Most people agree the world needs more good doctors in primary care as well as in the various medical specialties. DMU wants them to also know they can make that possible by swinging a club – at the annual College of Osteopathic Medicine Golf Benefit on Thursday, May 26, at Des Moines’ Waveland Golf Course, 12:30 p.m. Alumni who don’t golf can participate, too, as a golf benefit sponsor or donor.
When the college launched the outing seven years ago, organizers hoped it would ease at least a little of the debt burden many medical students bear. Since the event began generating scholarships in 2006, it’s provided nearly $150,000 in much-needed support for a growing number of students every year.
“Participating in the COM Golf Benefit is a great way for alumni and friends to help students, show their commitment to future physicians and just have fun,” says Ronnette Vondrak, DMU alumni relations director. “Many alumni choose to sponsor the event because they are not local and are unable to play, but they believe in the cause and want to give back to the students.”
Alumni and friends are invited to sponsor the benefit at various levels, which include “perqs” like hole signage and the opportunity to golf with DMU students. The cost to participate in the four-person, best shot event is $250 per person, which includes 18 holes of golf, use of a golf cart, lunch, dinner and prizes.
This year, golf benefit participants and supporters have the option of directing their donation to the University’s global health program.
“Global health experiences are in high demand among our students,” Vondrak says. “The student global health club wanted to get involved and have a presence at the outing, so we decided to add another component to the event. Golfers who support the global health program benefit not only students but also the people they help in under-served areas around the world.”
Longtime supporters of the COM Golf Benefit include members of the Iowa National Guard and Air National Guard. As they enjoy a day on the green, they talk with students about the Guard’s early commissioning program and residencies.
“It’s an opportunity to promote the National Guard and help students see what we’re about,” says Senior Master Sgt. Mark Houseman, superintendent of recruiting and retention for the Iowa Air National Guard. “We feel DMU supports us more than we support them.”
Please visit this link for more information or to register for the event