In high school, Derek Sanchez had an academic adviser who predicted he’d never get into a physical therapy program. Although academic success didn’t come easily for him, he refused to give up his dream. As an undergraduate at the University of Northern Iowa, he became a teaching assistant in anatomy and physiology. Sanchez is now a second-year physical therapy student at DMU and a recipient of the Glanton Minority Scholarship.
“Your dollars make a huge difference to me and the other recipients of the scholarship,” he said to guests at the 10th annual Glanton Dinner, a fundraiser for the scholarship fund, in October. “Your support represents the confidence you have in us to become the best possible health care providers and leaders…The scholarship has given me a clear perspective on how important it is to give back to the community.”
Named after central Iowa civic leaders and longtime members of the DMU Board of Trustees, Willie Stevenson Glanton and the late Judge Luther T. Glanton Jr., the Glanton Scholarship benefits qualified minority students – under-represented in health care – in all DMU programs. Gifts to the fund during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2013, totaled a record $266,832. Since the fund was created in 2004, $766,000 has been distributed to Glanton scholars.
Russell Dixon, PA-C’11, a past Glanton scholar, also spoke at the 2013 dinner. Now a fund contributor, he works in the emergency department of a rural southern Iowa hospital.
“The Glanton Scholarship is an investment in future health care providers, many of whom will be taking care of you, your families and your friends. And trust me, the education and training at DMU are second to none,” he said. “This scholarship is changing lives…Truly it’s the gift that keeps on giving.”
The 10th anniversary of the Glanton Scholarship Dinner included honoring Gary Palmer, president and chief executive officer of central Iowa’s Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, which has been a major supporter/sponsor of the dinner since its inception.
The 2014 Glanton Scholarship Fund Dinner will take place on Oct. 9. For more information, contact the DMU development office at 515-271-1387 or visit www.dmu.edu/glanton/.