Inaugural BUCOM Memorial Service Pays Tribute to Whole-Body Donors

Two medical students wearing white coats stand at a podium on stage during a ceremony. They are presenting in front of a large screen displaying floral graphics and scripted text that reads “Hazel Jeyaprakash, Jam Huang, & Joshua McC… Poetry Performance.” A floral arrangement is visible beside the podium, and candles line the stage steps, creating a formal and reflective atmosphere.

On August 22, 2025, BUCOM medical students, faculty, and staff gathered in Groner Auditorium for the Donor Memorial Service, honoring the individuals who generously donated their bodies to science during the 2024–2025 academic year.

A Ceremony of Gratitude

The service opened with an invocation from Director of Faith and Service, Rusty Woods, who shared scripture from Romans 12:1:

“Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.”

Woods reminded those gathered that each donor’s act was truly a living sacrifice — one that profoundly shapes the training and growth of the next generation of physicians.

Following the invocation, Student Government Association President Catie Lockhart, OMS-II, welcomed attendees with reflections on generosity, drawing on Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree to illustrate the donors’ selfless gift.

Student Reflections Through Art and Words

The service included meaningful contributions from the Class of 2028:

  • A poem titled “Our First Patient” written and read by Hazel Jeyaprakash, James Huang, and Joshua McCoy
  • A painting, “The Knowledge Tree,” shared by Britney-Thuy Le
  • A reflection by Katelyn Cartwright on how the donors’ sacrifice lives on through the work of students and future patients
  • A heartfelt speech by Caleb Luk, who spoke about realizing that “we are fearfully and wonderfully made by design,” while also recalling with humor how overwhelming the first week of anatomy lab felt.

These reflections captured both the intellectual lessons of anatomy and the personal transformation students experience through the donors’ gift.

Closing Tribute

The ceremony concluded with remarks from Assistant Professor of Anatomy, Dr. Sarah Stevens, and a moment of remembrance. In a final symbolic gesture, OMS-II students each carried a white flower across the stage, presenting it in honor of their donor. The simple but powerful act represented gratitude, respect, and the enduring connection between donors and students.

Afterward, attendees gathered in fellowship at a reception, with refreshments provided by the Blue Healer Café and floral arrangements by Holliday Flowers.

Lasting Lessons

Whole-body donors provide medical students with a unique opportunity to learn in a way no simulation or textbook can replicate. From understanding human anatomy to developing empathy for patient care, these experiences shape students into compassionate physicians.

The Donor Memorial Service reflects BUCOM’s commitment to honoring the humanity behind medical education. While students may never know their donors’ stories, they carry forward the lessons learned with dignity and compassion, lessons that will live on in the lives of every patient they serve.

God's Blessings

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13