Each year, PCOM Georgia honors the selfless individuals who donate their bodies to
science through its annual Body Donor Memorial Service—a moving event that brings
together students, faculty, staff, and donor families in gratitude and remembrance.
Families travel from across the region to celebrate their loved ones’ legacy, often
sharing personal reflections about their decision to advance medical education. Each
year, the ceremony grows in participation and meaning, reflecting the College’s deep
appreciation for the generosity that shapes the next generation of healthcare professionals.
2025
In May of 2025, PCOM Georgia hosted its annual Body Donor Memorial Service, welcoming
more than 240 attendees—the largest turnout in the event's history.
Families from across the metro Atlanta area and beyond traveled to honor and receive
the cremated remains of their loved ones. Some families even flew in from distant
cities.
Warm hospitality filled the College as doctoral students opened doors to greet families;
Physician Assistant Studies students escorted guests to the cafeteria for their catered breakfast, and Physical Therapy students poured hot coffee and tea with a smile.
Among the attendees was Board Member David McCleskey, who greeted many families personally. McCleskey expressed gratitude for the donors'
contributions, acknowledging how their generosity advances medical education for the
future doctors, physician assistants, and physical therapists at PCOM Georgia.
Miranda Turner (DO ’28) welcomed the large crowd, and Seiple offered words of thanks.
Michael Selby, PhD, an associate professor of Anatomy; Diana Peterson, PhD, a professor of Anatomy; and Erik Zarandy, DO ’12, an assistant professor of Family Medicine, shared their personal stories of working
with body donors when they were students.
Student representatives from each program also spoke, including Milo Paman (DO ’28);
Madison Gillespie (PA ’26); and Keilan Hulon (PT ’27), expressing appreciation for
the donors’ sacrifices.
The ceremony continued with the presentation of cremated remains as each family was
called forward to receive their loved one.
The room was filled with silent reflection, united in a collective remembrance. In
honor of Mother’s Day weekend, each family of a female donor received a rose.
As the service drew to a close, Turner offered final remarks, leaving guests with
a sense of connection, gratitude, and reverence for those who had selflessly given
their bodies to science.
More than 240 attendees were present for the 2025 Body Donor Memorial Service
2024
PCOM Georgia's 2024 body donor memorial service was held on Saturday, May 11, 2024,
and was attended by 55 families as well as students, faculty and staff members. The
service recognized the educational and research contributions of the families' loved
ones who donated their bodies to science.
Family members were invited to say a few words at the podium. Many chose to thank
the College and the Body Donor Program in addition to sharing stories about their loved ones or why they wanted to better
medicine through their donations. Our osteopathic medical students also recognized
Mother's Day by presenting white roses to donors' children in attendance.
Jeffrey Seiple, Director of PCOM Anatomical Labs and Services, explains how donations
are important for the medical education of health professions students.
The ceremony was attended by many PCOM Georgia graduate and medical students, College
faculty and staff, and family members.
2023
PCOM Georgia's 2023 body donor memorial service was held on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
Students, faculty and staff members recognized 52 individuals who donated their bodies
to science to further the medical education of Georgia's future healthcare professionals.
The memorial service recognized the family members as well as the educational and
research contributions of the families' loved ones. Families were invited to say a
few words up at the podium and many chose to thank the College in addition to sharing
stories about their loved ones and the reasons they wanted to better medicine through
their donations. Our medical students also recognized Mother's Day by presenting white
roses to of donors' children in attendance.
The ceremony was attended by many PCOM Georgia medical and graduate students, College
faculty and staff, and family members.
2022
PCOM Georgia's 2022 body donor memorial service was held on Saturday, May 7, 2022.
Students, faculty and staff members recognized 40 individuals who donated their bodies
to science to further the medical education of Georgia's future healthcare providers.
PCOM Georgia's 2021 body donor memorial service was held on Thursday, September 16.
Students, faculty and staff members recognized 20 individuals who donated their bodies
as to science to further the medical education of Georgia's future healthcare providers.
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank each and every donor family
for their support of PCOM Georgia's Anatomical Donor Program. Moreover, on behalf
of our institution, faculty, staff, and especially all of our wonderful students,
we hope you view the 2020 Donor Memorial Tribute Video to understand how much your
loved one has influenced the education of our students at PCOM Georgia. This video
is offered as a loving tribute to all of our donor families to honor their loved ones
who have contributed unselfishly to medical education, society and mankind! Our donor's
legacies live on through our students and will never be forgotten!
In gratitude for the gift of anatomical donation, PCOM Georgia organizes an annual memorial service to honor donors and their families. All donor families receive an invitation to participate
in the ceremony. The 2019 memorial service was held on May 11.
2018
To recognize the generosity of body donors and their loved ones, PCOM Georgia conducts
a yearly memorial service. Donor families are personally contacted and invited to share in this special occasion.
The 2018 memorial service was held on May 12.
2017
PCOM Georgia holds an annual memorial service to pay tribute to donors and extend appreciation to their families. Every donor family
is invited to attend and participate in the service. The 2017 memorial service was
held on Saturday, May 13.
2016
PCOM Georgia conducts a memorial service each year to honor donors and to thank the families.
All donor families are contacted, invited and asked to participate in our annual memorial
service. The 2016 service was held on May 7.
Contact Info
Body Donor Program PCOM Georgia 625 Old Peachtree Road, Suwanee, GA 30024 Phone:678-225-7477 | Fax: 770-682-2309