A Room With a View

Published August 19, 2024

In many conversations, Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., president and CEO of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, has mentioned her favorite thing about DMU’s new campus is the windows. The expansive windows are a standout feature that create a transparent, open environment. The windows also allow the community to witness innovation and education in action. Simultaneously, they offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, enabling students and faculty to feel integrated with the natural environment around them. We asked students to share some of their favorite spots on campus.

A bird’s-eye view of the Des Moines University campus in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Wellness Center The Plaza Summerfield’s Café and Coffee Bar Anatomy Lab Back Patio Outdoor Terrace Study Spaces Council Ring

Wellness Center

“I love the gym. It’s awesome. You can take a break in between classes, play a game of pickleball or take a walk around the track.”

Rodrigue Sagbo, M.S.P.A.S.’25

Summerfield’s Café and Coffee Bar

“I love the cafeteria area in Innovation. I like the busyness; we use the long tables as a study area. It’s wide open and the windows allow a lot of light in.”

Andrew De Noble, D.P.T.’25

The Plaza

“My favorite spot on campus is our lunch spot outside of the dining hall on the ground floor outside on the chairs. While my favorite thing about our spot is the people around me, I also like the landscaping and chairs. It feels so good to get fresh air.”

Megan D’Mello, M.S.P.A.S.’25

DMU students outside on the Meltwater Plaza

Anatomy Lab

“My favorite place on campus is the anatomy lab. DMU does a great job of promoting learning through the use of cadavers. It really sets DMU apart.”

Seth Light, M.S.P.A.S.’24

Back Patio

“I love the outdoor area behind Innovation. It’s like a patio platform. There are usually not too many people out there. There’s shade from the trees and you can hear the birds singing. It feels like you’re in nature.”

Sara Haverty, D.P.T.’25

Students studying in the back patio area on DMU’s campus.

Outdoor Terrace

“When the weather is just right (especially early fall), I love sitting out on the patio on the second floor of the Edge of Advancement building to soak in the sun, have a snack and do some studying. It is a peaceful place to meet for a chat with friends or study in the sun!”

Elizabeth Grace, D.P.T.’25

DMU students enjoying lunch on the outdoor terrace.

Study Spaces

“My favorite place on campus is the fourth floor in the Edge. I like the phone booths there because they are quiet and secluded so I can get my work done.”