It isn’t every day that DMU students get to dunk their deans. Maybe that’s why they lined up for the opportunity on Aug. 18 during DMU Palooza, a back-to-school meet-and-greet for all students, their significant others and children.
Sponsored by the student life office and the student government associations of the three colleges, Palooza let members of the DMU community kick back on the south lawn with live music, lawn games, free food and even the opportunity to touch a live alligator and python, brought to campus by staff of Des Moines’ Blank Park Zoo.
Paloozans also seized the chance to drop several DMU leaders into the drink. Those taking turns in a dunk tank included Jodi Cahalan, Ph.D., M.P.H.’01, M.S.’93, PA-C’89, DFAAPA, dean of the College of Health Sciences; J.D. Polk, D.O., M.S., M.M.M., CPE, FACOEP, dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine; R. Tim Yoho, D.P.M., FACFAS, dean of the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery; Craig Canby, Ph.D., COM interim associate dean for academic affairs; Muhammad Spocter, Ph.D., assistant professor of anatomy; and Jerry Parker, Ph.D., director of student life and engagement.
Alicia Lynch, M.A., student services assistant who helped organize the event, says Palooza allowed students to bring their families to campus and see their deans and faculty in a relaxed setting. “We wanted students and faculty from all programs to come together to enjoy food, music and great camaraderie,” she notes.