A Thanksgiving Service to honour people who donated their bodies for University teaching and research purposes will be celebrated at Mayne Hall at The University of Queensland's St Lucia campus on Wednesday May 10 at 5.30pm.
Organising committee chair Dr Walter Wood of the University's Anatomical Sciences Department said the ceremony had been established as a UQ annual event since 1992.
"It's been so successful, the model has now been adopted by other tertiary institutions in Australia and New Zealand," he said.
Students from biological science and health care courses take an active part in the event.
"There will be a symbolic lighting of candles as University staff and students come together in recognition and appreciation of the generous bequest made by each donor," Dr Wood said. "The service is an important step in the grieving process for relatives and friends of the donors."
"Prayers will also be said for the comfort of families, and for staff and students in the hope they will gain maximum benefit from the knowledge being offered."
Donations assist UQ students of Anatomical Sciences, the Graduate School of Medicine, Schools of Dentistry, Human Movement Studies and Pharmacy, and the Departments of Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology and Audiology.
Head of the Graduate School of Medicine Professor Ken Donald said all medical students studied the human body's structure and function as a major element of their training.
"It's important that future doctors have a clear and fundamental understanding of normal anatomy and body function to underpin their study of disease, and their practice of medicine," he said.
"Generous donations from the people of Queensland allow the University to continue this training of medical students, rendering a major social service to the community at large."
Dr Wood said the benefits for teaching and research extended to such groups as surgeons, nurses, beauty therapists, naturopaths, the Queensland Ambulance Service, the Australian Army Medical Corps and other universities.
This year, the names of the 61 men and women who were donors in 1998 have been inscribed in a special Book of Remembrance and will be read out during the service.
The ecumenical service, embracing Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths, will be led by the Reverend Jason John. He will be supported by University chaplains, Rabbi Uri Themal, Reverend Cyril Muller, and Imam Moulana Abdul Quddoos.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay will give the welcoming address.
Singers will be the chamber choir Canticum directed by Emily Cox. A floral bouquet will be presented to each donor's family. Service details are available at the web site: https://www.uq.edu.au/news/events/thanksgiving.html
For further information, contact Dr Walter Wood (telephone 3365 3387).
Enquiries can also be directed to communications@mailbox.uq.edu.au
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