Every year, many medical schools across the USA and abroad hold memorial ceremonies to honor anatomical donors. While the impact of memorial ceremonies to honor anatomical donors on students has been explored, the impact on donor family members (DFM) is less understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Convocation of Thanks (CoT) on both donor family members and students at the University of Vermont (UVM). From 2011 forward, donor family members were invited to attend and participate in the annual CoT at UVM. Each year, a survey was sent out to attendees after the ceremony to collect feedback about the ceremony. In 2015, surveys were sent to the first-year medical students. Inquiries and registration for the Anatomical Gift Program were tracked before and after each ceremony. Between 2011 and 2015, responses from 38 family members in attendance, and responses from 34 students were evaluated. Analysis of family comments revealed the CoT helped them to gain an understanding of the importance of anatomical donation of their loved one (42%), and find closure for their loss (29%). The main theme that emerged from students was appreciation of the personhood of the donors (44%). Data suggest that the CoT had a positive impact in both families and students. For family members, it provided closure of the loss of a loved one for family members, while also highlighting the importance of anatomical donation, which family members may not have previously recognized.