The sound of Griffith student Wayne Kennedy playing Flower of Scotland on the bagpipes will beone of the highlights at the fifth annual Griffith University Thanksgiving service in recognition ofbody donors this Thursday.

Wayne says the occasion is not lost on him. “It is a fantastic privilege to be able to play the pipesat such an important occasion,” he says.

The Book of Remembrance contains the names of 160 people who have bequeathed their bodiesto Griffith for anatomy teaching and research since the first in 2006.

These people will be remembered at a memorial service at the Gold Coast Arts Centre, starting at 6pm on Thursday (Oct 17).Griffith students have already reaped vital education benefits from the body donation program.Fourth year Medicine student Aditi Rai has the honour of carrying the Book of Remembrance at the ceremony.

A humbling experience

“Participating in the Thanksgiving Service for the last three years has been a very humbling experience for me,” she says. “It is a real privilege to be given this opportunity to pay my respects to the individuals who have so generously donated this greatest gift towards the furthering of medical education. The Book of Remembrance contains the names of those who have enhanced our learning through the years, providing future doctors with invaluable experience to assist us in the provision of improved medical care to the community.”

The service will start with a procession of students, academics and invited guests, led by Aditicarrying the Book of Remembrance. As part of the service, a minute’s silence will follow thereading of the donors’ names.

Head of the School of Anatomy, Professor Mark Forwood says the program supports theeducation of health students in disciplines such as medicine, medical science, pharmacy,physiotherapy, exercise science, dentistry and oral health.

“Body donations from the local community are vitally important so our health students can receivepractical training in human anatomy,” he says. “The generosity of body donors, our new state-of the-art anatomy facilities, and committed teachers ensure our students receive the very best preparation for their chosen careers.”

The Griffith Health Centre’s features some of the country’s most advanced anatomy facilities and includes an increased student capacity with three wet labs to cater for up to 300 students at one time; a ten table surgical skills laboratory and a 50 seat Anatomy and Pathology learning centre.

Over 1400 Griffith University first year students use the facility every year.

“We are very appreciative of the decisions made by these donors and the support shown by theirfamilies. This Thanksgiving Service is a public demonstration of that appreciation,” ProfessorForwood says.

For more information about Griffith’s Body Bequest program 07 5552 7700 or email [email protected]

WHEN: Thursday, October 17, from 6pm.

WHERE: Paradise Show Room, Gold Coast Arts Centre

Centre, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise.

WHO: Families and friends of donors. University staff and students and community representatives.