When DMU holds in-person reunions May 25-27 for the first time in two years, members of the milestone classes of 1970, 1971, 1972, 1980 and 1981 can reflect on some remarkable events in the University’s history and future.
In 1972, DMU – then the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery (COMS) – moved to its current location on Grand Avenue, the former St. Joseph’s Academy, a Catholic girls’ school.
In the early 1980s, the University opened the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and the College of Biological Sciences (later renamed the College of Health Sciences) and changed its name to the University of Osteopathic Medicine and the Health Sciences (UOMHS).
In addition, this year’s reunions will occur less than a year before DMU, its three colleges and 10 graduate degree programs move to its brand-new campus in West Des Moines. The University also will mark its 125th anniversary in 2023.
“When we graduated in 1972, COMS had just bought the building on Grand, and our graduation was on the front lawn of the new campus,” recalled Grady Carter, D.O.’72, during a pre-reunion Zoom chat in November. “I love the way DMU just keeps growing.”
Members of the milestone reunion classes and earlier years can look forward to learning about DMU’s future while reminiscing on their own past student “war stories,” career and family highlights and advancements in the osteopathic medical profession. The festivities will begin on Wednesday, May 25, with registration and a welcome reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown.
Thursday, May 26, will feature a full slate of events, including guided tours of the current campus, a bus tour of Des Moines and the new campus, and the Alumni Awards Ceremony honoring the milestone reunion guests along with the three colleges’ 2021 Alumni of the Year and the inaugural recipient of the University’s Rising Star Award.
On Friday, May 27, reunion class members will be honored guests at DMU’s 122nd Commencement Ceremony, followed by a “bon voyage” luncheon to wrap up the celebration.
Visit the reunion website for more information, to register and to find out who’s coming.
“We couldn’t be more excited about welcoming alumni back to DMU in person, honoring their accomplishments and hearing about what you all have been up to in the years since you graduated,” says Krystal Kruse, assistant director of alumni relations. “We also look forward to connecting reunion alumni with our 2022 graduates and showing off the progress on the new campus. It’s going to be a wonderful celebration of the DMU community, past, present and future.”
