Strong work ethic, determination and perseverance: Jodi (Ostendorf) Cahalan, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S., PA-C, a DMU alumna and dean of its College of Health Sciences, and Don Cahalan are proud of these attributes that characterize their northern Iowa families. To honor their grandparents, parents and other northern Iowans like them, the couple established the Cahalan Endowed Scholarship Fund in DMU’s College of Health Sciences (CHS) to support highly deserving students, especially those from northern Iowa, who seek to enroll in the college.
The Cahalans’ ties to northern Iowa run deep. Their grandparents all lived most of the lives in the area, working in farming and agricultural business until late in life. As part-time Clear Lake residents, Jodi and Don often visit their parents in the area with their family’s latest generation, daughters Cara and Erin. The College of Health Sciences’ programs in patient care, health care administration and public health prepares outstanding graduates who benefit individuals and populations across the spectrum of society. Since Dr. Cahalan became dean of the college in 2006, its total enrollment has grown by 35 percent. Despite effective financial management that’s minimized tuition increases, the tuition debt load continues to rise. The tuition burden can impair students’ ability to gain the great preparation the college offers.
The Cahalan Scholarship empowers these critical members of Iowa’s health care workforce by providing critically needed financial aid that allows them to succeed, lead and serve. “Donors can be assured their generosity will go to good use because of the character of the people who choose to become health care providers,” says Trina Stone, a Mason City, IA, native enrolled in the college’s doctor of physical therapy program.
Jodi and Don are matching gifts to the Cahalan Endowed Scholarship Fund up to a total amount of $25,000. More important, donors to the fund help CHS students achieve their goals of enhancing the health and quality of life of patients and communities.
