Anatomical Gift Donor Memorial Service

On Saturday, May 19, 2018 UMass Chan Medical School Class of 2021 hosted a Memorial Service for families and friends whose loved ones donated to the Anatomical Gift Program. Created by the first year students with support of the Anatomical Gift Program staff, the service is an opportunity for the students to give thanks and express their gratitude for the everlasting gift each of the donors made.

This years’ service was attended by approximately 350 guests including families, students, faculty and staff. The Medical Students created a program which included a video, music, poetry and thanks from the class of 2021, as well as remembrances from family members. Rose Schutzberg of the class of 2021 served as the day’s master of ceremonies and stated on behalf of the first year students "...we are indebted eternally to you, the families, and your loved one, for granting us what one might perhaps call the first great privilege of our medical training". Dr. Max Rosen, Chair of Radiology welcomed the guests followed by opening remarks by Dean Terence Flotte, MD.

Méditation de Thaïs by Jules Massenet was performed by Lucinda Chiu on violin and Christopher Lee on keyboard followed by an original poem titled “The Teacher” by Zachary Michaels. Laura Schwartz, Colette Buser, Nolan Neu, Cole Martens and Samuel Fountain sang The Parting Glass “Scottish Traditional”. Susan Jacob and Poornima Manikantanrecited the names of the donors being honored, followed by a moment of silence.

Solace, A Rag by Scott Joplin was performed by Kathryn Norman on violin and Cameron Thomson on keyboards. Samuel Fountain presented a gift to the families, a tree which was planted on UMass Chan Medical School campus May 2018. Beth Caldwell and Lisa Martin, daughters of Anatomical Donors were invited to share memories of their parents and how each of their families were impacted by their loved ones donation. Docapella, the UMass Chan Medical School a cappella group performed Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. The ceremony concluded with Chancellor Michael F. Collins, MD presenting the closing remarks. A light lunch followed which gave families and students an opportunity to connect and share stories, memories and educational experiences.

The Memorial Service Committee was assisted by Amanda Collins, Director of Anatomical Services, Ruth Lopriore, Coordinator of Anatomical Services and Cindy Wilson, Assistant to Max Rosen, the Chair of Radiology. The students also expressed thanks to course faculty Dr. Yasmin Carter, Dr. Eustathia Lela Giannaris, Dr. Manas Das and Professor Anne Gilroy who offered their passion and patience on a daily basis.

For more information about the UMass Anatomical Gift Program please visit the AGP website, or the Memorial Service 2018 site with links to the videos.