Congratulations, Class of 2025
Congratulations to Des Moines University’s Class of 2025 graduates!
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Celebrating the Class of 2025
One-Hundred and Twenty-Fifth Annual Commencement Ceremony
The Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and students of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences are pleased to celebrate with you this one hundred and twenty-fifth Commencement Ceremony. Our academic traditions date back to our founding in 1898 and to the awarding of degrees to the first class of eight in 1899. Our students carry on those distinguished traditions. Amid life’s uncertainties, challenges and changes, including a global pandemic, members of the Class of 2025 have fulfilled their commitment to pursuing careers of service to others.
DMU is incredibly proud of our graduates and grateful that they are joining the highly competent, compassionate health professionals our alumni represent.
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Friday, May 30, 2025
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10 a.m.
Doors Open at 8:30 a.m.
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Wells Fargo Arena
233 Center Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Ceremony Information
Commencement Ceremony
The doors to Wells Fargo Arena will open at 8:30 a.m.
Students must be dressed in regalia and in designated seats in Expo Center by 9 a.m. Name cards will be on the chairs, organized alphabetically by program.
The processional will leave Expo Center at 9:45 a.m.
There is unlimited seating for guests and no tickets are required for the event. The event is approximately 2 ½ hours long.
Military Commissioning Ceremony
The following graduates will be honored and officially transitioned as commissioned officers in the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29. This event will be held on DMU’s campus at 8025 Grand Ave. in room E4117.
- Captain Savannah Bahls, D.O.’25 — Air Force
- Captain Jared Eddy, D.P.M.’25 — Air Force
- Lieutenant Erin Hoehnke, D.O.’25 — Navy
- Captain Emily Hong, D.O.’25 — Army
- Lieutenant Lauren Lauterbach, D.O.’25 — Navy
- Captain Nicholas Romano, D.O.’25 — Air Force
- Captain Hanna Tarleton, D.O.’25 — Air Force
- Captain Remington Schmidt, D.O.’25 — Army
- Captain William Zocher, D.O.’25 — Air Force
Guest Information
Entrances
Please utilize the North and South doors to enter Wells Fargo Arena.
Security Procedures
Guests should arrive early and travel light, as walk-through metal detectors will be used upon entry. Bags of all size are subject to search upon arrival at Wells Fargo Arena.
All guests are subject to be searched upon entering the facility. Cell phones, keys and wallets (among other items) may need to be removed for additional screening if requested by security. These procedures are not a response to any specific threat, but rather recommendations made by Oak View Group and security partner, CSC, with consultation from local law enforcement officials and Polk County. Guests are encouraged to allow for extra time to enter Wells Fargo Arena and to leave non-essential items at home.
Prohibited Items List*
See Venue FAQ and Policies for more information.
- Alcohol, drugs, illegal substances or any paraphernalia associated with drug use
- Animals (except trained service animals and service animals in training for guests with disabilities)
- Cans, bottles, coolers or other similar containers
- Electronic cigarettes/vape pens inside the facility
- Fireworks
- Flags/signs with poles
- Professional cameras, tripods, GoPros
- iPads/tablets
- Laptop computers
- Laser pens/pointers of any type
- Noisemakers such as air horns
- Outside food or beverages
- Pepper spray/Mace
- Weapons of any type including chains, knives, firearms and spiked jewelry (including permit to carry)
- Any other item deemed unacceptable by event/building management
Items that are normally prohibited but will be allowed for this event:
- Bags larger than 4.5”x6.5” — All bags, clear and exempted bags, are subject to search.
- Bags that are NOT clear — All bags, clear and exempted bags, are subject to search.
- Oversized bags, backpacks, duffel bags — All bags, clear and exempted bags, are subject to search.
- Audio/Video recorders
- Strollers
- Umbrellas
* If an item is revealed during a search, patrons may dispose of the item or they may return the item to their vehicle. Wells Fargo Arena does not safeguard any personal belongings or items of any type.
Parking
Parking is available in the lot northwest of Wells Fargo Arena with entrances off of 3rd Street and 5th Avenue. Street parking and city parking garages are also available within walking distance.
Cashless Facility
Wells Fargo Arena is a cashless facility. All concessions will only accept debit, credit and gift cards.
Speaker and Distinguished Guests
Teresa Hubka
D.O.’89, FACOOG (dist.), FACOG, CS
Teresa Hubka, D.O.’89, FACOOG (dist.), FACOG, CS
2025 DMU Commencement Keynote Speaker
Dr. Teresa Hubka is a dual board-certified osteopathic obstetrician/gynecologist and founder of Comprehensive Wellness Care, LLC, in Chicago, where she has served patients for over three decades. Under her leadership, the practice incorporates obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine, fitness and fertility education for all demographics of women. She was installed as the 128th president of the American Osteopathic Association in July 2024. A dedicated leader in osteopathic medicine, Hubka has been a strong advocate for advancing medical education, research and patient care through her distinguished career.
A San Diego native, Hubka’s journey in health care began with an undergraduate degree in biochemistry and nutrition science from the University of California, Davis, followed by a Master of Science in biology and clinical nutrition from the University of Bridgeport. She earned her osteopathic medicine degree from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and completed an osteopathic internship at Atlantic City Medical Center in New Jersey. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecologic surgery at Mercy Hospital & Medical Center in Chicago, where she served as administrative chief resident.
In addition to her clinical practice, Hubka is deeply involved in medical education as a clinical professor and department chair of OB/GYN at Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine as well as the clerkship director for third- and fourth-year osteopathic students and was a preceptor. She also has held several influential positions, including past president of the Illinois Osteopathic Medical Society, the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the DMU Alumni Association. She was the first female president of the American Osteopathic Foundation. She has been named a “Top Doctor” in Chicago Magazine multiple times, was awarded the ACOOG Distinguished Service Award and the 2023 AOA Mentor of the Year award.
Hubka is an advocate for women’s health and continues to shape the future of osteopathic medicine by inspiring and educating patients, students and fellow physicians.
Thomas Buroker, D.O.’68, FACP
2025 DMU Commencement Grand Marshal
Dr. Thomas Buroker is dual board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Medicine and Medical Oncology and co-founder of Medical Oncology & Hematology Associates, now known as Mission Cancer + Blood. He specializes in hematology, oncology and cancer care.
Buroker received his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and graduated from the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery (now Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences) in 1968. He completed his residency at the Grace Hospital in 1970 and a fellowship in medical oncology in 1974 at Wayne State University Medical School, both in Detroit. He later became a faculty member in medical oncology at Wayne State before moving to Des Moines in 1978 and founding MOHA in May 1981.
With over four decades of experience in the medical field, Buroker has published dozens of oncology articles and continues to stay active in the field. He holds multiple memberships, including the American Osteopathic Association, Iowa State Osteopathic Society and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Buroker served as chief of staff at Iowa Methodist Medical Center and medical director at Mercy Hospice. He has been recognized for his dedication in the field with the Faculty Merit Award from Wayne State University.
Traci Bush
M.S.P.T.’95, OTR/L, D.P.T., D.H.S.
Traci Bush, M.S.P.T.’95, OTR/L, D.P.T., D.H.S.
Associate Professor Emeritus of Physical Therapy, 1996-2025
Dr. Traci Bush is an associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences. She received her undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia, a Master of Physical Therapy degree from DMU, a Doctor of Health Sciences degree from the University of Indianapolis and a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from the University of New England. After receiving her physical therapy degree in 1995, she became the manager of the Des Moines University Clinic — Physical Therapy and became a part-time faculty member in 1996. Bush was appointed the director of the physical therapy program in 2005 and became department chair in 2012. She will retire in June 2025.
Licensed in both physical therapy and occupational therapy, Bush specializes in occupational medicine, upper extremity orthopedics and geriatrics. Her research focuses on shoulder orthopedics and physical therapist education, with numerous publications and presentations in journals and conferences. Bush has shown her support for academic excellence by dedicating her time to university and professional committees that enhance institutional growth and industry standards.
Beyond her academic and clinical contributions, Bush has been actively involved in professional organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Higher Learning Commission. She is committed to philanthropy and established an endowed fund for the physical therapy department at DMU to support future initiatives within the program. Her dedication to education and service has been recognized with dozens of awards, including the 2013 DMU College of Health Sciences Alumna of the Year, the 2008 DMU Outstanding Teaching Award and the 2024 DMU Outstanding Service Award.
Simon Geletta, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Public Health, 2000-2024
Dr. Simon Geletta was a professor in the Department of Public Health at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, where he has been a faculty member since 2000. He holds degrees in sociology and anthropology from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia, as well as advanced degrees from the University of Missouri and Boston University. With an emphasis in demography and population studies, Geletta has brought a multidisciplinary approach to public health education and research. His research, published in many journals, has focused on the quality of health outcome measures and the comparative analysis of community-based or population-based chronic disease management programs.
Geletta has held various academic and industry positions and has contributed to public health education and data-driven health care initiatives. His extensive experience and research have advanced research and policy development in public health and published in many academic journals. Geletta is an active member of the Polk County Board of Health, providing expertise to the County Health department’s efforts against food insecurity, facilitating essential data collection and analysis to measure and mitigate its prevalence.
Geletta’s dedication and contributions to furthering DMU’s mission have been recognized with three DMU Faculty of the Year awards. In December 2019, Geletta was selected for the Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange Program.
Drew Lewis
D.O.’03, FAAO, FNAOME, FAOCPMR, FAAPMR
Drew Lewis, D.O.’03, FAAO, FNAOME, FAOCPMR, FAAPMR
Associate Professor Emeritus of Physical Therapy, 1996-2025
Dr. Drew Lewis is a distinguished board-certified clinician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation and interventional approaches for pain and injury. He served patients at the Des Moines University Clinic with an emphasis on osteopathic manual medicine treatments and was a professor at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences before retiring in 2023.
Lewis received his undergraduate degree from the University of Puget Sound and his Doctor of Osteopathic degree from DMU. He completed an internship at Downey Regional Medical Center and his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of California, Davis, where he served as chief resident. Lewis completed his interventional pain fellowship at NorCal Pain Treatment Center.
In addition to his clinical and teaching responsibilities, Lewis has contributed to the advancement of osteopathic medicine by publishing his research and involvement in strategic initiatives. He has served the profession as a subject matter expert for the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, and as the national representative to the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists and a representative of AOBPMR. He continues to serve as a board member for the American Osteopathic Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
While at DMU he collaborated with numerous students on research publications and was a mentor to hundreds of clerkship students and 66 OMM fellows. His dedication to patient care and medical education has been recognized with several awards including the 2014 Physician of the Year Award from the Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association, the 2017 DMU Teacher of the Year award and the 2020 national American Osteopathic Association Mentor of the Year.
Cynthia Utley, P.T., D.P.T.
Associate Professor Emeritus of Physical Therapy, 2009-2024
Dr. Cynthia Utley received her Master of Physical Therapy degree from the Mayo School of Health-Related Sciences and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of New England. Before retiring at the end of 2024, Utley served as the director of clinical education and associate professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences since 2009. Her research interests include assessment in clinical education, cultural competency and pre-admission criteria predictive of success in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Her areas of expertise and teaching are acute care practice, practice management and clinical documentation of client management.
Utley, a dedicated researcher and educator, has published her work in many journals and presented at numerous conferences. She has served on university and professional committees committed to bettering the institution and the field. In addition to supporting students, Utley has taught peers and colleagues in the Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
She has been active in the American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Education as an abstract reviewer for the Combined Sections Meeting and Education Leadership Conference, member and chair of the Nominating Committee and co-chair for the ELC program committee. Utley is a trainer for APTA’s Credentialed Clinical Instructor Program Level I. Before entering academia, Utley practiced for 18 years in various patient care settings and was in various administrative roles in outpatient and inpatient settings. She continued to practice acute care throughout her career at DMU.
Officers of the Academic Procession
Officers of the Academic Procession
Mace Bearer
Holland Taylor, D.M.Sc., PA-C
Platform Party Marshal
Melinda Miller, M.Ed.
Faculty Marshal
Lisa Streyffeler, Ph.D.
Student Marshals
Maria Barnes, Ph.D.
Wayne Wilson Henry, Ph.D.
Mohamed Spocter, Ph.D.
Catherine Stevermer, P.T., D.P.T., Ph.D.
Readers
Joshua Devine, Pharm.D., Ph.D., FAPhA
Kenna Willey, M.S.P.A.S., PA-C,
Shannon Petersen, DScPT, OCS Emeritus, FAAOMPT,
John Bennett, D.P.M., FACFAS
Matt Henry, Ph.D.
Jennifer Beaty, M.D., FACS, FASCRS
Faculty Hooders
Shane McClinton, P.T., D.P.T., Ph.D., OCS, FAAOMPT, CSCS
Traci Bush, P.T., D.P.T., OTR/L, DHS
Ashley Dikis, D.P.M., FACFAS, DABPM
Mathew Johnstone, D.P.M., FACFAS, DABPM, FFPM RCPS (Glasg)
Allen Kempf, D.P.M., M.S., AACFAS, DABPM
Jarrod Smith, D.P.M., FACFAS
Maurice Blodgett, D.O., CHSE
Kevin Carnevale, M.D.
Sarah Parrott, D.O., FAAFP
Marianka Pille, M.D., FAAP
Kim Tran, M.D., Ph.D.
Eric Wauson, Ph.D.
Elitsa Ananieva-Stoyanova, Ph.D.
Graduate Information
Welcome to the Alumni Association
As a Des Moines University graduate, you are now a member of DMU’s Alumni Association! As a member, you gain access to special perks and join a growing community of 16,000+ alumni around the world.
Watch for more information from DMU’s Alumni Office — your point of contact for future communications and questions.
Graduate Photos
Des Moines University graduate photos are available online by entering a graduate’s last name and graduation year.
Contact the Customer Service Department at 800-261-2576 for assistance.
2024 Commencement Highlights
Experience highlights from last year’s Commencement cermony.