Complete list of scholarships and funds

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How do your gifts make a difference at DMU? Let us count the ways: Through the generosity of alumni and friends, the University has established a variety of funds that provide critically needed scholarships, bring distinguished experts to campus, support provocative conferences and more.

In addition to the funds listed on this page, each DMU college and academic program has a scholarship fund as well as a fund that supports college/program priorities. Regardless of size, every gift to DMU makes a positive and important difference.

Des Moines University scholarship, award and priority program funds that support all programs and students

  • The Bertrand R. Adams Endowed Memorial Scholarship was created through the will of Mary Adams, Dr. Bertrand Adams’ widow. Dr. Adams was a 1943 College of Osteopathic Medicine who served as a physician for almost 50 years. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Joseph Dorgan Trust provides financial assistance for African-American students. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Franklin Fund for Education Excellence focus’ on the following principles for the future: Diversity and inclusivity; Curriculum mapping and enhanced clinical experiences for all students’ Assessment and Faculty development. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Grace E. Gabriel Memorial Fund was established through Ms. Gabriel’s estate to provide scholarships for DMU students. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Joyce and Stanley Gallagher Endowment Fund was established by the couple to support high-priority programs of the University. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Library Fund  benefits Des Moines University’s outstanding students and faculty by helping us acquire, organize and make accessible the astounding amount of information that is available today. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The W. Stevenson and Luther T. Glanton Scholarship Fund is designed to help DMU attract students of all backgrounds and to create a campus environment that encourages an appreciation of cultural differences among students. Glanton Scholarships are limited to African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans who are high academic achievers with financial need. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Global Health Fund was created by DMU to provide students the opportunity to learn about the health care systems of developing countries and to gain hands-on experiences in health care delivery in under-served areas. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Scholarship Fund provides scholarships and forgivable loans to students who make a commitment to practice in Iowa for a specified period of time following completion of their physician or health sciences programs. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Paul and Josephine Kloetzly Scholarship Fund was established by the couple to support DMU students. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Elsie Lee Fund provides support for cancer research at DMU. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Sandi Leibel Scholarship Memorial Fund was established by Anella Leibel and Dr. Sol Leibel to benefit DMU students. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Justice Alfred D. Lerner Endowed Scholarship Fund benefits DMU students who are veterans of the U.S. military in good academic standing and who have financial need. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Christine and Dr. Jonathan G. Lord Endowed Priorities Fund supports high-priority DMU programs such as scholarships, faculty development, technology, capital needs and research. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Charlene Beatrice Mastandrea Scholarship Fund was established by Robert E. Mastandrea in memory of his wife, Charlene Beatrice Mastandrea. The scholarship is to assist worthy and deserving young men an women who are enrolled and pursuing courses on a full-time basis. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Gordon Meaney Scholarship was established through its namesake’s trust to honor the memory of his son, William Meaney, D.O., a 1952 DMU graduate. The fund supports scholarships. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Edward and Amanda Miller Family Endowment Fund provides scholarships to  DMU students with an interest in pediatric and adolescent medicine. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Katie Miller Endowed Fund, established in memory of a COM student who died from colorectal cancer, supports a regular conference on campus focused on cancer issues faced by young adults. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Mary G. Austin & Warren J. Morrison Endowment Fund supports priorities of the University. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Claude Oster Scholarship Fund offers support to all students with financial need who are enrolled in or accepted into DMU. Preference is given to students enrolled in COM and to dependents of members of the United Auto Workers or dependents of an organized labor union. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Sahai Scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in a DMU clinical program. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The U.S. Bank Scholarship Fund benefits students with financial need. Make a gift to this scholarship.

College of Osteopathic Medicine scholarship, award and priority program funds

  • The Dr. Allen and Terry Auerbach Endowed Scholarship was established by the Auerbachs to benefit College of Osteopathic Medicine students with financial need who have a strong interest in family medicine.  Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Thomas B. Breithaupt, Ph.D., Emeritus Faculty Scholarship is an endowed fund created by the DMU Board of Trustees to honor this professor emeritus of biochemistry. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Charles O. Casey Memorial Scholarship Fund was established through a bequest of Eva David Casey to create a scholarship fund in memory of her husband. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Class of 1968 Endowed Scholarship Fund was created by class members with the leadership of DMU alumnus John Q.A. Mattern II, D.O. Scholarships are to be awarded to students who are enrolled in the College of Osteopathic Medicine and deemed in significant need of financial assistance. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Class of 1969 Endowed Scholarship Fund was created by class members. Scholarships are to be awarded to rising fourth-year COM students who are recommended by the dean, who have demonstrated outstanding academic initiative since matriculation and who exemplify outstanding professional promise in the osteopathic profession. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Kevin A. Colburn Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by a bequest from Mr. Colburn, who died from complications from AIDS in 1991. After graduation, he served a Navy internship at Jacksonville Naval Air Station and was then assigned to the Aircraft Carrier Constitution based in San Diego. He was medically retired from the Navy due to his failing health. He then worked with the University of California-San Diego Medical Center in its AIDS clinic as a medical researcher. Mr. Colburn served on the board of the AIDS Foundation in San Diego and was president of San Diego Physicians for Human Rights. Upon his death, he was honored by the mayor of San Diego for his contributions to the city. Scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The William Cruzen Endowed Scholarship Fund was created by a gift from Dr. Cruzen. The scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, deemed in significant need of financial assistance, have demonstrated an interest in practicing emergency medicine and are in good academic standing with the University. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Daniel R. Deavers, Ph.D., Emeritus Faculty Scholarship was established by the DMU Board of Trustees to honor this professor emeritus of physiology and pharmacology. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Des Moines General Hospital Scholarship benefits students currently enrolled or accepted to enroll in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Preference in awards is given to students from Iowa who have a strong commitment to the state and intend to practice in Iowa. Criteria for these annual awards also include past academic achievement and financial need. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Desert Storm Veterans’ Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Michael M. Fishkin, D.O.’73, and Ellen D. Fishkin to honor the men and women who left their homes and practices to serve their country and help their fellow human beings during Operation Desert Storm. The fund awards $500 per year to a third-year COM student based on high academic standing and a tangible interest in military medicine. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Dorothy Diener Memorial Fund was established through Dr. Diener’s estate. Recipients are selected based on financial need. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The William J. Dyche, Ph.D., Emeritus Faculty Scholarship was established by the DMU Board of Trustees to honor this professor emeritus of anatomy. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Harry B. Elmets, D.O., Endowed Fund was established to honor Dr. Elmets, FAOCD. He was a graduate of distinction of the Des Moines Still College of Osteopathy and Surgery Class of 1946; he’d already begun his academic career in 1943 as a student instructor in the anatomy department. A founding member of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), which he twice served as president, Dr. Elmets worked to open doors to osteopathic physicians in the Des Moines medical community.  He also was a Fellow, past president and chairman of the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology. The COM National Alumni Association named him Alumnus of the Year in 1980, and in 1994 he received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from DMU. He served on the Board of Trustees for 31 years. Dr. Elmets died in 2004. Funds are used to bring in lecturers in dermatology or other medical topics. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Murray Goldstein Scholarship was established by this 1950 graduate of the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, which named him Alumni of the Year in 1990. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Merrill M. Goldstein Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of Dr. Goldstein, who was a mentor and friend of DMU President Richard Ryan as well as professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine. Annual awards are based on academic achievement, financial need and leadership qualities. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Howard A. Graney Surgery Fund is named in memory of a 1933 graduate of Still College of Osteopathy, now DMU, who was renowned for his unwavering commitment to his patients and to the medical students he trained. The fund provides support that helps students attend conferences and other training opportunities and monetary awards for outstanding teaching, writing and leadership in surgery. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Guilliam Scholarship Fund was designated by the DMU Board of Trustees for students interested in osteopathic manual medicine. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Harry Samuel and Helen Gertrude Heller Scholarship was established by Gary L. Heller, D.O.’78, in honor of his parents and their support of him and his brother, Jeffrey, D.O.’83, while they were DMU students. Scholarships are awarded to COM students based on financial need and the maintenance of satisfactory academic standing and progress. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Diane C. Hills Ph.D. Emeritus faculty Scholarship  is an endowed fund created by the DMU Board of Trustees to honor this Emeritus Faculty member. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Imperial Apartments and Grand Prix Apartments Endowed Scholarship is awarded to COM students, selected by the dean based on past academic achievement, leadership qualities and financial need. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) Scholars Program provides scholarships through the IMS Foundation and IMS education fund. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Barbara and Donald Janower Endowed Scholarship Fund was created by the couple to provide scholarships for COM students in good academic standing who demonstrate significant need of financial assistance. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Margaret A. and Richard M. Kotz Scholarship benefits students who are enrolled or accepted into the College of Osteopathic Medicine with high past academic achievement, leadership qualities and financial need. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Priti Lacy, Ph.D., Emeritus Faculty Scholarship was created by the DMU Board of Trustees to honor this emerita professor of anatomy. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Joan Lans Endowed Scholarship was established by David M. Lans, D.O., in honor of a family member. Scholarships will be awarded to College of Osteopathic Medicine students who have demonstrated financial need and interest in and/or involvement in music. Joan Lans loved music and was an accomplished piano player, so her family wanted to honor her in this way. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Byron Laycock Student Scholarship/Loan Fund, established in memory of Dr. Laycock by his wife, Johanna, helps osteopathic students who are interested in promoting the principles and practice of osteopathy, with preference given to fellows in the Department of Osteopathic Manual Medicine. Dr. Laycock taught osteopathic manual medicine at the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences (now DMU) from 1940 to 1975. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Sharon Levin Fund was established by Pitts Levin in memory of his daughter. It provides general support to the College of Osteopathic Medicine with priority given to programs in pediatric medicine. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Diane McCaughtry Memorial Fund was established by Martha Foster in memory of her daughter, a COM student who died in 1977. The award of $100 is given to a third- or fourth-year student who demonstrates financial need; shows improvement over two years of study; is active in extracurricular activities; has the ability to work harmoniously with fellow students and faculty; and shows promise as an osteopathic physician. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The John S. Molea, D.O., Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Nellie J. Molea in memory of her husband, a member of the Class of 1959. Scholarships are awarded to COM students entering their third year based on financial need, community service and the maintenance of satisfactory academic standing and progress. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Dr. Richard M. Ryan Scholarship Fund was established by the Quad Cities Osteopathic Foundation to honor Dr. Ryan’s contributions to osteopathic medical education. An annual scholarship of $2,000 is presented each fall to a fourth-year COM student from Iowa. Dr. Ryan was the 13th president of DMU, serving from 1996 through 2002, with a strong vision of upgrading facilities and establishing a more robust research environment on campus. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Dr. Yogesh and Deval Shah Endowed Scholarship was established by the couple to assist College of Osteopathic Medicine students who have an interest in global health and research as well as financial need. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Barbara Sowers Scholarship was established through the estate of Mrs. Sowers to benefit students who plan to practice osteopathic manual medicine. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Myrtle Hohl Staley Scholarship was established by Ms. Staley through a charitable remainder unitrust to assist first-year College of Osteopathic Medicine students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership qualities and financial need. Preference is given to qualified students from Iowa. The scholarship may be renewed for recipients in their second year based on financial need. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The William Karl Stefan Scholarship Fund, established through the estate of Mr. Stefan, provides scholarships to COM students. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Fred William Tente Scholarship was established through Dr. Tente’s will to benefit deserving COM students in need of financial assistance. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Aletha Tente Dawson Scholarship supports COM students with financial need and high academic achievement. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Charles L. Timmons Scholarship was established by Eugene L. Timmons, D.O.’59, in memory of his father, Charles Timmons, D.O.’18. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The William V. Utter Endowed Scholarship Fund benefits COM students with significant need of financial assistance who are in good academic standing with the University. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Geneva D. Watson Scholarship Fund was established in 1991 through the estate of Ms. Watson, a grateful patient of a northwest Iowa osteopathic physician. The fund supports worthy students during their third or fourth year. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Garrett Reed Wheeler Award in Pediatrics was established in memory of the grandson of Kendall Reed, D.O., FACOI, FACS, dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. This $1,000 award is given annually to a COM graduate who has chosen to specialize in pediatrics. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Kelly K. Wifler Scholarship is dedicated to the memory of a second-year COM student who died tragically in the fall of 1998. Make a gift to this scholarship.

College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery scholarship, award and priority program funds

  • The Bakotic Endowed Scholarship Fund, created by a gift from the compay Bako Pathology, is awarded annually to third- and fourth-year students in good academic standing with significant financial need and proven excellence in pathology based on their first two years at DMU. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Iowa Podiatric Medical Society Scholarship is given to third- and fourth-year CPMS students with demonstrated academic achievement and leadership qualities, with preference given to students who are from Iowa and intend to practice in the state. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Dwayne S. Rivard Memorial Scholarship honors the late Mr. Rivard with an annual award given to a fourth-year CPMS student who has displayed academic and clinical excellence in the surgical curriculum. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Rebecca A. Stills Memorial Scholarship was established by CPMS faculty, alumni and friends in memory of Ms. Stills, an administrative assistant to the dean of the college from August 1988 until her untimely death in May 2003. The consummate professional, she is remembered for her unwavering dedication to DMU, the college and its students. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Mel Straub Scholarship was established by DMU’s 14th president, Terry Branstad, to honor his long-time friend. The scholarship is awarded annually to a CPMS student. Make a gift to this scholarship.

College of Health Sciences scholarship, award and priority program funds

  • The John Buckner, PA-C, Memorial Award was established by Jo Ann Buckner and John E. Forette, D.P.M., in memory of a 1983 graduate of the DMU physician assistant program. The award recognizes a second-year student who demonstrates leadership, academic excellence and a compassionate, caring attitude toward patients and fellow students. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Judith McNabb Linden Scholarship Fund awards a $1,000 scholarship to a CHS student with an interest in the service mission of health care and in nonprofit work. Make a gift to this scholarship.
  • The Sandra Teague Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by members of the master of physical therapy program class of 1998, CHS faculty and staff, and Teague family members in memory of a 1998 D.P.T. graduate who was killed in the tragic plane crash that targeted the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. The scholarship is awarded annually to D.P.T. students in their final year of the program. Make a gift to this scholarship.

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