Human Anatomy Body Donation Program

The donor program is a vital component of the Human Anatomy Program. Traditionally, donors were received from local medical schools; however, a combination of increased needs at medical schools, as well as a shortage of full body donations nationwide, made it necessary for the university to develop its own body donation program.

In 2006, the University of Guelph established its Human Body Donation Program in response to a request from a member of the community to donate specifically to the program. Since then it has continued to evolve, allowing the department to move closer to its goal of becoming independent of area medical schools for its supply of body donors.

Each year, a Celebration of Life and Learning takes place at University of Guelph’s historical War Memorial Hall and is attended by approximately 500 people from the university and community. Anatomy students attend the celebration to give thanks to donors and their families, by reflecting and sharing personal experiences. It is a beautiful and fitting tribute that also invites future donors and their families to participate.

A private committal service for interment and burial of donor ashes takes place at the University of Guelph Commemorative Plot at Woodlawn Memorial Park. This service is attended by faculty, staff, students and donor families who have expressed a wish to have their loved ones’ ashes interred at the plot. 

How to Become a Body Donor

Descriptive video text file for Celebration of Life Video