ATSU students, faculty, staff gather with families of donors to recognize contributions in annual Gift of Body ceremony
Posted: October 14, 2026
Each year, A.T. Still University (ATSU) pauses to thank those whose final gift becomes a first lesson in medicine. On Oct. 14, 2026, students from ATSU’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) and Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH), along with faculty, staff, and alumni, gathered at Forest-Llewellyn Cemetery in Kirksville, Missouri, for the annual Gift of Body ceremony, honoring the donors to ATSU-KCOM’s Anatomy department.
ATSU welcomed family members and friends of those who donated their bodies to the university in a show of appreciation and gratitude.
“While nothing can take away the pain of that loss, I hope today has given you something meaningful to hold onto and a sense of peace that you may not have been feeling before,” said Casandra Casady-Luscan, CFSP, anatomy lab manager for ATSU-KCOM. “I hope you leave knowing that your loved one’s story did not end with their passing, but because of them students have learned and will be better equipped to take care of others.”
Peter Kondrashov, PhD, professor and chair, anatomy, ATSU-KCOM, put that gift into perspective.
“We’re educating hundreds and thousands of doctors and dentists who train using our donor bodies, but also this has a huge impact on research,” Dr. Kondrashov said. “The diseases we thought were completely incurable, now we are able to find some solution to actually save people’s lives. This is due to the impact the donors have.”
Six student speakers, each representing a different ATSU student organization, carried that message further. They spoke about how donors – or first patients – have shaped their education, weaving faith and tradition into their remarks and offering distinct perspectives.
“This experience and deeper understanding began with your loved one, and it will travel with us into every exam room we ever walk into. The best way we can thank you is to carry what they taught us to our patients, to become the best doctors we can be, and to help countless people live better lives,” said Niko Chapman, OMS II, president, ATSU-KCOM Student Government Association.
“In dentistry, so much of our work focuses on intricate, delicate details – the curve of a jaw, the
path of a nerve, the quiet art of restoring a smile. Your loved ones didn’t just teach us where
those nerves run or how those muscles move. They taught us precision. They taught us
empathy. They taught us humanity. Long before we treat our first patient in the clinic, your loved
ones taught us what it truly means to care for a human being,” said Isabelle Donjoian, D2, president, ATSU-MOSDOH Student Government Association.
“It is crucial for us to learn to be physicians that are compassionate, empathetic, and dedicated to helping others. We are fortunate to have our first patient to instill these qualities in us. The pure altruism and love our first patient has for us will guide us in being the best citizens of the world we can be. Following the example of our first patient, we will be the beacon of light and love that they know we are able to be,” said Omer Kazmi, OMS II, Muslim Student Association representative.
“We believe that while we wait and hope in Christ for the redemption of the world, we strive to
imitate the great physician not only in academic knowledge, but in compassion, service, and
self-sacrifice. Because of the donors, the class of 2029 started their medical career knowing what that looks like in practice,” said Samuel Yeom, OMS II, Christina Medical Dental Association representative.
“We are grateful to the donors and their families for the choices they made in literally laying down the physical evidence and remnants of their life well lived, allowing us students to study such incredible individuals. That choice along with a life filled with righteous choices will be carried with them to the resurrection,” said Jaron Dalgleish, OMS II, of the Latter Day Saints Student Association. “In gratitude for the families and donors, let us use our agency to give greater love, kindness, and selflessness to our family, friends, and patients, allowing this gift of body to truly live on.”
“For us as healthcare students, these individuals become our first teachers. Through their
generosity, we are able to learn the complexity of the human body, develop the skills necessary
to care for our future patients, and gain a deeper appreciation for the responsibility that comes
with entering the healthcare profession,” said Pranav Vala, OMS II, co-president of the Indian Student Association. ”But their gift teaches us something beyond anatomy. It teaches us about compassion. It teaches us about humility. And most importantly, it teaches us about the giving of ourselves for the benefit of others.”
ATSU-KCOM Dean Margaret Wilson, DO, ’82, provided a message of thanks to the families and a reminder to the students.
“Never forget your first patient and that they were someone’s parent, sibling, friend, neighbor, that they lived full and rich lives and made this decision to be of service in order to better humankind,” Dr. Wilson said.
ATSU’s MEDley’s performed “Amazing Grace” and the local VFW provided a 21-gun salute and playing of “Taps” as part of the ceremony.
Learn more about the Gift of Body program here.
