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.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.