Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences marked a momentous occasion filled with joy, pride and a strong sense of community during the weekend of Sept. 13 and 14, 2024. DMU’s new campus at 8025 Grand Ave. became the heart of celebration as over a thousand alumni, donors, friends and community members were welcomed throughout the day.
A White Coat Tradition
The festivities started with the university’s annual White Coat Ceremony on Friday, Sept. 13, where 438 clinical students from five different programs donned their white coats for the first time. This symbolic event, held at Community Choice Convention Center, marked the start of their journey into health care and embodied their commitment to professionalism, compassion and excellence. DMU students recited their oaths in front of family members, friends, faculty and peers, each acknowledging the responsibilities they are embracing as future health care providers.
“You will don your white coat as a symbol of professionalism and humanism. By reciting the white coat student oath in front of peers, faculty, family and friends, you acknowledge your willingness to assume the obligations and responsibilities of a medical and health care professional.”
— Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D.
President and CEO of DMU
Purple & Proud Finale
The Purple & Proud Campaign finale on Friday, Sept. 13, brought together the university’s dedicated donors and supporters for an evening of celebration as fundraising goals were surpassed and an incredible $57,106,171.13 was raised in support of DMU’s mission to prepare the health care leaders of tomorrow. Thanks to the generosity of thousands of donors, DMU is equipped with resources and state-of-the-art facilities that will continue to drive innovation in medical and health sciences education. “The evolution of our university since its humble beginnings in 1898 has been nothing short of extraordinary. We are ready for the future,” says Franklin.
A highlight of the night was a special performance by DMU alum Sarah Ling, D.O.’14, who captivated the audience with “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman. The evening was a beautiful celebration of DMU’s past achievements and a toast to its bright future.
Alumni Reunion Events
The Alumni Reunion kicked off on Friday, Sept. 13, with a special evening at alumni-owned Jasper Winery. Alumni launched the weekend festivities and reconnected and recounted memories of their times at DMU. This evening set the tone for a memorable weekend filled with camaraderie and celebration.
The reunion continued the morning of Saturday, Sept. 14, at DMU’s West Des Moines Campus. Hundreds of alumni shared breakfast and reminisced about their time at DMU over coffee, sharing stories and reliving fond memories. The event was a beautiful start to the day’s activities, culminating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours of the state-of-the-art campus.
Ribbon-Cutting and Community Open House
On Saturday, Sept. 14, DMU opened its doors to the Greater Des Moines community to celebrate the grand opening of its stunning new campus at 8025 Grand Ave. Visitors had the unique opportunity to explore the expansive 88-acre property, designed to be a premier destination for the health care professionals of tomorrow.
“We are not just opening a building. We are opening the doors to a brighter, healthier future for our students and the people and patients they will one day serve,” Franklin said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The community witnessed the ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by the Pioneers of Osteopathic Medicine Installation Ceremony. Throughout the afternoon, attendees explored the campus through self-guided tours, classes, interactive demonstrations and activities. The open house was a vibrant celebration filled with exploration, community connection and the lively sounds of “Muscle Energy,” DMU’s band comprised of students, faculty, staff and alumni. It was a day of discovery and pride as DMU showcased its commitment to innovation and excellence in medical and health sciences education.
Pioneers of Osteopathic Medicine: Honoring Trailblazers in the Field
Immediately after officially opening the campus to the community, DMU held a special ceremony to honor the Pioneers of Osteopathic Medicine. This tribute celebrated seven distinguished alumni whose contributions have significantly advanced the field of osteopathic medicine. Two of these pioneers, Murray Goldstein, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 1950, and Norman Rose, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 1963, were in attendance to share their experiences and reflect on the impact of their careers.
Goldstein was recognized as the first osteopathic physician appointed as a commissioned medical officer in the uniformed services and to achieve “flag rank” as a rear admiral, among other notable firsts. Rose was honored for his work as a clinical professor of surgery and for being named a Guardian of the Profession by the American Osteopathic Association. Their presence and words underscored the enduring legacy of excellence at DMU.
