Des Moines University, a graduate medical and health sciences university, today announced it is extending its capital campaign from the original goal of $25 million to $50 million, making it the largest fundraising campaign in the University’s history.
The campaign, themed “Purple & Proud: The Campaign for Des Moines University,” was unveiled in December 2018 with a stated completion by December 2020. “The success of the campaign during the first two years, combined with the commitment to build a new campus on 88 acres in West Des Moines, made it clear we should extend the campaign to support our plans for growth and innovation in all of DMU’s operations,” said Angela L. Walker Franklin, President and CEO. “Many of our supporters have encouraged us to continue the campaign as we bring innovation and advancement to health sciences teaching, research and clinical services.”
The purpose of the campaign is to raise funds to advance three priorities: development of the new campus and expansion of programs; support for students with enhanced learning opportunities and scholarships; and investment in faculty teaching endeavors.
“By extending the campaign, we will increase our support for extraordinary advancements and innovation in teaching, research, clinical services and community engagement,” said President Franklin. “It will also give supporters of the University exciting opportunities to help bring the advanced, new campus to life and position us to meet health care needs across the nation.”
She added, “Our faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends have strongly demonstrated their interest in helping ensure we deliver on our mission every day. The continuation of this campaign will secure the University’s future as an exceptional health sciences institution.”
The details of the priorities include:
- Building the New Campus – Investing in the development of DMU’s new campus will ensure DMU provides the most advanced learning opportunities, research resources and health care services for the community. New, enhanced spaces and amenities for all programs and clinical services will permit providers and medical students to treat more patients with greater insights.
- Supporting Students – Increased scholarships will reduce the financial burden on students. This priority also includes expanding efforts to prepare students to serve diverse patients and communities by developing students’ cultural awareness and sensitivity with understanding of the values of diversity and equity.
- Investing in Faculty – DMU is committed to growing its research enterprise to speed exploration and resolution of various critical health care issues. Donors will be able to invest in endowed faculty positions and expendable funding that can fuel new discoveries and innovations.
“We felt so humbled and rewarded by the early stage of the campaign, that we knew it would be important to continue our effort, especially with the decision to move the campus to a larger property and bring new technologies to bear,” said David L. Kapaska, D.O.’86, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees. “Thanks in a very large measure to President Franklin’s bold vision and consistent leadership, DMU supporters have shown their commitment to our mission to evolve the quality of teaching, research and patient care. We are so grateful for the excitement and support of the entire DMU community and our alumni and friends nationwide.”
“The Purple & Proud Campaign is an extraordinary opportunity for all members of the DMU community to create even greater opportunities for future students, patients and people in central Iowa and beyond,” said Jami Haberl, M.P.H.’03, M.H.A.’03, President of the DMU Alumni Association Board. “We all can be part of not only creating a new medical and health sciences campus but also advancing a movement that provides greater access to innovative graduate education, increased knowledge, the finest clinical care and enhanced public health. Imagine how together, we will change the world.”
About Des Moines University
Founded in 1898, Des Moines University comprises three colleges offering nine graduate degrees in medicine and the health sciences. DMU’s educational and research programs share a collective strength — a collaborative campus community where students and faculty come together in the pursuit of knowledge. Its mission is “to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.”
To support the Purple & Proud Campaign, please visit CAMPAIGN.dmu.edu, or call 515-271-1387.