scranton studying in the fields of nurse anesthesia, physical therapy, occupational therapy and kinesiology learned firsthand the intricacies of the human body in the gross anatomy lab thanks to the gifts these individuals bestowed to science. 

“I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to all the donors and their families who have made an impact on myself and my fellow classmates’ education and lives,” said Samiel Torres ’21 in her student reflection presented at the ceremony. “Your loved one has taught me so many lessons not only about the human body, but the immense generosity of humanity that I'll carry with me forever.”

Torres, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, is in her first year of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Scranton and will graduate with her DPT in 2024.

Also participating in the ceremony were Jennifer Schwartz, DPT, anatomy faculty member of the DPT program; Chandra Nealon, DPT, anatomy faculty member for the Occupational Therapy (OT) program; and students of the DPT and OT program. PCPS Lab Director Cheryil Demkosky offered closing remarks.