This article, written by Dr. Alice Pomponio, chair of the Anthropology Department, appeared in the Spring 2009 edition of the St. Lawrence Magazine.
Anthropology Professor Emeritus Richard Perry has brought the notion of “giving at the office” to new heights. Recently, he donated the top of his femur to the department, after undergoing a full hip replacement.
“I am pleased and honored that my right hip bone has found a place among the specimens of our esteemed anthropology lab,” said Perry. “I do so with full confidence that Professor Gonzalez will soon teach his students to discern the difference between me and a chimpanzee.”
Richard Gonzlez, assistant professor of anthropology and a forensic anthropologist, accepted the bone on behalf of the anthropology department. “It is an honor to include a part of Dr. Perry in our anatomical collection,” he stated. “Dr. Perry will indirectly help teach our students about human anatomy, evolution, and variation. His donation highlights anthropology’s contibution to the natural sciences.” Gonzalez and his colleague, South Indian archaeologist and assistant professor of anthropology Shinu Abraham, are planning a complete renovation of the archaeology and biological anthropology teaching laboratory.
When asked about his future plans, Perry admitted, “I have no plans at this time to donate any additional body parts to the University.”