UT San Antonio recently held an Interment Ceremony, also known as the Burial of Ashes, an annual gathering to inter the cremated remains of individuals who gave their bodies for health professional education and research, and to honor their lasting contributions.
Nearly 200 attendees, including donor families, students, faculty and staff, gathered Tuesday, May 5, at the UT Health San Antonio Memorial Park.
The ceremony began with a moving rendition of “Amazing Grace” performed by bagpiper Robert Chalk.
Omid B. Rahimi, PhD, director of the Body Donation Program and professor in the Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude for the donors and their families.
“This ceremony is dedicated to those who, in death, have served the living through their generosity and kindness,” Rahimi said. “Regardless of occupation, age, health, or ailments, each donor’s remarkable gift equally contributes to shaping the well-being of future generations. We honor their memory and recognize their contribution here today.”
Following Rahimi’s introduction, Lily Q. Dong, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy at the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, reflected on the profound impact of the donors’ gifts.
“Their gift is one of the most selfless acts imaginable, a gift that continues to give long beyond their lifetime,” Dong said. “They are not just part of our curriculum — they are our students’ very first teachers.”
John Cunningham, MD, assistant dean for preclinical curriculum, emphasized the lasting influence of the donors on future medical professionals.
“Each of these donors gave a remarkable gift which shaped the education and future of countless medical professionals,” Cunningham said. “The priceless gift your loved ones have given our students and our future patients.”
In addition, seven student representatives shared personal reflections on their experiences learning from the donors, including Valerie Ulloa, first-year dental student class president; Avery Alexander, first-year occupational therapy student class president; Maxwell Ballieu, first-year physician assistant student class president; Robert Fritz, first-year medical student class president; Jordan Hierholzer, first-year physical therapy student class president; Kuhu Mukherjee, first-year graduate student representative; and Larissa Garza, medical student representing the University of Incarnate word, School of Osteopathic medicine.
The ceremony concluded with a solemn performance of “Taps” by second-year medical student Gabriel Ortiz and a musical performance by UTSA Voice students. Following the tribute, families and attendees approached the burial site, placing flowers or handfuls of soil to honor and remember the lasting legacy of each donor.
