Introduction
The Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and students of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences are pleased to celebrate with you this one hundred and twenty-fourth Commencement Ceremony. Our academic traditions date back to our founding in 1898 and to the awarding of degrees to the first class of eight in 1899. Our students carry on those distinguished traditions. Amid life’s uncertainties, challenges and changes, including a global pandemic, members of the Class of 2024 have fulfilled their commitment to pursuing careers of service to others. Des Moines University is incredibly proud of our graduates and grateful that they are joining the highly competent, compassionate health professionals our alumni represent.
Continuing the tradition that began in 1899, the College of Osteopathic Medicine will award the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. The college also will award the Master of Science in Anatomy and the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences degrees.
The College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, which was inaugurated in 1981, will award the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree.
The College of Health Sciences, also inaugurated in 1981, will award degrees to graduates in four programs — Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Health Care Administration, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Master of Public Health.
As we honor our graduates, Des Moines University recognizes that the support provided by families, friends and loved ones contributed immensely to their success. Please share our great pride in your graduate.
To members of the Class of 2024, Des Moines University extends its congratulations for your significant accomplishments and also our sincere best wishes that you will always enjoy the rewards that come to those who serve others. Go forward and do great things!
Order of Events
Processional
Announcement of Purpose
Dr. Steven R. Herwig, D.O.’76, M.B.A.
Class of 1976, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Grand Marshal
Welcome
Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D.
President and CEO
National Anthem
Brenna Ryan, D.O.’24, M.H.A.’24
Class of 2024 Graduate
Greetings
Sally Mason, Ph.D.
Chair, Board of Trustees
Introduction of Commencement Speaker
Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D.
President and CEO
Commencement Address
Omar Lateef, D.O.’99
President and CEO at RUSH University System for Health
Presentation of the Classes
College of Health Sciences
Robert Loch, Ph.D., M.B.A., CNMT
Associate Dean for Clinical and Student Affairs
College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
Kevin Smith, D.P.M.’95, Ph.D., M.S., FACFAS
Dean
College of Osteopathic Medicine
David Kapaska, D.O.’86, M.B.A.
Interim Dean
Conferring of Degrees
Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D.
President and CEO
Presentation of the Graduates,
Hooding of the Doctoral Candidates
College of Health Sciences
Master of Health Care Administration
Master of Public Health
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Physician Assistant Oath
Administered by Shawna Swain, M.S.P.A.S.
Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy Oath
Administered by Traci Bush, M.S.P.T.’95, D.P.T., D.H.S.
Chair, Program Director and Associate Profession, Department of Physical Therapy
College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Podiatric Oath
Administered by Sean Grambart, D.P.M.’01, FACFAS
Assistant Dean, Clinical Affairs
College of Osteopathic Medicine
Master of Science in Anatomy
Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Osteopathic Oath
Administered by David Kapaska, D.O.’86, M.B.A.
Interim Dean
Physician Assistant Oath
I pledge to perform the following duties with honesty and dedication:
I will hold as my primary responsibility the health, safety, welfare and dignity of all human beings.
I will uphold the tenets of patient autonomy, beneficence,
nonmaleficence and justice.
I will recognize and promote the value of diversity.
I will treat equally all persons who seek my care.
I will hold in confidence the information shared in the course of practicing medicine.
I will assess my personal capabilities and limitations, striving always to improve my medical practice.
I will actively seek to expand my knowledge and skills, keeping abreast of advances in medicine.
I will work with other members of the health care team to provide compassionate and effective care of patients.
I will use my knowledge and experience to contribute to an improved community.
I will respect my professional relationship with the physician.
I will share and expand knowledge within the profession.
These duties are pledged with sincerity and upon my honor.
The Physical Therapy Oath
As I practice the art of physical therapy, I will respect the rights and dignity of all individuals and will provide compassionate care.
I will place the welfare of my patients and clients above my own self-interest.
I will exercise sound judgment and comply with laws and regulations that govern physical therapy and protect the public from unethical, incompetent, and illegal acts.
I will maintain professional competence and promote high standards for physical therapy practice, education, and research.
I will address the health needs of society and strive to effect changes that benefit patients, clients and the community.
Thus with this pledge, I freely accept the responsibilities that accompany the practice of physical therapy.
The Podiatric Oath
Upon my honor, I declare that I will accept the moral and legal responsibilities which become mine as a member of the Podiatric medical profession.
Those talents which I may have been endowed will be devoted to aid those who may choose to entrust themselves to my judgment and care.
I will abstain from all intentional harm and wrongdoing to my fellow citizens, especially from abusing the soul or the body of those who entrust themselves to my professional care.
In all good faith, I will support my profession and do what I may to advance its best interests, even at the sacrifice of my personal advantages.
In serving my patients, I will administer to their needs in a professional manner to the best of my ability.
In all instances, I will do that which will reflect credit and honor on this my chosen profession.
The Osteopathic Oath
I do hereby affirm my loyalty to the profession I am about to enter. I will be mindful always of my great responsibility to preserve the health and the life of my patients, to retain their confidence and respect both as a physician and a friend who will guard their secrets with scrupulous honor and fidelity, to perform faithfully my professional duties, to employ only those recognized methods of treatment consistent with good judgment and with my skill and ability, keeping in mind always nature’s laws and the body’s inherent capacity for recovery.
I will be ever vigilant in aiding in the general welfare of the community, sustaining its laws and institutions, not engaging in those practices which will in any way bring shame or discredit upon myself or my profession. I will give no drugs for deadly purposes to any person, though it be asked of me.
I will endeavor to work in accord with my colleagues in a spirit of progressive cooperation and never by word or by act cast imputations upon them or their rightful practices.
I will look with respect and esteem upon all those who have taught me my art. To my college I will be loyal and strive always for its best interests and for the interests of the students who will come after me. I will be ever alert to further the application of basic biologic truths to the healing arts and to develop the principles of osteopathy which were first enunciated by Andrew Taylor Still.
Congratulations and Welcome
Robert G. Good, D.O.’77, MACOI
President of Alumni Association Board of Directors
President’s Charge to the Graduates
Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D.
President and CEO
Charge to Graduates
I charge you to relentlessly pursue knowledge, seek wisdom and demand excellence throughout your lifetime – of yourself, your colleagues, your organizations and your professions. Know there is much you don’t know, and make the pursuit of knowledge both a daily and lifelong habit.
I charge you to fulfill the promise of being health professionals committed first to serving our nation’s underserved citizens with a dedication to prevention, wellness and the delivery of compassionate, patient-centered care and public health best practices.
I charge you to provide leadership in your organizations, your professions and your communities. Lead with the greater good as your top priority, and build relationships with colleagues to advance that greater good.
I charge you to maintain respect for others and to cherish those who have been your greatest champions. Remember that professional integrity is essential to your success as a health professional. So I charge you to also embrace the values of Honesty, Accountability, Collaboration and Inclusiveness as the basic tenets of Integrity.
I charge you to be honorable and supportive alumni of Des Moines University. See this as an imperative to invest in the next generation of health professionals, as those who came before you have invested in you and your peers. And always be assured of our enormous pride in you.
Focus your significant knowledge, energy and passion on improving the quality of life for all people. Congratulations!
Official Closing
Dr. Steven R. Herwig, D.O.’76, M.B.A.
Class of 1976, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Grand Marshal
Recessional
Class of 2024 Graduates
College of Health Sciences Class of 2024
Master of Health Care Administration
Saima Habib Ahmed
Ernesto Amorelli
Bethany Bentley
Nicole Marie Berger
Guriqbal S Bhullar ❖
Pauliana M. Dang
Katy DeMeulenaere
Paul Elbert
Selena Elizabeth Flippin
Ana Nicole Fournaris
Ashtyn Fuller
Thomas Francis Fusillo
Angelina Christine Gallo
Maya Kelsey Getschel
Sydney Lynn Hawekotte
Quinn Hennessy-Snow
Thomas Hosfield
Sarah Rachael Hoth
Rebecca Joan Hutchinson
Marta Kapustynska
Manideep Kaur
Chad Michael Kelley
Bailey Kerkel
Ryan Charles Kivett
Carly Kubesh
Madeline Patricia Livermore
Tania Lomeli Franco
Kennedy Lose
Jennifer Lower
Stephanie McAdams
Bre Anna Jo Marie McNeill
Miranda J. Morgan ●
Clifford Somera Muong
Rhett Christopher Murphy
Katherine Alice North
Joycelin Clarissa Pelaez
Zachary Daniel Preefer
Ajaysinh Baldevsinh Rana
Megan Rinner
Lindsay Ann Rushing
Brenna Jean Ryan ❖
Zena Saghorchi
Jeremy R. Scheuermann
Sierra Dawn Seivert
Bailey Siebrecht
Sarah Skladzien
Sabrina Ann Taylor
Cecelia Anais Treviño
Carmen Twedt
Emita Vardeh
Maira Velasco
Brianna Olivia Warren ✙
Cole Alan Wesselman
Lauren Brooke Wolfe
Alyssa Wroblewski
Pratima Zingade
✙ Graduate With Distinction
❖ Also Receiving Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree
● Also Receiving Master of Public Health Degree
College of Health Sciences Class of 2024
Master of Public Health
Jessica Kathryn Agree
Sara Elizabeth Belles ❖
Claudio De Boer
Hanna de Geest
Allison Jo Elder
Ashley Ezzio
Miranda Noelle Fisher
Hannah Mae Forrestal
Ali Goldensoph
Megan Leigh Hull
Kevin Mark Kozakowski ❖
Genevieve Lifka-Reselman
Miranda J. Morgan ◆
Sean Patrick O'Keefe ❖
Samantha Anne Powell ❖
Patricia Alejandra Rodriguez
Nika Joan Schneider
Logan G. Schroeder ❖
Allison Paige Schwark
Catherine Vrentas ✙
Rachel Waltzer
Jennie Aurelia Wonderlin
✙ Graduate With Distinction
❖ Also Receiving Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree
◆ Also Receiving Master of Health Care Administration Degree
College of Health Sciences Class of 2024
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Tyler Andrews
Melinda Arnold
Derrick Beckman
Megan Elizabeth Bell
Austin Benson
Adam Bergstrom
Mary Catherine Boksa
Julia Brown
Mariah Lynn Carey
Cynthia Carter
Samuel Corey
Emily Ann Cornelius
Madison Culliver
Heather Lynne DeMark
Samantha Eftemoff
Rebecca Etler
Daran Vaughan Gaines
Ryan Joseph Gist
Bronwyn Grace Gunnink
Emily Hammons
Brooke Hiatt
Jessica Lynn Hicks
Derek Hunwardsen
Kendall Kelly
Ashley Koos
Mikaila Levigne
Seth Light
Alexa Maakestad
Madeline Mandoza
Madison Mealey
Emily June Merchen
Alexander Rohne Morehead
Megan Pederson
Eric Richard
Luke Ryan
Erin Schultz
Laney Schultz
Austin Grant Silver
Hannah Slowey
Ethan Smith
Rachel Sodawasser
Ashley Stang
Collin Steven Steuber
Jacob Thomas Szalat
Sabrina Tang
Emma Nicole Theis
Calla Valiquette ✙
Anna Williams
✙ Graduate With Distinction
College of Health Sciences Class of 2024
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Allison Birks Anderson
Riley E Anderson
Abbey Bierma
Maxwell Bodholdt
Colton L. Bolinger
Cameron Burkard
Parker Clausen
Lewis Bernard Clay III
Laura Anne Collebrusco
Blake William Coughenour
Holly Kristine DeAtley
Reegan Natalie Delzer
Ryan Wayne Enerson
Ciera Evans
Taylor James Feenstra
Bailey Lynn Fettkether
Kaylee Gerdts
Joshua Gibbons
Jenna M. Haase
Kyle Dean Hauser
Matthew Henry
Dylan Michael Holst
Storm Hoover
Courtney Jacobsen
Samuel Andos Johnson
Benjamin Kytta ✙
Jacob La Marche
Amber Nicole LeGrande
Jadyn Loecke
David McHugh
Airiana Munoz
Justin Anthony Paulson
David Porter
Hunter Pulley
Brady David Quinton
Kara Roghair
Benjamin Salzman
Nathan Matthew Sanders
Cory Specht
Siennah Stamness
Abby Lynn Stratton
Ned Anthony Swan
Megan Van Gorp
Leah Nicole Van Hal
Michael VanMeel
Jordan Nicole Vollmer
Elizabeth Waldorf
Grant Wishon
Kyle William Wright
✙ Graduate With Distinction
College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Class of 2024
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Mohamed Mahmoud AbdelGilil
Gwenyth Elizabeth Amborski
Levi Edward Andrews
Fatima Shifa Ansari
Jared Bacardi
Abigail Beard
Madison Bennett
Ashley Kae Berry
Calvin Buck
Stephanie Morgan Bush
Mollie M Camp
Amber Castillo
Alejandra Castillo Mora
Scott Chanthongthip
Cameron Hankins Chung
Andrew Cuellar
Alec Dickerson
Tyler Raymond Gray
Tyler Anthony Grimes
Parker A Hinkle
Connor Houlihan
Christian Kent
Connor Brian Kinkade
Ryan Knapp
Seth Krueger
Thomas Lancaster
Nathaniel Allen Lasley
Alex Antonio Martinez ✙
Mehnaaz Mohiuddin
Marlena Shantal Moore
Brandon Sullivan Nagel
Jesse Nyamwaro Orenge
Sarah O'Brien
Ogechi Favour Okafor
Megan Renee Palmer
Hayley Phelps
Rumsha Qureshi
David Reil
Gabriel Asher Roberts
Adrian Alexandru Rosu
Salvador "Chavita" Ruelas Jr.
Fabio Giuseppe Antonio Sacco
Jay Janning Schon
Kaitlin Marie Sebranek
Peter A Sorensen
Joseph Dominick Spampinato
Erin Nicole Spieth
Bobbie Sternad
Tyler Terhune
Lydia Thomas
Alec Nicholas Williams
Lucy Liangyu Xu
Naima Yusuf
✙ Graduate With Distinction
College of Osteopathic Medicine
College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2024
Master of Science in Anatomy
Mustafa Al Shawaf
Seth M. Anderson
Tasian Arjes
Jason Dale Crumb ✙
Tony Hotchner
Tessa Punteney
Sidney Marie Steiner ✙
✙ Graduate With Distinction
College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2024
Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Risheek Srinivasa Chemudupati
Abel Joseph Ferow
Marcos Leonardo Gonzalez Sambolin
Tenly Hansen ✙
Lucas Figueroa
Emily Tigges
✙ Graduate With Distinction
College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2024
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Talon J Aitken
Becca Amick
Ethan Jerrick Anderson
Abigail Mae Arky
Andrew Auyeung
Cole Bacig
Jodi Paige Backalar
Caitlin Heather Bakke
Salankara Bandyopadhyay
Damien Brendan Beck
Sara Elizabeth Belles ●
Maura Elizabeth Benson
Guriqbal Bhullar ◆
Dallan Blotter
Christian Bongiorno
Megan Bonnett
Meghan Born
Brandy Bradell
Ben Brik
Mikayla Brockmeyer
Jill Broghammer
Tory McLaughlin Bruch
Joelle Bruckert-Frisk
Bradley Alan Burns
Daniel Burris
Laura Susan Campbell
Lucille Anna Chechik
Raka Chindavong
Benjamin Christopher
Royal Cole
Kayla Comried
Cassandra Jo Concannon
Mykala Ann Conroy
Victoria Coombe
Clarissa Dahm
Elaine Dandan
Hannah D'Cunha
Megan DeDecker
Emily Dickson
Kathryn Doerner
Jessica Lin Draus
Gabrielle Duncan
Joshua Rakwon Dunigan
McKay Echols
Osama Ziad El Aryan
Rachel Marie Elliott
James Phillip Fahey II
Fiona Fitzgerald
Connor Fraser
Marissa Frisbie
Sophia Fruechte
Joseph Gabrail
Adam Games
Srikar Gangavarapu
Manraj Garewal
Benjamin James Garrison
Kailey Reneé Gerrits
Raina Gerritts
Kristina Giddens
Charles Giuliani
Tom Givens
Abhishek Gowda
Tawnie R Graff
George Gueorguiev
Hannah Gustafson ▼
Chetana Guthikonda
Faris V Haddad
Noah Hanson
Katherine Ann Harbeck
Benjamin Owen Harrison
Lauren Elizabeth Hartwell ▼
Faraz Hasan
Aaron Hemsworth
Louis Jacob Hill
John William Hiller
Sharanpreet Hira
Matthew Holzer
Lily Horst
Benjamin Isaac Isaac
Marielle Isenhart
Heather Issa
Benjamin Iverson
Mubasher Jaffri
Filip Jelenak
Bradley Draper Johnson
Erik Ryan Johnson
Katelyn Ann Johnson
Scott M Johnson
Kathryn Ann Johnston
Tarana Joshi
Anisha Karim
Faizan Ali Khan
Shahrukh Khan
Madeline A. Kilby
Andrew Kilger
Liz Kim
Steven Kim
Tanner James Kirchberg
Mason Klisares
Ellesavette Kain Kokkinos
Kevin Kozakowski ●
Alyssa Krueger
Kendal R. Kuboushek
Susan Hong La
Naomi Lam
Grace Ann Larew
Alexandra Laughlin
Chia-Ming "Jimmy" Lee
Crystal Lee
Harry Li
Rebecca Lii
Stefan Lilly
Jackson Lindell
Kelsie Linderblood
Huma Devi Liptak
Charles Love
Alex Hung Luong
Lincoln Lutrick
Jimmy Luu
Nathan Lux
Daniel MacAskill
Benjamin Madigan
Kelli Mahand
Duc Bao Mai
Allison Marie Mask
Olivia Claire Matz ▼
Dante Mautino
Kylie Anne McAllister
Mitchell McGowan
Anna Marie McKinley
Stephanie Anne McMillan
Alexandra Arlene McMullen-Simpson
Ryan Jeffrey Merideth
Lucas Seweryn Miazga
Shaelyn Miklo
Dustin Michael Miller
Patrick Mitchell
Ariana Simran Mitra
Branden Moreau
Dakota Louis Morrone
Laurel Ann Mouer
Ibrahim Huzefa Mustaly
Maksym Mykhlyk
Dominic Najjar
Joshua Nelson
Dustin Nguyen
Jacob Nguyen
Phuoc Nguyen
Nimo Nour
Molly O'Brien
Sean O'Keefe ●
Elizabeth Ann Orr
SaCora Osbon
Ramya Lakshmanan Palaniappan
Nikhil Pallikonda
Stephanie Pascual
Nicholas K Pashina
Love Kamlesh Patel
Shreya Patel
Drew Cameron Payton
Jessica Peters
Emily Pfieffer
Anthony Werner Plagge
Michael Poplawski
Hannah Rose Porter
Yogitha Posani
Lexy Powell
Samantha Anne Powell ●
Miranda G Pressgrove
Brandon Prunty
Doris Rapp
Charlie Rezabek
Nicole Rizk
Kai William Corwin Rone-Friesen
Laura Jo Rudberg-Post ▼
Brenna Ryan ◆
Amrita Sandhu
Logan Schroeder ●
Tushar Sharma
Edina Shu
Gurankit Singh
Brian Sinrud
Karli Smith
Jiyoon Song
Justin Song
Christian Anthony Sorrentino
Haley Spector
Paul David Stewart-Couchman
Andrea Stone
Maximillian Striepe
Austin Teel
Micah S. Thatcher
Eli Tidwell
Chaney Z. Tse
Joanne Victoria Tu
Katelyn Unvert
Cole J. VanBockern
Arun Velamuri
Nicholas Vipond
Nitya Hannah Virippil
Joshua Waits
Patrick Walsh
Leighton Michael Joseph Wheeler
Rory Wieczorek-Flynn
Timothy J Wiess
Everett Axel Williams
Conner M. Willson ✙
Joseph Wilson
Natalie Wolfe
Joseph Wright
Matthew Yee
Lauren Young
Ling Zhong
✙ Graduate With Distinction
● Also Receiving Master of Public Health Degree
◆ Also Receiving Master of Health Care Administration Degree
✤ Also Receiving Master of Science in Anatomy Degree
▼ Fellow in Osteopathic Manual Medicine
Speaker and Distinguished Guests
Omar Lateef, D.O.’99
2024 DMU Commencement Keynote Speaker
Dr. Omar Lateef is the system-wide president and CEO of RUSH in Chicago, which includes RUSH University Medical Center, RUSH University, RUSH Oak Park Hospital, RUSH Copley Medical Center and RUSH Health. He has led RUSH in setting the nation’s health care quality, safety, innovation and clinical leadership standards while maintaining its deep commitment to health equity.
Under Dr. Lateef’s leadership, RUSH University Medical Center received unprecedented acclaim for its outstanding multi-year response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The system’s early pandemic innovations were a model for care nationally through the deployment of early testing, a focus on critically ill patients from communities hardest hit by the pandemic and clinical advancements in treatment protocols. In 2021, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot bestowed her office’s Medal of Honor upon RUSH for its extraordinary contributions to the city during the pandemic. In 2023, Dr. Lateef was named one of the “great health care leaders to know” by Becker’s Hospital Review.
An ardent champion in tackling health disparities caused by poverty, systemic racism and other social determinants of health, Dr. Lateef has led RUSH in serving people and communities with services that go beyond clinical care. The organization works to meet critical needs with holistic and culturally responsive solutions, including its Food as Medicine prescription program, community health worker hub of frontline public health professionals, mental health training and efforts to address gun violence.
Dr. Lateef earned his bachelor’s degree in religious studies at the University of Florida-Gainesville and, after graduating from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in 1999, completed his internship and residency at New York University Downtown Hospital. He then completed a pulmonary and critical care medicine fellowship at RUSH University Medical Center. He served the organization in leadership roles, including chief medical officer, senior vice chair of the department of medicine and associate dean of medical sciences before taking on his current role in 2022.
Steven Herwig, D.O.’76, M.B.A., R.Ph.
2024 DMU Commencement Grand Marshal
An otolaryngologist in practice for 34 years, now retired, Dr. Steven Herwig served on the planning committee and as the first board chair of Lakeview Surgery Center in West Des Moines, Iowa, and as board chair of the Iowa Clinic. He was a member of the UnityPoint Health — Des Moines Board and the national advisory board of the Drake University College of Pharmacy, from which he graduated before pursuing his medical degree.
Before his retirement in 2015, he was an adjunct associate professor of otolaryngology at DMU and a clinical assistant professor in the department of otolaryngology, head and neck surgery at the University of Iowa College of Medicine.
After graduating from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in 1976, Dr. Herwig completed his residency training at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and then served as a medical officer at Malcolm Grow U.S. Air Force Medical Center at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. He was a clinical assistant professor of surgery at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences during his Air Force service.
Dr. Herwig and his wife, Karen, made a leadership gift to DMU’s Purple & Proud Campaign to establish the Steven R. Herwig, D.O., Outstanding Faculty Service Award to recognize and reward faculty who go above and beyond their job descriptions.
Timothy Steele, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Microbiology and Immunology
Dr. Timothy Steele joined Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in 1999 as associate professor of microbiology and immunology. He was promoted to professor in 2009, awarded tenure in 2014 and served for nearly 18 years as chair of the department. Through the years, he has shared his enthusiasm for the magic and power of microbiology and immunology with students in DMU’s osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, physician assistant studies and physical therapy programs. Student learning and success have always been his top priorities.
Dr. Steele also contributed extensively to our knowledge of cancer, including leukemia, cancer treatment modalities and immunotherapy. He engaged numerous DMU and undergraduate students and colleagues in his laboratory and his published and presented research. He has been an invited manuscript reviewer for several scientific journals, including the Journal of Immunology, Experimental Biology and Medicine and the British Journal of Cancer. He also was among the reviewers for the 11th edition of the textbook Prehospital Emergency Care.
In addition to chairing the microbiology and immunology department, Dr. Steele has served as a member of many College of Osteopathic Medicine and university committees and an advisor to student organizations. He received several awards at DMU for teaching excellence and research.
Dr. Steele served as a petty officer in the U.S. Coast Guard and then earned his Bachelor of Science degree in medical technology, magna cum laude, at Indiana State University. He earned his doctoral degree in microbiology and immunology at the Indiana University Medical Center, where he also was a teaching assistant. After completing a postdoctoral fellowship in biological sciences at Miami University in Ohio, he was an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Mercer University School of Medicine before joining DMU.
Officers of the Academic Procession
Officers of the Academic Procession
Mace Bearer
Julie Ronnebuam, D.P.T, P.T., Ph.D.
Platform Party Marshal
Melinda Miller, M.Ed.
Faculty Marshal
Sarah Clayton, Ph.D.
Student Marshals
Maria Barnes, Ph.D.
Matt Henry, Ph.D.
Mohamed Spocter, Ph.D.
Catherine Stevermer, P.T., D.P.T., Ph.D.
Readers
Simon Geletta, Ph.D.
Tracy Porter, P.T., D.P.T., Ed.D.
John Bennett, D.P.M., FACFAS
Holland Taylor, MSPAS, PA-C
Craig Canby, Ph.D.
Jennifer Beaty, M.D., FACS, FASCRS
Faculty Hooders
Julie Ronnebaum, D.P.T, P.T., Ph.D.
Cynthia Utley, D.P.T., P.T.
Ashley Dikis, D.P.M., FACFAS, DABPM
Mathew Johnstone, D.P.M., FACFAS, DABPM
Allen Kempf, D.P.M., M.S., AACFAS, DABPM
Jarrod Smith, D.P.M., FACFAS
Thomas Benzoni, D.O., EM, AOBEM, FACEP
Marianka Pille, M.D., FAAP
Timothy Steele, Ph.D., MT
Paul Volker, M.D., FAAFP
Honors and Awards
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is pleased to recognize graduates who have distinguished themselves during their academic studies.
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences Award Recipients
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is pleased to recognize graduates who have distinguished themselves during the course of their academic studies.
Master of Health Care Administration Program
Graduate With Distinction
Brianna Olivia Warren
Dean’s Leadership Award
Sydney Lynn Hawekotte
Distinguished Achievement Award
Ryan Charles Kivett
Pamela A. Duffy Award
Guriqbal Singh Bhullar
Scholarship Award
Chad Michael Kelley
Alpha Eta Honor Society
Ana Fournaris
Thomas Hosfield
Marta Kapustynska
Bailey Kerkel
Ryan Kivett
Jennifer Lower
Ajaysinh Rana
Megan Rinner
Brenna Ryan
Brianna Warren
Master of Public Health Program
Graduate With Distinction
Catherine Vrentas
Dean’s Leadership Award
Ashley Ezzio
Distinguished Achievement Award
Logan G. Schroeder
Special Recognition Award
Patricia Alejandra Rodriguez
Pamela A. Duffy Award
Ali Lynn Goldensoph
Scholarship Award
Sara Elizabeth Belles
Alpha Eta Honor Society
Kristine Pinter
Nika Schneider
Logan Schroeder
Catherine Vrentas
Physician Assistant Program
Graduate With Distinction
Calla Valiquette
Dean’s Leadership Award
Madison Mealey
Pi Alpha Honor Society
Megan Bell
Heather DeMark
Rebecca Etler
Brooke Hiatt
Ashley Koos
Calla Valiquette
Anna Williams
Physical Therapy Program
Graduate With Distinction
Benjamin Kytta
Dean’s Leadership Award
Abbey Bierma
Special Recognition Award
Riley E. Anderson
Research Award
Michael VanMeel
Service Award
Ryan Wayne Enerson
David McHugh
Clinical Education Award
Siennah Stamness
Sandra Teague Memorial Award
Ryan Wayne Enerson
Alpha Eta Honor Society
Allison Anderson
Kaylee Gerdts
Benjamin Kytta
Amber LeGrande
Alpha Eta is the national scholastic honor society for the allied health professions. Its purpose is to promote and recognize scholarship, leadership and contributions to the allied health professions. The members of Alpha Eta are wearing ceremonial green honor cords.
Pi Alpha is the national physician assistant honor society organized for the promotion and recognition of significant academic achievement, leadership, research, community/ professional service and related activities. The society also encourages a high standard of character and conduct among both physician assistant students and graduates. The members of Pi Alpha are wearing ceremonial blue and green honor cords.
College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Award Recipients
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is pleased to recognize graduates who have distinguished themselves during the course of their academic studies.
Podiatric Medicine Program
Graduate With Distinction
Alex Martinez
Leadership Award
Mohamed AbdelGilil
Dwayne S. Rivard, D.P.M., Surgery Award
Tyler Gray
ABPM Graduate Merit Award
Stephanie Bush
Basic Science Award
Tyler Gray
Timothy Holbrook Award for Excellence in Clinical Performance
Gabriel Roberts
Service Award
Ogechi Okafor
Research Award
Lucy Xu
Pi Delta Members
Gwenyth Amborski
Jared Bacardi
Tyler Gray
Parker Hinkle
Christian Kent
Connor Kinkade
Ryan Knapp
Alex Martinez
Gabriel Roberts
Fabio Sacco
Lucy Xu
Pi Delta is the national honor society for podiatric medicine that was created to recognize excellence in academics, service and research within the profession. The members of Pi Delta are wearing ceremonial blue and silver honor cords.
College of Osteopathic Medicine
College of Osteopathic Medicine Award Recipients
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is pleased to recognize graduates who have distinguished themselves during the course of their academic studies.
Anatomy Program
Primary Degree Graduate with Distinction
Sidney Marie Steiner
Dual Degree Graduate with Distinction
Jason Dale Crumb (D.O./M.S.A.)
Biomedical Sciences Program
Primary Degree Graduate with Distinction
Tenly Corrine Hansen
Osteopathic Medicine Program
Graduate with Distinction
Conner Michael Willson
Academic Achievement Awards
Anisha Humaira Karim
Madeline Kilby
Charles Love
AOF/AAOA Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial Award
Emilie Thatcher (Spouse of graduate Micah Thatcher)
CAP Distinguished Medical Student Award
Sharanpreet Hira
Excellence in Public Health Award
Kevin Mark Kozakowski
Garrett Reed Wheeler Award in Pediatrics
Lexy Shantel Powell
Global Health Outreach Award
Clarissa Floriann Dahm
Howard Graney Award for Outstanding Achievement in Surgery
Madeline Kilby
Iowa Chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians Award
Anthony Werner Plagge
Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association Service/Achievement Award
Micah Thatcher
Joseph R. McNerney, D.O., Award for Excellence in Internal Medicine
Anisha Humaira Karim
OMM Ram’s Head Awards for the Fellowship Program
Hannah Christine Gustafson
Lauren Elizabeth Hartwell
Olivia Claire Matz
Laura Rudberg-Post
Clinical Discipline Awards — Behavioral Medicine (Psychiatry)
Maximillian Striepe
Clinical Discipline Awards — Family Medicine
Kayla Rae Comried
Clinical Discipline Awards — Internal Medicine
Edina Shu
Clinical Discipline Award — Obstetrics & Gynecology
Abigail Mae Arky
Clinical Discipline Award — Osteopathic Manual Medicine
Lexy Shantel Powell
Clinical Discipline Awards — Pediatrics
Elaine Dandan
Megan DeDecker
Kristina Laura Giddens
Clinical Discipline Awards — Surgery
Dominic Anton Najjar
Michael Gerard Poplawski
Gold honor cords signify graduates in the top 10% of the class.
Crimson and blue cords signify membership in Sigma Sigma Phi Honorary Service Fraternity.
Gold Humanism Honor Society inductees are wearing a specially cast medallion.
Military Commissioning Ceremony
The following graduates will be honored and officially transitioned as commissioned officers in the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force at 8:45 a.m. in Hy-Vee Hall Room 317.
- Captain Grace Larew, D.O.’24 — Air Force
- Captain Jacob Nguyen, D.O.’24 — Air Force
- Captain Brenna Ryan, D.O.’24 — Army
- Lieutenant Lilly Horst, D.O.’24 — Navy
- Lieutenant Ryan Merideth, D.O.’24 — Navy
- Lieutenant Jiyoon Song, D.O.’24 — Navy
- Lieutenant Timothy Wiess, D.O.’24 — Navy
Additional Ceremony Information
History of the University
The history of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences reflects a continuing commitment to teach to learn and to serve.
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History of the University
The history of Des Moines University reflects a continuing commitment to teach, to learn and to serve.
Founded in 1898 as the Dr. S. S. Still College of Osteopathy, the institution has several times undergone changes in name and location to accommodate expanding enrollment and prepare additional members of health care and public health teams.
Renamed Still College of Osteopathy in 1905, with a two-year program of instruction, the school continued to grow and prosper. During the 1940s the name was changed to Des Moines Still College of Osteopathy and Surgery, reflecting a broader curriculum of medical studies. During this period, the College Hospital and first clinic building were acquired. These facilities provided enhanced clinical training opportunities for students and additional health care settings through which to serve the community.
In 1958, the institution was renamed the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. The first satellite clinic was established in 1963. In 1971, the Dietz Diagnostic Center, a specialty clinic, began operation as a major outpatient facility.
In 1972, the college moved to a 22-acre site at 3200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines. During the ensuing years, enrollment in the college more than doubled.
Recognizing the need for additional members on health teams to complement physicians in the delivery of health care, the Board of Trustees in 1981 established the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and the College of Health Sciences and renamed the institution the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences.
In 1999, the university was renamed Des Moines University to reflect a strengthened commitment to the Greater Des Moines community and the osteopathic philosophies upon which our traditions are built.
As part of its ongoing commitment to provide future health care professionals with the best education possible, in 2003 DMU demolished the oldest buildings on campus to make way for the Student Education Center, which opened in 2005. These changes reflected the needs of students and faculty, as incoming class sizes increased for the osteopathic, podiatric, physician assistant and physical therapy programs.
In addition to enhancing its facilities, DMU has expanded its degree offerings. In 2007, the university launched master’s degree programs in anatomy and biomedical sciences. A Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences, which enrolled its first students in 2021, provides additional opportunities to students and has further contributed to the university’s diverse and growing research enterprise. DMU also has began the process of establishing a new doctor of occupational therapy degree program, which enrolled its first students in 2023.
Consistent with its mission of preparing outstanding health professionals while also responding to the nation’s health needs, in 2018 the university launched the Purple & Proud Campaign, a $50 million fundraising effort and the largest in DMU’s history. The campaign’s priorities included another bold DMU initiative – to build the medical and health sciences university of the future on 88 acres in West Des Moines, Iowa. The university moved to the new site in June 2023.
Des Moines University has a vibrant history that continues to inspire. And as the second oldest osteopathic medical college in the United States, DMU continues to prepare physicians and allied health care personnel for careers in the ever-changing field of medicine, while developing innovative programs to serve students and society.
Regalia, Medallion and Mace
Symbolizing academic achievement, institutional authority and ceremonial significance, these aspects play an important role in the Commencement ceremony.
Regalia, Medallion and Mace
Regalia
The academic attire worn at commencement and other ceremonial events is reminiscent of the distinctive dress associated with academic processions and convocations of the Middle Ages. Students in English and European universities wore woolen and fur garments to stay warm in unheated, drafty stone buildings. Most scholars of the time were clerics in holy orders, and wore cloaks with hoods to cover their tonsured heads.
Today academic attire indicates by style and adornment the highest degree earned, the major field of study and the college or university attended by the wearer. Hence, graduates receiving doctoral degrees in medicine in today’s ceremony wear a black robe with green chevrons and a green tassel.
Similarly, the colors on the hood reflect the degree being conferred and the colors of the institution. Hoods for graduates in the osteopathic and podiatric colleges are green and have purple and white trim. Doctoral graduates in physical therapy wear hoods of teal velvet with purple and white trim. Graduates receiving the master of public health degree wear salmon-colored hoods, graduates receiving master of health care administration degree wear beige hoods, and graduates receiving the master of science degree in physician assistant studies wear green hoods. Graduates of our newest degree programs — master of science in anatomy and master of science in biomedical sciences — wear a hood of golden yellow. All are trimmed in the university’s colors of purple and white.
Medallion
The president’s medallion serves as a visible display of the authority vested in the office of the university president. As a complement to academic attire, the medallion is worn by the president at Commencement and at other official ceremonies of the university. The DMU medallion, designed in the year 2000 to celebrate the new millennium, was struck in pure silver and plated with 24-karat gold. The center features a two-dimensional seal bearing the lamp of learning, to signify education, and the caduceus, to signify medicine. A chain of office honors the university’s presidents, from its founder, S. S. Still, D.O., to its most recent president.
Mace
The presence of the mace is another symbol of a ceremonial event. As used in academic settings today, the mace is modeled after a medieval weapon carried by a bodyguard to protect a king or person of high status. Carried immediately in front of the president by a member of the faculty, the mace is symbolic of office and authority. As on the president’s medallion, the mace is adorned with the university seal.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the university, overseeing university affairs and strategic initiatives.
Board of Trustees
Executive Committee
Sally K. Mason, Ph.D. — Chair
Mary A. Radia, D.O.’81 — Vice Chair
Mark C. Menadue, D.O.’83, J.D., FACEP, FCLM — Treasurer
Marcia L. Hammers, B.H.A.’88 — Secretary
Michael C. Witte, D.O.’77 — Past Chair
Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D. — President, Ex-Officio
Trustees
Larry J. Baker, D.O.’77, FACEP
Eric A. Barp, D.P.M.’01, FACFAS
Barry Braver, D.O.'79
Hijinio G. Carreon, D.O.’03, M.B.A., CPE, FACEP, FAAEM
Jay W. Christensen, M.H.A.’01
Renee Hardman, M.B.A., SPHR
Michael J. Helak, B.S.
Victoria L. Herring, J.D.
S. Ahmed Merchant, B.S.
Nicki L. Nigro, D.P.M.’89 FACFAS
Steve Richards, D.O.’74, R.P.H., FAAFP
Stanley E. Skopit, D.O.’77, M.S.E., FAOCD, FAAD
David A. Stark, M.A., FACHE
T. Bernard Swift, Jr., D.O.’76, M.P.H.
Emeriti Trustees
Julius L. Abramsohn, D.O.’52*
John C. Agnew, D.O.’33*
William G. Anderson, D.O.’56, FACOS
Arthur E. Angove, D.O.’62
J.R. Astley*
Joseph B. Baker, D.O.’50*
John Baldridge*
Richard Brown, D.O.’60
Gilbert S. Bucholz, D.O.’58, FAOCR*
Jennie Tripson Button, D.O.’56
Richard F. Coatney, D.O.’60*
John Connolly Jr., Esq.*
Martin Diamond, D.O.’62
Harry B. Elmets, D.O.’46*
Bernard M. Feldman, D.O.’80, FACG
Sue K. Fisher, D.O.’52*
Judge Luther T. Glanton*
Willie Stevenson Glanton, Esq.*
Murray Goldstein, D.O.’50, M.P.H.
James A. Grekin, D.O.’62, MACOI
Irwin G. Groff, D.O.’51*
H. Dean Hannam*
W. Hal Hatchett, D.P.M.’00, FACFAS
Richard M. Kotz, D.O.’56*
Robert M. Kreamer, D.O.’56, FACOI*
Judge Alfred D. Lerner*
Madelyn “Maddie” M. Levitt*
Ralph Levy, D.O.’60
Myron S. Magen, D.O.’51, FACOP*
Harold E. McKinney*
Max "Tedd" T. McKinney II, D.O.’69, FACOFP*
Joseph R. McNerney, D.O.’37*
Stephen M. Morain, J.D.
Dorothy V. Mullin, D.O.’48*
Ralph A. Olsen*
Glenn C. Petersen*
David Rothman, D.O.’54, MACOI*
Edwin Rosenblatt, D.P.M.*
Jerry G. Rosenblatt, D.O.’56*
Paul L. Ruza, D.O.’56*
K. George Shimoda, D.O.’43*
Sara "Sally" E. Sutton, D.O.’53, FAAO
Roy L. Swarzman*
Dan D. Toriello, D.O.’40*
Mose Waldinger*
Bryce E. Wilson, D.O.’49*
C. Arthur Wittmack
Patricia Yungclas*