They amassed a combined impressive 85 years of teaching and mentoring at Des Moines University, guided countless students on to careers of service and tirelessly gave their expertise, service and hard work to the institution, their colleagues, their patients and the community: The University stands stronger today thanks to the contributions of three faculty who retired with emeriti status in 2020.
Professor Emeritus George Clavenna, D.O., M.P.H., FAOCOOHNS, joined Des Moines University in 1986 as assistant professor of surgery and ophthalmology in the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM). He was promoted to associate professor in 1990 and professor in 1995. He served as interim discipline head of surgery in 1991 and chaired the ophthalmology department from 1996 to 2018, when he retired from the University. He also practiced in the University’s ophthalmology clinic until it closed that year. He continues to treat patients at Wolfe Eye Clinic in West Des Moines and to teach students as a guest lecturer.
Professor Emeritus James Mahoney, D.P.M., joined Des Moines University’s College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (CPMS) as assistant professor in 2001 after practicing with McFarland Clinic in Ames, Iowa. He was appointed assistant dean for academic affairs in the college in 2005 and then served as associate dean from 2008 to 2013. He was promoted to associate professor in 2006 and then to professor in 2016.
Associate Professor Emeritus Kathy Mercuris, P.T., D.H.S., became an instructor in the physical therapy program in Des Moines University’s College of Health Sciences (CHS) in 1988 after practicing at Iowa Methodist Younker Rehabilitation Center in Des Moines. She was promoted to assistant professor in 1991 and then associate professor in 1997. She served as admissions coordinator for the physical therapy program from 2004 to 2020. She also served as interim and associate director of the program and, for CHS, as associate dean for administrative affairs and for planning, performance and accountability.
Read more about the 2020 Emeriti Faculty here.
