Taunts and teasing did not deter students from dropping their deans into the dunk tank at the second annual DMU Palooza. One by one, the University’s three deans —Jodi Cahalan, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S., PA-C, DFAAPA (College of Health Sciences) ; J.D. Polk, D.O., M.S., M.M.M., CPE, FACOEP (College of Osteopathic Medicine); and R. Tim Yoho, D.P.M., FACFAS, (College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery) — went into the drink as onlookers cheered. Even children got in on the action, ignoring the heckles and pleas to stay dry coming from the tank.
The family-friendly event is organized by Student Life and the student government associations from each college. Students and their families are joined by DMU faculty and staff to kick off the school year with free food and fun activities like the dunk tank and a petting zoo provided by Blank Park Zoo.
“DMU Palooza allows for students to decompress from their stressful academic environments and spend some time getting to know their professors, administrators and fellow peers. It is a fun afternoon filled with food, games and fun for the whole family!” says Alex Bauer, D.O.’18.
“It is a chance for students of all programs to socialize and have a little fun together outside of the classroom,” says Matthew Knabel, D.P.M.’17. “DMU Palooza is just a single example of how the University promotes interprofessionalism between medical professions. Events like this help make Des Moines University feel like a tight community and make students ‘DMU Proud.’”
