Service of Gratitude
The UC Davis School of Medicine Class of 2026 cordially invites you to attend the annual Service of Gratitude.
When: To Be Determined
Where: To Be Determined
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Each year, the second year medical students organize a Service of Gratitude to honor the donors of the past year and show their appreciation to the families of the donors. Over 500 family members, friends, faculty, and students attend this annual service of appreciation. The service generally includes a secular vigil and dedication ceremony, speakers from the medical school, and informal opportunities for families of donors to speak with medical students. Families of donors who have died in the year prior to the service of gratitude are invited to attend, however all families and friends of individuals who have donated themselves to the program are welcome to attend each year.
It is not uncommon for the students to write notes and poems of appreciation in honor of the once-living individuals who have enabled the students to learn about anatomy and had a powerful impact on their lives. Students also leave flowers and other offerings of appreciation with the donors at the end of the anatomy course.
Donor Memorial Site
The UC Davis Body Donation Program memorial marker is located at Vanderhoef Lawn, across from the Center for Health and Technology on the UC Davis Health campus in Sacramento.
Directions to Vanderhoef Lawn, Sacramento, CA
The memorial marker was placed in October 2019 and offers families and friends a peaceful place to pay tribute to loved ones who have participated in the Body Donation Program.
From the South (Stockton): Follow Highway 99 or Interstate 5 to Business 80-Reno. Exit at T Street. Turn right on T Street and follow it across Alhambra Boulevard to reach Stockton Boulevard. Turn right on Stockton Boulevard. Turn left on X Street and follow the map for parking.
From the East (Placerville): Take Highway 50 to the Stockton Boulevard exit. Turn left on Stockton Boulevard. Turn left on X Street and follow the map for parking.
From the North (Redding/Reno): From Interstate 5, follow signs to Highway 50 East. Take the 34th Street exit and turn left on to 34th Street. Turn right on T Street and right again onto Stockton Boulevard. Turn left on X Street and follow the map for parking.