Thiel College physician assistant students honor donors at annual Gratitude Ceremony

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College students in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program gathered for the program’s second annual Gratitude Ceremony, an event recognizing individuals who donated their bodies to medical education and the clinical training of future healthcare providers.

The ceremony emphasizes the role body donors play in preparing PA students for hands-on anatomy education. For many students, the cadaver lab is their first direct experience with the human body as future clinicians. Donors serve as their earliest teachers, offering lessons that cannot be replicated through digital platforms or simulation.

“I had been in a cadaver lab before, but experiencing it as a PA student was completely different,” said Lilly Nguyen M.S.’27. “I now understand the depth of the donors’ generosity and the responsibility that comes with learning from them.”

Hannah Jones ’24 M.S.’26 said the experience shapes how she views patient care. “We learned the structures of the body, but we also learned humility and respect,” she said. “Their gift influences how we will treat patients throughout our careers.”

First-year student Dylan Robis M.S.’27 described the experience as foundational. “It’s more than an anatomy class,” he said. “It’s a space where I learned respect from someone whose lessons continue even after death.”

The ceremony, held Sept. 26 in the Science Building’s greenhouse area, included the planting of a serviceberry tree near the graduate entrance as a living tribute to the donors. The tree’s symbolism—renewal, wisdom and protection—reflects the lasting legacy of the individuals whose generosity supports the program’s students.

Thiel PA students have trained with donor support since 2021 through the Humanity Gifts Registry Program in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The opportunity provides a central component of the program’s clinical education and preparation for patient care.

Related Links

• Office of Admission
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
• Master of Science program in Speech-Language Pathology

Related Stories

• Thiel College PA students support hidden disabilities awareness at Sharon Speedway walk
• Thiel professor named director at large for Pennsylvania Society of Physician Associates
• Thiel College graduate physician assistant student named to national Veterans Caucus
• Thiel College healthcare students participate in interprofessional education event
• Guest speaker introduces Thiel College PA students to role of service dogs in healthcare
• Fourth cohort of physician assistant students awarded white coats during ceremony
• Thiel College physician assistant students honor donors at Gratitude Ceremony
• Thiel College Bachelor of Science in Nursing program receives state board approval
• Thiel College physician assistant studies students collect donations for Mercy Center for Women
• Thiel College nursing students share stories of inspiration from mission trip to Caribbean
• Thiel College physician assistant students get white coats during honored tradition
• Thiel physician assistant students hosting blood drive and health fair at the College

Office of Admission

• Request information about Thiel College
• Schedule a visit
• Apply