Briar Cliff University Hosts Annual Donor Memorial Service

October 13, 2023

Briar Cliff University hosted its annual donor memorial service, honoring those who graciously donated their bodies for scientific study, providing valuable educational opportunities for Briar Cliff students.

“The donor memorial service provides students and faculty with an opportunity to show gratitude to the donors and their families,” said Kelsey Stevens, assistant professor for physical therapy. “Students are given the opportunity to show their gratitude through various means: thank you cards, artwork, music, spoken reflections, and even a meal of celebration.”

The generous contributions of human body donors allow undergraduate and graduate students to gain firsthand knowledge before they begin their prospective careers. “Many of our students are hands-on learners, and when they work with our donors, anatomical relationships tend to make sense for the first time,” said Stevens. “Each donor is unique, they come to us with evidence of injury, diseases, and some variations that students will likely encounter with future patients.

Since the 1980s, students at BCU have had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in studying human anatomy. Briar Cliff University is proud to offer a unique experience to students early on in their academic career as it prepares them for jobs in the medical profession such as doctors, physician assistants, physical and occupational therapists, and more.