Introduction
The Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and students of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences are pleased to celebrate with you on this one hundred and twenty-sixth 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, members of the Class of 2026 have fulfilled their commitment to pursuing careers of service to others. Des Moines University is incredibly proud of our graduates and grateful that they are joining the highly competent, compassionate health professionals our alumni represent.
Continuing the tradition that began in 1899, the College of Osteopathic Medicine will award the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. The college also will award the Master of Science in Anatomy, the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences and the Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences degrees.
The College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, which was inaugurated in 1981, will award the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree.
The College of Health Sciences, also inaugurated in 1981, will award degrees to graduates in five programs — Master of Health Care Administration, Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and this year, we celebrate a milestone in DMU history by awarding the first Doctor of Occupational Therapy degrees.
As we honor our graduates, Des Moines University recognizes that the support provided by families, friends and loved ones contributed immensely to their success. Please share our great pride in your graduate.
To members of the Class of 2026, Des Moines University extends its congratulations for your significant accomplishments and our sincere best wishes that you will always enjoy the rewards that come to those who serve others. Go forward and do great things!
Order of Events
Processional
Announcement of Purpose
Stephen D. Richards, DO’74, RPh, FAAFP
Grand Marshal
Welcome
Angela L. Walker Franklin, PhD
President and CEO
National Anthem
Spencer Evoy, DO’28
Greetings From the Board
Sally Mason, PhD
Chair, Board of Trustees
Introduction of Commencement Speaker
Angela L. Walker Franklin, PhD
President and CEO
Commencement Address
George Rust, MD, MPH, FAAFP, FACPM
Co-director of the Center for Medicine and Public Health Policy and Practice
Professor of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine
Presentation of the Classes
College of Health Sciences
Wallace Boeve, EdD, PA-C, DFAAPA
Dean
College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
Kevin Smith, DPM’95, PhD, MS, FACFAS
Dean
College of Osteopathic Medicine
David Connett, DO, FACOFP (dist.)
Dean
Conferring of Degrees
Angela L. Walker Franklin, PhD
President and CEO
Presentation of the Graduates and Hooding of the Candidates
College of Health Sciences
Master of Health Care Administration
Master of Public Health
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Physician Assistant Oath
Administered by Heather Opseth, DMS, PA-C
Assistant Director, Physician Assistant Program
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy Oath
Administered by Diana Feldhacker, OTD, PhD, OTR/L, BCPR
Director and Department Chair, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy Oath
Administered By Julie Ronnebaum, PT, DPT, PhD, FNAP, GCS Emeritus
Director and Department Chair, Department of Physical Therapy
College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Podiatric Oath
Administered by Sean Grambart, DPM’01, FACFAS, DABFAS
Assistant Dean, Clinical Affairs
College of Osteopathic Medicine
Master of Science in Anatomy
Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Osteopathic Oath
Administered by Mark M. LeDuc, DO’02, FACOOG (Dist.), FACOG
Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs
Physician Assistant Oath
I pledge to perform the following duties with honesty and dedication:
I will hold as my primary responsibility the health, safety, welfare and dignity of all human beings.
I will uphold the tenets of patient autonomy, beneficence,
nonmaleficence and justice.
I will recognize and promote the value of diversity.
I will treat equally all persons who seek my care.
I will hold in confidence the information shared in the course of practicing medicine.
I will assess my personal capabilities and limitations, striving always to improve my medical practice.
I will actively seek to expand my knowledge and skills, keeping abreast of advances in medicine.
I will work with other members of the health care team to provide compassionate and effective care of patients.
I will use my knowledge and experience to contribute to an improved community.
I will respect my professional relationship with the physician.
I will share and expand knowledge within the profession.
These duties are pledged with sincerity and upon my honor.
The Occupational Therapy Oath
I solemnly pledge to uphold the principles and values of the profession of occupational therapy and devote myself to the highest standards of ethical conduct.
I dedicate myself to the service of others, promoting health, well-being, and engagement through meaningful occupation.
I recognize the dignity and worth of every person, treating each with respect, compassion and empathy.
I commit to fostering an inclusive and culturally sensitive environment, appreciating diversity and advocating for the rights and well-being of those I serve.
I will strive to provide evidence-based and client-centered care, staying abreast of emerging research and best practices to deliver innovative interventions with the highest quality of care.
I will collaborate and communicate effectively with others, respecting their expertise and promoting teamwork to achieve optimal outcomes.
I am committed to advancing the field of occupational therapy through research, education and community engagement. I will contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and mentor future generations of occupational therapy practitioners.
With this oath, I commit myself to a lifelong journey of learning, growth and service. I accept the responsibility that comes with being an occupational therapist, and I embrace the privilege of making a positive impact on the lives of those I serve.
The Physical Therapy Oath
As I practice the art of physical therapy, I will respect the rights and dignity of all individuals and will provide compassionate care.
I will place the welfare of my patients and clients above my own self-interest.
I will exercise sound judgment and comply with laws and regulations that govern physical therapy and protect the public from unethical, incompetent, and illegal acts.
I will maintain professional competence and promote high standards for physical therapy practice, education, and research.
I will address the health needs of society and strive to effect changes that benefit patients, clients and the community.
Thus with this pledge, I freely accept the responsibilities that accompany the practice of physical therapy.
The Podiatric Oath
Upon my honor, I declare that I will accept the moral and legal responsibilities which become mine as a member of the Podiatric medical profession.
Those talents which I may have been endowed will be devoted to aid those who may choose to entrust themselves to my judgment and care.
I will abstain from all intentional harm and wrongdoing to my fellow citizens, especially from abusing the soul or the body of those who entrust themselves to my professional care.
In all good faith, I will support my profession and do what I may to advance its best interests, even at the sacrifice of my personal advantages.
In serving my patients, I will administer to their needs in a professional manner to the best of my ability.
In all instances, I will do that which will reflect credit and honor on this my chosen profession.
The Osteopathic Oath
I do hereby affirm my loyalty to the profession I am about to enter. I will be mindful always of my great responsibility to preserve the health and the life of my patients, to retain their confidence and respect both as a physician and a friend who will guard their secrets with scrupulous honor and fidelity, to perform faithfully my professional duties, to employ only those recognized methods of treatment consistent with good judgment and with my skill and ability, keeping in mind always nature’s laws and the body’s inherent capacity for recovery.
I will be ever vigilant in aiding in the general welfare of the community, sustaining its laws and institutions, not engaging in those practices which will in any way bring shame or discredit upon myself or my profession. I will give no drugs for deadly purposes to any person, though it be asked of me.
I will endeavor to work in accord with my colleagues in a spirit of progressive cooperation and never by word or by act cast imputations upon them or their rightful practices.
I will look with respect and esteem upon all those who have taught me my art. To my college I will be loyal and strive always for its best interests and for the interests of the students who will come after me. I will be ever alert to further the application of basic biologic truths to the healing arts and to develop the principles of osteopathy which were first enunciated by Andrew Taylor Still.
Congratulations
Marc Jones, DPM’11
Des Moines University Alumni Association President
President’s Charge to the Graduates
Angela L. Walker Franklin, PhD
President and CEO
Charge to Graduates
I charge you to relentlessly pursue knowledge, seek wisdom and demand excellence throughout your lifetime – of yourself, your colleagues, your organizations and your professions. Know there is much you don’t know, and make the pursuit of knowledge both a daily and lifelong habit.
I charge you to fulfill the promise of being health professionals committed first to serving our nation’s underserved citizens with a dedication to prevention, wellness and the delivery of compassionate, patient-centered care and public health best practices.
I charge you to provide leadership in your organizations, your professions and your communities. Lead with the greater good as your top priority, and build relationships with colleagues to advance that greater good.
I charge you to maintain respect for others and to cherish those who have been your greatest champions. Remember that professional integrity is essential to your success as a health professional. So I charge you to also embrace the values of Honesty, Accountability, Collaboration and Inclusiveness as the basic tenets of Integrity.
I charge you to be honorable and supportive alumni of Des Moines University. See this as an imperative to invest in the next generation of health professionals, as those who came before you have invested in you and your peers. And always be assured of our enormous pride in you. Focus your significant knowledge, energy and passion on improving the quality of life for all people. Congratulations!
Official Closing
Stephen D. Richards, DO’74, RPh, FAAFP
Grand Marshal
Recessional
Class of 2026 Graduates
College of Health Sciences Class of 2026
Master of Health Care Administration
Magan Ann Aziz
Kylie Rene Barbour ⬥
Camree Rae Berry
Kelli J. Boeve
Laura Anne Bruce ✙
Angel Ulva Freed
Sana Javed
Jennifer Colleen Holmes Latterell
Nicole M Lee ⬥
Maria Delfina Mihura
Bennett Graw O'Hare
Katelyn Irene Proctor
Taylor Sawyer
Cristobal J Serrato
Rebekah M Slight
Erin Smith ❖
Rajeswari Sundaresan
Eshita Trivedi
✙ Graduate With Distinction
⬥ Also Receiving Master of Public Health Degree
❖ Also Receiving Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree
College of Health Sciences Class of 2026
Master of Public Health
Curtis Armentrout
Kylie Rene Barbour ⬥
Katherine Elizabeth Croddick
Claudio De Boer
Amela Deumic
Eric Manuel Gil Rosas ✙
Jaden Harris
Justin Thomas Hovey
Nicole M Lee ⬥
Luke Gregory Lynch
Jill Maliske
Alexandra Petracek
Issaiah Reyes
Jessica Rojas
Noa Sample
Shyla Weston
Justinian Wurtzel
✙ Graduate With Distinction
⬥ Also Receiving Master of Health Care Administration Degree
College of Health Sciences Class of 2026
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Logan Adam
Cynthia Alvarado-Pizarro
Alexandra Alvarez
Isabel Anderson
Makenzie Anderson
Kathryn Jane Bartell
Addison Bents
Lucienne Elisabeth Bianchi
Lauren Bice
Alexander Bishop
Molly Broughton
Lindsey Bunday
Hannah Cahill
Grant Clark
Erin Clarke
MacKenzie Alise Corbett
Trenton Dodds
Caleb Thomas Drew
Sydney Dunphy
Emily Eiden
Joshua Englehart
Taylor Marie Even
Sarah Fischer
Blake Freeman
Alexia Funk
Tyler Garborg
Noelle Greely
Ivy Guo
McKenna Gayle Haen
Isabell Hobbs
Abigail Ann Holmberg
Jazlyn Blake Horras
Dawson J. Huls
Nina Mandich Ignatowski
Sydney Jorgensen
Cameron Rae Kincaid
Michael Laib
Nadia Lowery
Jack Andrew McEvoy
Olivia L. McEwen
Olivia Mae Miesner
Acacia Monson
Haley Mae Nemmers
Kamryn O'Brien
Adelyn Oberg ✙
Emina Oglecevac
Baylee Jo Petersen
Ambrose David Poduska
Beenu Pokhrel
Allison Post
Makaylin E Powers
Mack Prince
Maylin Swayne
Madison Taborek
Grace Terhark
Madison Tetmeyer
Katlyn Towley
Kerrigan Danielle Upton
Anna Corinne Veltien
Natalie Worthington
Landrie Ziwicki
✙ Graduate With Distinction
College of Health Sciences Class of 2026
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Briah Adams
Tucker Aeschliman
Katherine Barhorst
Kaci V. Behrens
Haley Bird
Sarah Grace Bosch
Catherine Brosius
Ashley Buerger
Christine Dennison
Julia Feldmann
Kassidy Hackbarth
Zoie Harvey
Lindsey La Rue ✙
Morgan Rae Leach
John Levis
Jonah A. Lewis
Emily Michaelis
Josie Lin Nordhagen
Megan Trowbridge
Brianna Schwake
Martha Anne Ward
Savannah Wiltse
✙ Graduate With Distinction
College of Health Sciences Class of 2025
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Olivia Adams
Sara Joann Steiner Bergin
Mara Ann Boonstra
Isabella Brookshier
Jenessa Carpenter
Faith Cox
Bryce Delon Daniel
Andrew James Davis
Andrew De Noble
Sarah Eagleton
Harrison Andrew East
Seth Edens
Macie Gay
Elizabeth Marie Grace
Joshua Hardy
Abigail Harn
Sara Elizabeth Haverty
Caylee Hermsen
Ridge S. Hokens
Jaida Lain Houge
Megan Johnson
Malory Jones
Lindsey Caroline Kamerick
Lincoln Kleese
Jayce A. Knight
Gabrealla Koller
Will Krapfl
Tyler James Krumsee
Chase Gannon Lamm
Katelyn Mary Langel
James Joseph Lavicky
Torrance Leng
Nathan Thomas Longer
Jacob Lowe
Jonathan Mares
Brett Meyer
Emily Mikkelsen
Nicole M Miller
Alex Kaye Mohr
Chris Moir
Makenna Moore
Joshua Neyens
Riley Nolan
Andrew O'Brien
Joshua Olson
Mia Marie Olson
Kayla Marie Owens Long
Katherine J Pforts
Joseph David Rivera
Meg Louise Schmitz
Madelyn Grace Schuchmann
Jade Alexandra Sharp
Sarah Marie Sirvio
Sarah Elizabeth Steege
Katherine Josephine Stoelk ✙
Maddison Thayer
Colton James Vander Berg
Rachel Nicole Vander Hart
Jacob Vis
Lucas John Volf
Bailey White
Logan Wicker
Emma Katherine Wuebker
✙ Graduate With Distinction
College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Class of 2026
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Hiba Ifzal Bangash
Pranati Chitta
Meghann Chlebowski
Logan Conroyd
Candy Dao
Payton Max David
Connor Duncan
Chiara Paravano Edlin
Cory James Edlin
Mackenzie Nicole English
Will Evans
Shristi Ghimire
Richard Gomez
Blake Habisch
Meagan Hartman
Brooke Nichole Havens
Callie Maria Jacobson
Michael Francis Kain
Aimee G. Kasperski
Zachary Katzman
Hannan Ahmad Khan
Mason Kitchens
Alexander Lane
Joseph Byron Litsey
Brian Matthew Lowry
Peter Marilley
Emily Michaela Maxwell
Quiana McKnight
Brandon Miller
Tyler Nayavich
Alex Thanh Ngo
Matthew Ngo
Zachary Isaac Nobis ✙
Erin O'Keefe
Tanner Olsen
Alberto Pancrudo
Alana Parkey Hay
Kaung Myat San
Attaollah Sanaat
Logan Savits
Stephanie Schuster
Christopher Thomas
David Buick Tohidi
Adam Tonks
Chloe Van Vliet
Paulina Velasco Flores
Kevin Zipperian
✙ Graduate With Distinction
College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2026
Master of Science in Anatomy
Fatima Batool
Jessica Blindauer
Matthew Bouska ✙
Matthew Christensen
Gloria Eddy
Hannah Kuivinen ✙
Madison Luderman
Emma Neverman
✙ Graduate With Distinction
College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2026
Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Mariah Cassidy Branson
Faaizah Maleehah ✙
✙ Graduate With Distinction
College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2026
Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences
Victoria Mathis ✙
✙ Graduate With Distinction
College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2026
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Rohit Akella
Natalie Albanito
Mays Albayati
Pooja Amin
Samantha Anderson
Jordan Appel ▼
Luke Aronson
Allison Ash ✙
Sumedha Reddy Bandi
Garrett Bartelt
Anna Marie Baumer
Connor Elyssa Behrend
Mounica Bevara
Prachi Bhavsar
Cali Jae Bills
Gretchen Blain
Jordan Bone
Ryan Bonn
Katryna Booth-Malnack
Micayla Joy Bork
Natalie Bell Boyce
Ann Braverman
Michael Brodhead
Matthew Brooke
Dillon Brown
Cody Brunclik
Kendi Burnette-Phelps
Isaac Burton
Thomas Bussey
George Callaway
Kiersten Marie Cartwright
Brandon Cemenski
Avery Elizabeth Chancellor
Ivy Chen
Xin Chen
Sabrina Chu
Gianna Cross
Jason Crumb
Ariana Dahesh
Brian Burke Dankle
Colton Dee
Camila Delgado Ruiz
Brianna Alyse Desharnais
Gabrielle DeSmet
Jarod Devins
Andrew Thomas Dinh
Taylor Do
Nicholas Doctors
Spencer Dodgen
Sasha K. Dorestin
Abigail Marie Gil Eastman
Dilibe Charles Ekowa
Bryce Erbe
Danielle Ericksen
Leif Ericksen
McKinley Kealani EspindaBanick
Megan Feikema
Stanley Gene Fleming III
Jeffery Brenner Foltz
Cole Ryan Formslag
Greysen Foss
Leana Faris Frankul
Alexiia Gardner
Adam Garman
Mercedes Garman
Sydney Gates
Joselyn Gonzalez
Daniel Gramer
Amanda Lynn Gregory
Jordan Grovum
William Michael Guns
Kerry Hagedorn
Steven Hand
Kaitlyn Marie Hanson
Michaela Harrington
DeJanee Harris
Carson Hauge
Eric Heimendinger
Blake Holmes
Bruce Hsieh
Regan Hunt ▼
Alec Thomas Jackson
Nikita Jayan
Rishi A. Jethva
Erica Lynn Johnson
Kesiya Johnson
Tyler Johnson
Katherine Jolley
Nidhi Joshi
Chase Juergensen
Hirali Kadakia
Sophie Kalkwarf
Samir Kamme
Avi Kaye
Brendan Kelly
Nida Khan
Taha Zia Khan
Benjamin King
Ella Lee Holland Kloster
Sunny Kurian
Matthew Francis Kvech
Samantha Ky
Taylor Lynn LaChapelle
Malia Faith Lake
Calvin Le
Hayden Young Lee
Natalie Lohmann
Christian H. Low
Zachary Scott Ludwig
Rachel Luevit
Matthew Mackarevich
Lindsay Mahaney
Courtney Jane Maire
Aysouda Malekzadeh
Katelyn Rose Maliszewski
Conley Malone
Andrew William Mannisto
Boston Mast
Benjamin Mayberry
Hannah Elizabeth McKay
Ryan Andrew Mesa
Alison Mitchell
Kunaal H. Motreja
Sai Priya Movva
Emily Nadolski
Selim Nassirou
Brian Scott Neiheisel ▼
Anthony Nguyen
Kevin Xuan Nguyen
Alec Nolan
Kevin O'Connor
Matthew O'Keefe
Sierra O'Sullivan
Juliana Ordaz
Emma Parker
Matthew M. Peña
Emily Sofia Perotti
Rex Truman Perry
Michael Peter
Branden Petersen
Jess Peterson
Hannah Elise Phillips
Gitali Piekarska
Veronica Pronitcheva
Tessa Punteney
Kevin Qi
Alexander James Randall
Sanjana Rao
Andrea Carolina Reoch
Jonathan Dean Richardson
Lauren Ronnfeldt
Teymour Houshang Sadrieh
Boden Saikie
Timothy Samuelson
Amarandeep Singh Sandhu
Jacob Schepers
Evan Schmidt
Jill Schuster-Syed
Brady Schutt
Sohail Sethi
Sumaiya Shahjahan
Rhea Shrivastava
Salah Siddiqui
Madison Sieperda
Emma Simpson
Erin Smith ❖
Lydia S. Sohn
Kiana Stanek
Ashley Litha Stanisclasse
Katelyn Danielle Stein
Alexandra Grace Stellon ▼
Madeline Wolf Stesney
Paul Strand
Shanzay Suhail
Sithara Sunny
William Swanson
Guerin Szafraniec
Travis Tanner
Haley Tes
Reed Tisdell
Austin Tullis
Sarah Rebekah Vagenas
Katelyn Sarah Vales
Avery Voehl
Michelle Kim Vu
Lindsey Maria Walker-Tanzi
Leah Weinstein
Kara Evelyn Werth
Jace David Wilkerson
Luke Wilson
Jessica Wimp
Emma Wolfman
Mark Wyant
Claudia Xie
Lena Yu
Anikah Yusuf
Yousuf Zafar
Ethan Ace Zastera
✙ Graduate With Distinction
▼ Fellow in Osteopathic Manual Medicine
❖ Also Receiving Master of Health Care Administration Degree
Speaker and Distinguished Guests
George Rust, MD, MPH, FAAFP, FACPM
2026 DMU Commencement Keynote Speaker
Dr. George Rust is board-certified in both family medicine and public health/preventive medicine. He serves as co-director of the Center for Medicine and Public Health Policy and Practice and as a professor in the behavioral sciences and social medicine department at Florida State University College of Medicine.
Rust has spent his career at the intersection of race, health and poverty, consistently working in settings where he could make a difference. His book, “Healing in a Changing America: Doctoring in a Nation of Needless Suffering,” released in 2025, chronicles the stories of lessons learned, mistakes made and skills acquired during his journey in medicine and public health.
His distinguished career spans clinical medicine, academic leadership, community health and national health policy, with a sustained focus on improving access to care and advancing health equity for underserved populations from inner-city Chicago to the small-town rural South.
Throughout his career, Rust has held numerous leadership positions, including serving as founding director of the National Center for Primary Care at Morehouse School of Medicine and as senior scientific advisor to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. He has authored more than 120 peer-reviewed publications and has received local, state and national recognition for teaching, service and contributions to health equity.
Stephen D. Richards, DO’74, RPh, FAAFP
2026 DMU Commencement Grand Marshal
Stephen Richards, DO’74, RPh, FAAFP, is a retired physician who enjoyed a fulfilling career in family medicine, served both the U.S. Air Force and Iowa National Guard, and continues to give back through philanthropy and board service.
Richards received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Drake University in 1971 alongside his wife, Janice Miller Richards, RPh. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in 1974 while on scholarship from the U.S. Air Force.
After graduation, Richards pursued an internship at Scott Air Force Base Medical Center in Illinois. He applied the knowledge and skills he acquired at DMU while on active duty as a flight surgeon with the 349th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron.
Richards returned to Des Moines and completed a family medicine residency at Broadlawns Medical Center in 1979 before moving to Algona, Iowa, to start a rural practice. Kossuth Regional Health Center, where Richards practiced for more than 30 years, grew into a busy multispecialty clinic, yet he still made time for house calls to visit some of his most complex patients.
Richards served as president of the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians and the Iowa Medical Society, as well as a delegate of the American Academy of Family Physicians to the American Medical Association. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Richards serves on the Des Moines University Board of Trustees and is a member of the Finance and Institutional Advancement Committees. The Richards family is leaving a legacy at DMU through the Richards Learning Studio, the Dr. Stephen and Janice Richards Endowed Scholarship Fund and membership in the Founders Society and President’s Society.
When asked what advice he has for students, Richards says, “Medicine is a special calling and worth all the effort to get there.”
Officers of the Academic Procession
Officers of the Academic Procession
Mace Bearer
Sarah Clayton, PhD
Platform Party Marshal
Melinda Miller, MEd
Faculty Marshal
Maurice Blodgett, DO, CHSE
Student Marshals
Maria Barnes, PhD
Allison Larson, PT, DPT
Wayne Wilson, PhD
David Roberts, MS
Readers
Jennifer Beaty, MD
John Bennett, DPM, FACFAS
Jun Dai, MD, MSc, PhD
Matthew Henry, PhD
Kelsee Hove, OTD
Steven Mather, PT, PhD, ATC/L, OCS
Holland Taylor, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPAA
Faculty Hooders
Kevin Carnevale, MD
Sarah Clayton, PhD
Kelly John, DPM, MHA, FACFAS, DABPM
Jillian Jones, PT, DPT
Nicole Kuhl, OTD, OTR/L, CBIS
David Plutschack, OTD
Rebecca Shaw, MD
Amy Shriver, MD
Jarrod Smith, DPM, DABFAS
Muhammad Spocter, PhD
Catherine Stevermer, PT, DPT, PhD, ABPTS
LiLian Yuan, PhD
Honors and Awards
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is pleased to recognize graduates who have distinguished themselves during their academic studies.
College of Health Sciences
College of Health Sciences Award Recipients
Master of Health Care Administration
Graduate with Distinction
Laura Bruce
Distinguished Achievement Award
Rajeswari Sundaresan
Dean’s Leadership Award
Maria Mihura
Scholarship Award
Sana Javed
Special Recognition Award
Angel Freed
Pamela A. Duffy Award
Erin Smith
Alpha Eta Honor Society
Taylor Sawyer
Kelli Boeve
Master of Public Health
Graduate with Distinction
Eric Gil Rosas
Distinguished Achievement Award
Justinian Wurtzel
Dean’s Leadership Award
Luke Lynch
Scholarship Award
Jessica Rojas
Pamela A. Duffy Award
Jill Maliske
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Graduate with Distinction
Adelyn Oberg
Dean’s Leadership Award
Sydney Jorgensen
Pi Alpha Members
Isabell Hobbs
Landrie Ziwicki
Addison Bents
Sarah Fischer
Madison Tetmeyer
Maylin Swayne
Makenzie Anderson
Abigail Holmberg
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Graduate with Distinction
Lindsey La Rue
Dean’s Leadership Award
Christine Dennison
Distinguished Emerging Scholar Award
Morgan Leach
Outstanding Service and Advocacy in OT Award
Kassidy Hackbarth
Clinical Excellence Award
Josie Nordhagen
Capstone Excellence and Impact Award
Tucker Aeschliman
Alpha Eta Honor Society
Kaci Behrens
Jonah Lewis
Catherine Brosius
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Graduate with Distinction
Katherine Stoelk
Service Award
Harrison East
Caylee Hermsen
Special Recognition Award
Tyler Krumsee
Clinical Education Award
Gabrealla Koller
Dean’s Leadership Award
Sarah Steege
Sandra Teague Memorial Scholarship Award
Rachel Vander Hart
Sarah Steege
Alpha Eta Honor Society
Jacob Vis
Emma Wuebker
Katherine Stoelk
Mia Olson
Tyler Krumsee
Jade Sharp
Nathan Longer
Megan Johnson
Alpha Eta is the national scholastic honor society for the allied health professions. Its purpose is to promote and recognize scholarship, leadership and contributions to the allied health professions. The members of Alpha Eta are wearing ceremonial green honor cords.
Pi Alpha is the national PA honor society organized for the promotion and recognition of PA students, faculty, alumni and honorary members. Membership signifies inductees’ significant academic achievements and honors them for their leadership, research, community/professional service and other related activities. The society also encourages a high standard of character and conduct among students, faculty, alumni and honorary members.
College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Award Recipients
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Clinical Performance Award
Meagan Hartman
Dwayne S. Rivard, DPM Surgery Award
Payton David
Stephen M. Geller, DPM’96, Graduate Merit Award
Alexander Lane
Graduate with Distinction
Zachary Nobis
Leadership Award
Candy Dao
Research Award
Zachary Katzman
Service Award
Meghann Chlebowski
DMU Spirit Award
Mason Kitchens
Pi Delta
Meghann Chlebowski
Payton David
Shristi Ghimire Adhikari
Callie Jacobson
Michael Kain
Zachary Katzman
Zachary Nobis
Alana Parkey Hay
Kaung Myat San
Chloe Van Vliet
Pi Delta is the national honor society for podiatric medicine that was created to recognize excellence in academics, service and research within the profession. The members of Pi Delta are wearing ceremonial blue and silver honor cords.
College of Osteopathic Medicine
College of Osteopathic Medicine Award Recipients
Master of Science in Anatomy
Primary Degree Graduate with Distinction
Matthew Bouska
Dual Degree Graduate with Distinction
Hannah Kuivinen
Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
Primary Degree Graduate with Distinction
Faaizah Maleehah
Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences
Graduate with Distinction
Victoria Mathis
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Graduate with Distinction
Allison Ash
Clinical Discipline Award Behavioral Medicine (Psychiatry)
Allison Ash
Clinical Discipline Award Family Medicine
Taylor LaChapelle
Clinical Discipline Award Internal Medicine
Steven Hand
Clinical Discipline Award Osteopathic Manual Medicine
Andrew Mannisto
Clinical Discipline Award Obstetrics & Gynecology
Anna Baumer
Emma Simpson
Clinical Discipline Award Pediatrics
Danielle Ericksen
Katherine Jolley
Clinical Discipline Award Surgery
William Swanson
Global Health Outreach Award
Natalie Lohmann
Garrett Reed Wheeler Award in Pediatrics
Gretchen Blain
Howard Graney Award for Outstanding Achievement in Surgery
Madison Sieperda
Joseph R. McNerney, DO, Award for Excellence in Internal Medicine
Steven Hand
OMM Ram’s Head Awards for the Fellowship Program
Jordan Appel
Regan Hunt
Brian Neiheisel
Alexandra Stellon
Academic Achievement Award
Anna Baumer
Connor Behrend
Gold honor cords signify graduates in the top 10% of the class.
Crimson and blue cords signify membership in Sigma Sigma Phi Honorary Service Fraternity.
Gold Humanism Honor Society inductees are wearing a specially cast medallion.
Military Commissioning Ceremony
The following graduates were honored and officially transitioned as commissioned officers in the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force on May 28 at Des Moines University.
- Captain Dilibe Ekowa, DO’26 — Army
- Captain Ella Kloster, DO’26 — Air Force
- Captain Matt Mackarevich, DO’26 — Army
- Captain Andrew Mannisto, DO’26 — Air Force
- Lieutenant Emma Parker, DO’26 — Navy
- Lieutenant Lydia Sohn, DO’26 — Navy
Additional Ceremony Information
History of the University
The history of Des Moines University reflects a continuing commitment to teach, to learn and to serve.
Read More
History of the University
The history of Des Moines University reflects a continuing commitment to teach, to learn and to serve.
Founded in 1898 as the Dr. S. S. Still College of Osteopathy, the institution has several times undergone changes in name and location to accommodate expanding enrollment and prepare additional members of health care and public health teams.
Renamed Still College of Osteopathy in 1905, with a two-year program of instruction, the school continued to grow and prosper. During the 1940s the name was changed to Des Moines Still College of Osteopathy and Surgery, reflecting a broader curriculum of medical studies. During this period, the College Hospital and first clinic building were acquired. These facilities provided enhanced clinical training opportunities for students and additional health care settings through which to serve the community.
In 1958, the institution was renamed the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. The first satellite clinic was established in 1963. In 1971, the Dietz Diagnostic Center, a specialty clinic, began operation as a major outpatient facility.
In 1972, the college moved to a 22-acre site at 3200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines. During the ensuing years, enrollment in the college more than doubled.
Recognizing the need for additional members on health teams to complement physicians in the delivery of health care, the Board of Trustees in 1981 established the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and the College of Health Sciences and renamed the institution the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences.
In 1999, the university was renamed Des Moines University to reflect a strengthened commitment to the Greater Des Moines community and the osteopathic philosophies upon which our traditions are built.
In 2007, the university launched master’s degree programs in anatomy and biomedical sciences. A Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences, which enrolled its first students in 2021, provides additional opportunities to students and has further contributed to the university’s diverse and growing research enterprise. DMU also has established a new doctor of occupational therapy degree program, which enrolled its first students in 2023.
Consistent with its mission of preparing outstanding health professionals while also responding to the nation’s health needs, in 2018 the university launched the Purple & Proud Campaign. Completed in 2024, the campaign surpassed its $50 million goal and raised $57.1 million. The campaign’s priorities included expanding student resources, support for the Glanton fund, supporting faculty initiatives and building the medical and health sciences university of the future on 88 acres in West Des Moines, Iowa. The university moved to the new campus, located in West Des Moines, in June 2023.
Des Moines University has a vibrant history that continues to inspire. And as the second oldest osteopathic medical college in the United States, DMU continues to prepare physicians and allied health care personnel for careers in the ever-changing field of medicine, while developing innovative programs to serve students and society.
Regalia, Medallion and Mace
Symbolizing academic achievement, institutional authority and ceremonial significance, these aspects play an important role in the Commencement ceremony.
Regalia, Medallion and Mace
Regalia
The academic attire worn at commencement and other ceremonial events is reminiscent of the distinctive dress associated with academic processions and convocations of the Middle Ages. Students in English and European universities wore woolen and fur garments to stay warm in unheated, drafty stone buildings. Most scholars of the time were clerics in holy orders, and wore cloaks with hoods to cover their tonsured heads.
Today academic attire indicates by style and adornment the highest degree earned, the major field of study and the college or university attended by the wearer. Hence, graduates receiving doctoral degrees in medicine in today’s ceremony wear a black robe with green chevrons and a green tassel.
Similarly, the colors on the hood reflect the degree being conferred and the colors of the institution. Hoods for graduates in the osteopathic and podiatric colleges are green and have purple and white trim. Doctoral graduates in physical therapy wear hoods of teal velvet with purple and white trim. Graduates receiving the master of public health degree wear salmon-colored hoods, graduates receiving the master of health care administration degree wear beige hoods and graduates receiving the master of science degree in physician assistant studies wear green hoods. Graduates receiving a master of science in anatomy and master of science in biomedical sciences wear a hood of golden yellow. Graduates of the doctor of philosophy in biomedical sciences program wear royal blue hoods and graduates of the doctor of occupational therapy wear indigo blue hoods. All are trimmed in the university’s colors of purple and white.
Medallion
The president’s medallion serves as a visible display of the authority vested in the office of the university president. As a complement to academic attire, the medallion is worn by the president at Commencement and at other official ceremonies of the university. The DMU medallion, designed in the year 2000 to celebrate the new millennium, was struck in pure silver and plated with 24-karat gold. The center features a two-dimensional seal bearing the lamp of learning, to signify education, and the caduceus, to signify medicine. A chain of office honors the university’s presidents, from its founder, S. S. Still, D.O., to its most recent president.
Mace
The presence of the mace is another symbol of a ceremonial event. As used in academic settings today, the mace is modeled after a medieval weapon carried by a bodyguard to protect a king or person of high status. Carried immediately in front of the president by a member of the faculty, the mace is symbolic of office and authority. As on the president’s medallion, the mace is adorned with the university seal.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the university, overseeing university affairs and strategic initiatives.
Board of Trustees
Executive Committee
Sally K. Mason, PhD — Chair
Mary A. Radia, DO’81 — Vice Chair
Mark C. Menadue, DO’83, JD, FACEP, FCLM — Treasurer
Marcia L. Hammers, BHA’88 — Secretary
Michael C. Witte, DO’77 — Past Chair
Angela L. Walker Franklin, PhD — President, Ex-Officio
Trustees
Larry J. Baker, DO’77, FACEP
Eric A. Barp, DPM’01, FACFAS
Barry Braver, DO’79
Diane Bridgewater, (Inactive CPA)
Hijinio G. Carreon, DO’03, MBA, CPE, FACEP, FAAEM
Robert G. Good, DO’77, MACOI
Victoria L. Herring, JD
Omar Lateef, DO’99
Amber Lenhardt, CPA
S. Ahmed Merchant, BS
Steve Richards, DO’74, RPh, FAAFP
Stanley E. Skopit, DO’77, MSE, FAOCD, FAAD
David A. Stark, MA, FACHE
T. Bernard Swift, Jr., DO’76, MPH
Trustees Emeriti
Julius L. Abramsohn, DO’52*
John C. Agnew, DO’33*
William G. Anderson, DO’56, FACOS
Arthur E. Angove, DO’62
J.R. Astley*
Joseph B. Baker, DO’50*
John Baldridge*
Richard Brown, DO’60
Gilbert S. Bucholz, DO’58, FAOCR*
Jennie Tripson Button, DO’56
Richard F. Coatney, DO’60*
John Connolly Jr., Esq.*
Martin Diamond, DO’62
Harry B. Elmets, DO’46*
Bernard M. Feldman, DO’80, FACG
Sue K. Fisher, DO’52*
Judge Luther T. Glanton*
Willie Stevenson Glanton, Esq.*
Murray Goldstein, DO’50, MPH
James A. Grekin, DO’62, MACOI
Irwin G. Groff, DO’51*
H. Dean Hannam*
Renee Hardman, MBA, SPHR
W. Hal Hatchett, DPM’00, FACFAS
Richard M. Kotz, DO’56*
Robert M. Kreamer, DO’56, FACOI*
Judge Alfred D. Lerner*
Madelyn “Maddie” M. Levitt*
Ralph Levy, DO’60
Myron S. Magen, DO’51, FACOP*
Harold E. McKinney*
Max “Tedd” T. McKinney II, DO’69, FACOFP*
Joseph R. McNerney, DO’37*
Stephen M. Morain, JD
Dorothy V. Mullin, DO’48*
Ralph A. Olsen*
Glenn C. Petersen*
David Rothman, DO’54, MACOI*
Edwin Rosenblatt, DPM*
Jerry G. Rosenblatt, DO’56*
Paul L. Ruza, DO’56*
K. George Shimoda, DO’43*
Sara “Sally” E. Sutton, DO’53, FAAO*
Roy L. Swarzman*
Dan D. Toriello, DO’40*
Mose Waldinger*
Bryce E. Wilson, DO’49*
C. Arthur Wittmack
Patricia Yungclas*
*Deceased