Elon's first-person consent donors make a profound and intentional choice to invite students to learn. These "silent teachers" have intentionally decided to continue teaching even in death.
Elon University’s Anatomical Gift Program continues to grow. Since its founding in 2017, the program has welcomed 228 ‘silent teachers’ and registered over 1,070 North Carolina residents who have committed to donating their bodies to ‘teach’ at Elon. This summer, students expressed their gratitude and respect for the ‘silent teachers’ with the annual donor memorial service, a solemn and respectful event hosted in the Sacred Space at Numen Lumen Pavilion.
“We believe this moment is pivotal for our students as they complete this work and advance on into the professional clinical practice curriculum—forever taking lessons learned from their donors into clinical practice,” said Janet Cope, professor of physical therapy.
Founded in 2017, the anatomical program at Elon’s School of Health Sciences was conceived by Cope, who teaches clinical anatomy in the Department of Physical Therapy Education. Cope’s vision was to establish a willed body program to support Elon’s physical therapy (PT) program, physician assistant (PA) program and undergraduate programs in the biosciences. The effort has since expanded to include nursing and undergraduate anatomy programs in the McMichael Arts and Sciences building and the graduate programs in health sciences at the Gerald L. Francis Center.
Those who have enrolled in the program cite a handful of reasons for wanting to contribute, including: “I want to continue to teach” and “I have recycled most of my life, so why not continue by giving my body to Elon students.”
Regardless of the reason, anyone deciding for themselves, having the support of their families and being 18 years or older is eligible to register with Elon’s first-person consent program.
Director Dianne Person has helped the program become a beacon of educational support for donors and their families, guiding them from life to death. This growth and impact of the program is not just a statistic but a testament to the hope and inspiration it brings to the community, especially the students whose education is enriched by the selfless act of the “silent teachers.”
“No two bodies are alike, but one thing they do have in common is that they chose to teach after death,” says Person. “We hold immense respect and gratitude for our donors, so we compassionately refer to them as our ‘silent teachers.’ They are with us to teach our students head-to-toe anatomy.’”
This respect for the donors is at the heart of the program, making them feel valued and appreciated. Now in its eighth year, the Anatomical Gift Program fosters empathy and trust across North Carolina. Person’s belief in the importance of outreach has brought her to over 60 counties, inspiring many to consider this end-of-life option.
“If only one individual in a room of 300 is interested in anatomical donation, everyone’s time has been well-spent,” said Person, who notes that making this critical decision takes time and requires family discussion, which may require a repeat session.
Person ensures a dignified removal, symbolized by placing an Elon blanket onto the decedent. Upon arrival at the Gerald L. Francis Center, the transport team is met by Gytis Balilionis, Anatomical Gift Program and Human Anatomy Laboratory specialist, who reverently takes each donor into his care until it is time for their ‘teaching assignment.’
This summer, the first-year students in the DPT program and the master of physician assistant studies program, led by a voluntary student committee of three PT students and three PA students, produced a heartfelt and respectful memorial service honoring 40 “silent teachers” who imparted their knowledge in the study of human anatomy.
“The sacrifice our silent teachers made has a profound impact on us as future clinicians and people,” said Madelyn Treon G’26, a student in Elon’s doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program and one of the student leaders who planned the service. “They taught us patience by their unwavering resolve in times of adversity. They taught us humility by their selfless acts of kindness and generosity.”
The donor memorial service provides a unique opportunity for closure as students, faculty, and donor family members come together as a community to share their stories. The service was also simulcast through a live stream for those unable to attend. Families produced photos of their loved ones and stories about who they were in life.
“We have good memories of our time at Elon’s PT,” said the spouse of an anatomical donor. “We both enjoyed the PT students and professors.”
In his consent form, anatomical donor “George” wrote: “Having served over 30 years as a missionary in Africa, I chose to give my body to Elon to teach others.”
Students expressed their gratitude through verse, poetry, and song. This year, soloist Hope Keys G’26, sang “Fields of Gold” to a heart-focused audience of families, friends, and students.
“Being part of Elon’s Anatomical Gift Program memorial planning this year has been an honor,” said Treon. “Sharing our gratitude and appreciation to the families and their loved ones was a special moment for all of us. When I entered anatomy at the beginning of the year, I never imagined the lessons I’d learn apart from anatomy.”
“In their profound act of generosity, donors transform their own journey into a beacon of hope for scientific advancement. Their decision to contribute their bodies to the study of life serves as a powerful testament to the interconnectedness of humanity, offering not just knowledge to students but a lasting spiritual legacy that encourages compassion, understanding, and a deeper respect for the mysteries of existence,” said Bobby Plaggman G’26.
“I want to thank our donors for the selfless decision to donate to Elon’s Anatomical Gift Program, as I often reminded myself that their body was a gift born not out of force, obligation, or random chance but out of a desire to leave the world a better place than they found it,” said Sarah Levine, G’26, a student in Elon’s DPT program. “The knowledge that they chose to donate in their last moments always brought me a deep sense of comfort each time I had the opportunity to be taught by them. Their sacrifice is perhaps the greatest gift I have ever received. A gift no man nor woman can buy, the gift of peace of mind. I have the deepest appreciation for this.”
During a candle-lighting ceremony, students ignited the first flame and, one by one, passed a lit candle to light the next while students read each of the names of 40 anatomical donors. The ceremony was to signify the donors who so nobly gave of themselves this academic year to educate our students.
“Thank you for supporting your loved one’s decision to teach our students through their anatomical donation. Today is about connection. Each one of us is connected because of our ‘silent teachers.’ They have indeed brought us together in their own words and through their noble gift of themselves. And to their families, we are enriched by your stories and family photos,” said Person during the memorial service. “Your shared stories profoundly impact us, giving us a glimpse into who our ‘silent teachers’ were as people with children, grandchildren, spouses, and friends. We thank you as we witness the unwrapping of one intangible gift after another.”
Following the service, all in attendance proceeded outdoors, where butterflies, this year’s theme, were carried to the terrace. The act symbolized the release of the ‘silent teachers’ following their indelible gift to healthcare education.
“I have had the privilege to work with multiple silent teachers at Elon. I have learned more than I have ever imagined about the human body, and I can’t wait to be able to apply this knowledge to my future career,” said Christina Westbrooks G’26, a DPT student. “To all of our donors, I will be forever grateful for the most amazing gift a person can give when they have passed.”
Later, all gathered in the McBride Gathering Space, united by the profound experience. This was not just a moment for light refreshments but also for deep conversations and reflections, strengthening the bond shared between the ‘silent teachers’ and the students they taught.
“The donors who graciously share their bodies with science embody a sacred trust between life and learning,” said Plagmann. “Their gift transcends the physical realm, creating an enduring spiritual impact that nurtures the minds and hearts of students. Through their selfless act, they bridge the gap between knowledge and the divine, reminding us that in understanding the human body, we honor not only their lives but the timeless journey of every soul.”