PCPS Thanks Those Who Upon Death Became Teachers
Students joined with faculty and staff of The University of Scranton’s Panuska College of Professional Studies for a Celebration of Remembrance to honor the individuals who donated their bodies to further the education of students in the health professions at Scranton.I help others learn
And in return
Others are saved.
This excerpt from the poem “An Ode to Cadavers” by University of Scranton occupational therapy student Isabella Olimpo, Doylestown, was read during a Celebration of Remembrance Ceremony to honor those who donated their bodies to further the education of students in the health professions at The University of Scranton. Students joined with faculty and staff of the University’s Panuska College of Professional at the second annual ceremony held on campus in November.
During the summer and fall semesters at Scranton, undergraduate and graduate students studying in the fields of nurse anesthesia, physical therapy, occupational therapy and exercise science and sport learned firsthand the intricacies of the human body in the gross anatomy lab thanks to the gifts these individuals bestowed to science.
At the ceremony, reflections were read by Doctor of Physical Therapy Program students Natalia Ochalski, Hopewell, New Jersey, and Alexandra McGivern, Bethlehem, as well as occupational therapy undergraduates Sarah Flanagan, Northford, Connecticut, Courtney Hayashi, Lake Elmo, Minnisota, and Karlie Ashcroft, Highland Mills, New York.
My feet, with the knowledge of yours, will walk into the future carrying you with me.My hands, as they reach out to comfort and heal, will do so never forgetting the delicacy of yours.My eyes, as they sweep across the landscapes of my future, will find in it reflections of the world I saw as yours.This excerpt from a poem by Amy Marie Millikan, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, was read during a Celebration of Remembrance Ceremony.
“Upon death, they became teachers to our students,” said Cheryil Demkosky, director of the Panuska College of Professional Studies laboratories, who organized the service.
Also at the ceremony Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional studies, recognized students from Scranton Preparatory School for the corporal works of mercy they do through the Jesuit school’s St. Joseph of Arimathea Funeral Ministry Program. The high school students serve as pallbearers, offer scripture readings and prayers at funeral services for small families, indigent people or those who die alone.
Physical therapy professor Jennifer Schwartz, DPT, occupational therapy professor Chandra Dombroski, DPT, and Rev. Rick Malloy, S.J., University of Scranton Chaplain, also spoke at the ceremony.
Students from Scranton Preparatory School received an award from The University of Scranton’s Panuska College of Professional Studies for the corporal works of mercy they do through the St. Joseph of Arimathea Funeral Ministry Program at Prep. The award was presented at the Ceremony of Remembrance, which honors those who donated their bodies to further the education of students in the health professions at the college. Through Scranton Prep’s funeral ministry program, the high school students serve as pallbearers, offer scripture readings and prayers at funeral services for small families, indigent people or those who die alone. From left are, from Scranton Preparatory School: Donna Barrett, teacher; Corey Henfling, dean of students; seniors Genavieve Maloney, Clifford Township; Autumn Hendershot, Dalton; Avianna Carilli, Scott Township; Will McGregor, Scranton; Michael Welsh, Scranton; Peter Burke, Scranton; Max Kneeream, West Wyoming; Brianna Rivero, Clarks Summit; and Taylor Florey, Clarks Summit; and Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the University’s Panuska College of Professional studies.
