One Hundred and Twenty-Fifth Annual Commencement Ceremony

10 a.m., Friday, May 30, 2025

Presiding Official
Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer

Introduction

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-fourth 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. 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 and the Master of Science 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 four programs — Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Health Care Administration, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Master of Public Health.

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 2025, Des Moines University extends its congratulations for your significant accomplishments and also our sincere best wishes that you will always enjoy the rewards that come to those who serve others. Go forward and do great things!

Table of Contents

    Order of Events

    Announcement of Purpose

    Thomas Buroker, D.O., FACP
    Class of 1968, College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Grand Marshal

    Welcome

    Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D.
    President and CEO

    National Anthem

    Elizabeth Bonillo-Ruth, D.O.’25
    Kira Burdman, D.O.’25
    Christelle Eliacin, D.O.’25
    Spencer Ericksen, D.O.’25
    Remington Schmidt, D.O.’25
    Marin Ehler, D.P.T.’25

    Greetings

    Sally Mason, Ph.D.
    Chair, Board of Trustees

    Introduction of Commencement Speaker

    Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D.
    President and CEO

    Commencement Address

    Teresa Hubka, D.O.’89 MS, FACOOG (dist.), FACOG, CS
    President, American Osteopathic Association

    Presentation of the Classes

    College of Health Sciences

    Robert Loch, Ph.D., M.B.A., CNMT
    Associate Dean for Clinical and Student Affairs

    College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

    Kevin Smith, D.P.M.’95, Ph.D., M.S., FACFAS
    Dean

    College of Osteopathic Medicine

    David Connett, D.O., FACOFP (dist.)
    Dean

    Conferring of Degrees

    Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D.
    President and CEO

    Presentation of the Graduates,
    Hooding of the Doctoral 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 Holland Taylor, M.S.P.A.S., PA-C,
    Program Director and Department Chair
    Physician Assistant Program

    Doctor of Physical Therapy

    Physical Therapy Oath
    Administered by Julie Ronnebaum, P.T., D.P.T., Ph.D., GCS Emeritus
    Director and Professor
    Department of Physical Therapy

    College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

    Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

    Podiatric Oath
    Administered by Sean Grambart, D.P.M., FACFAS
    Assistant Dean, Clinical Affairs

    College of Osteopathic Medicine

    Master of Science in Anatomy
    Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences
    Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

    Osteopathic Oath
    Administered by David Connett, D.O., FACOFP (dist.)
    Dean

    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 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 and Welcome

    Marc Jones, D.P.M.’11
    Des Moines University Alumni Association President

    President’s Charge to the Graduates

    Charge to Graduates

    Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D.
    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

    Thomas Buroker, D.O.’68
    Class of 1968, College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Grand Marshal

    Recessional

    Class of 2025 Graduates

    College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

    College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Class of 2024

    Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

    Mohamed Mahmoud AbdelGilil
    Gwenyth Elizabeth Amborski
    Levi Edward Andrews
    Fatima Shifa Ansari
    Jared Bacardi
    Abigail Beard
    Madison Bennett
    Ashley Kae Berry
    Calvin Buck
    Stephanie Morgan Bush
    Mollie M Camp
    Amber Castillo
    Alejandra Castillo Mora
    Scott Chanthongthip
    Cameron Hankins Chung
    Andrew Cuellar
    Alec Dickerson
    Tyler Raymond Gray
    Tyler Anthony Grimes
    Parker A Hinkle
    Connor Houlihan
    Christian Kent
    Connor Brian Kinkade
    Ryan Knapp
    Seth Krueger
    Thomas Lancaster
    Nathaniel Allen Lasley
    Alex Antonio Martinez ✙
    Mehnaaz Mohiuddin
    Marlena Shantal Moore
    Brandon Sullivan Nagel
    Jesse Nyamwaro Orenge
    Sarah O'Brien
    Ogechi Favour Okafor
    Megan Renee Palmer
    Hayley Phelps
    Rumsha Qureshi
    David Reil
    Gabriel Asher Roberts
    Adrian Alexandru Rosu
    Salvador "Chavita" Ruelas Jr.
    Fabio Giuseppe Antonio Sacco
    Jay Janning Schon
    Kaitlin Marie Sebranek
    Peter A Sorensen
    Joseph Dominick Spampinato
    Erin Nicole Spieth
    Bobbie Sternad
    Tyler Terhune
    Lydia Thomas
    Alec Nicholas Williams
    Lucy Liangyu Xu
    Naima Yusuf

    Graduate With Distinction

    College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2024

    Master of Science in Anatomy

    Mustafa Al Shawaf
    Seth M. Anderson
    Tasian Arjes
    Jason Dale Crumb ✙
    Tony Hotchner
    Tessa Punteney
    Sidney Marie Steiner ✙

    Graduate With Distinction

    College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2024

    Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences

    Risheek Srinivasa Chemudupati
    Abel Joseph Ferow
    Marcos Leonardo Gonzalez Sambolin
    Tenly Hansen ✙
    Lucas Figueroa
    Emily Tigges

    Graduate With Distinction

    College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2024

    Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

    Talon J Aitken
    Becca Amick
    Ethan Jerrick Anderson
    Abigail Mae Arky
    Andrew Auyeung
    Cole Bacig
    Jodi Paige Backalar
    Caitlin Heather Bakke
    Salankara Bandyopadhyay
    Damien Brendan Beck
    Sara Elizabeth Belles ●
    Maura Elizabeth Benson
    Guriqbal Bhullar ◆
    Dallan Blotter
    Christian Bongiorno
    Megan Bonnett
    Meghan Born
    Brandy Bradell
    Ben Brik
    Mikayla Brockmeyer
    Jill Broghammer
    Tory McLaughlin Bruch
    Joelle Bruckert-Frisk
    Bradley Alan Burns
    Daniel Burris
    Laura Susan Campbell
    Lucille Anna Chechik
    Raka Chindavong
    Benjamin Christopher
    Royal Cole
    Kayla Comried
    Cassandra Jo Concannon
    Mykala Ann Conroy
    Victoria Coombe
    Clarissa Dahm
    Elaine Dandan
    Hannah D'Cunha
    Megan DeDecker
    Emily Dickson
    Kathryn Doerner
    Jessica Lin Draus
    Gabrielle Duncan
    Joshua Rakwon Dunigan
    McKay Echols
    Osama Ziad El Aryan
    Rachel Marie Elliott
    James Phillip Fahey II
    Fiona Fitzgerald
    Connor Fraser
    Marissa Frisbie
    Sophia Fruechte
    Joseph Gabrail
    Adam Games
    Srikar Gangavarapu
    Manraj Garewal
    Benjamin James Garrison
    Kailey Reneé Gerrits
    Raina Gerritts
    Kristina Giddens
    Charles Giuliani
    Tom Givens
    Abhishek Gowda
    Tawnie R Graff
    George Gueorguiev
    Hannah Gustafson ▼
    Chetana Guthikonda
    Faris V Haddad
    Noah Hanson
    Katherine Ann Harbeck
    Benjamin Owen Harrison
    Lauren Elizabeth Hartwell ▼
    Faraz Hasan
    Aaron Hemsworth
    Louis Jacob Hill
    John William Hiller
    Sharanpreet Hira
    Matthew Holzer
    Lily Horst
    Benjamin Isaac Isaac
    Marielle Isenhart
    Heather Issa
    Benjamin Iverson
    Mubasher Jaffri
    Filip Jelenak
    Bradley Draper Johnson
    Erik Ryan Johnson
    Katelyn Ann Johnson
    Scott M Johnson
    Kathryn Ann Johnston
    Tarana Joshi
    Anisha Karim
    Faizan Ali Khan
    Shahrukh Khan
    Madeline A. Kilby
    Andrew Kilger
    Liz Kim
    Steven Kim
    Tanner James Kirchberg
    Mason Klisares
    Ellesavette Kain Kokkinos
    Kevin Kozakowski ●
    Alyssa Krueger
    Kendal R. Kuboushek
    Susan Hong La
    Naomi Lam
    Grace Ann Larew
    Alexandra Laughlin
    Chia-Ming "Jimmy" Lee
    Crystal Lee
    Harry Li
    Rebecca Lii
    Stefan Lilly
    Jackson Lindell
    Kelsie Linderblood
    Huma Devi Liptak
    Charles Love
    Alex Hung Luong
    Lincoln Lutrick
    Jimmy Luu
    Nathan Lux
    Daniel MacAskill
    Benjamin Madigan
    Kelli Mahand
    Duc Bao Mai
    Allison Marie Mask
    Olivia Claire Matz ▼
    Dante Mautino
    Kylie Anne McAllister
    Mitchell McGowan
    Anna Marie McKinley
    Stephanie Anne McMillan
    Alexandra Arlene McMullen-Simpson
    Ryan Jeffrey Merideth
    Lucas Seweryn Miazga
    Shaelyn Miklo
    Dustin Michael Miller
    Patrick Mitchell
    Ariana Simran Mitra
    Branden Moreau
    Dakota Louis Morrone
    Laurel Ann Mouer
    Ibrahim Huzefa Mustaly
    Maksym Mykhlyk
    Dominic Najjar
    Joshua Nelson
    Dustin Nguyen
    Jacob Nguyen
    Phuoc Nguyen
    Nimo Nour
    Molly O'Brien
    Sean O'Keefe ●
    Elizabeth Ann Orr
    SaCora Osbon
    Ramya Lakshmanan Palaniappan
    Nikhil Pallikonda
    Stephanie Pascual
    Nicholas K Pashina
    Love Kamlesh Patel
    Shreya Patel
    Drew Cameron Payton
    Jessica Peters
    Emily Pfieffer
    Anthony Werner Plagge
    Michael Poplawski
    Hannah Rose Porter
    Yogitha Posani
    Lexy Powell
    Samantha Anne Powell ●
    Miranda G Pressgrove
    Brandon Prunty
    Doris Rapp
    Charlie Rezabek
    Nicole Rizk
    Kai William Corwin Rone-Friesen
    Laura Jo Rudberg-Post ▼
    Brenna Ryan ◆
    Amrita Sandhu
    Logan Schroeder ●
    Tushar Sharma
    Edina Shu
    Gurankit Singh
    Brian Sinrud
    Karli Smith
    Jiyoon Song
    Justin Song
    Christian Anthony Sorrentino
    Haley Spector
    Paul David Stewart-Couchman
    Andrea Stone
    Maximillian Striepe
    Austin Teel
    Micah S. Thatcher
    Eli Tidwell
    Chaney Z. Tse
    Joanne Victoria Tu
    Katelyn Unvert
    Cole J. VanBockern
    Arun Velamuri
    Nicholas Vipond
    Nitya Hannah Virippil
    Joshua Waits
    Patrick Walsh
    Leighton Michael Joseph Wheeler
    Rory Wieczorek-Flynn
    Timothy J Wiess
    Everett Axel Williams
    Conner M. Willson ✙
    Joseph Wilson
    Natalie Wolfe
    Joseph Wright
    Matthew Yee
    Lauren Young
    Ling Zhong

    Graduate With Distinction
    Also Receiving Master of Public Health Degree
    Also Receiving Master of Health Care Administration Degree
    Also Receiving Master of Science in Anatomy Degree
    Fellow in Osteopathic Manual Medicine

    Speaker and Distinguished Guests

    Teresa Hubka, D.O.’89, FACOOG (dist.), FACOG, CS
    Commencement Speaker

    Teresa Hubka

    D.O.’89, FACOOG (dist.), FACOG, CS

    Read More

    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
    Grand Marshal

    Thomas Buroker

    D.O.’68, FACP

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    Thomas Buroker, D.O.’68, FACP

    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.
    Faculty Emeritus

    Traci Bush

    M.S.P.T.’95, OTR/L, D.P.T., D.H.S.

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    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.
    Faculty Emeritus

    Simon Geletta

    Ph.D.

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    Simon Geletta, Ph.D.

    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.

    D.O.’03, FAAO, FNAOME, FAOCPMR, FAAPMR
    Faculty Emeritus

    Drew Lewis

    D.O.’03, FAAO, FNAOME, FAOCPMR, FAAPMR

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    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.
    Faculty Emeritus

    Cynthia Utley

    P.T., D.P.T.

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    Cynthia Utley, P.T., D.P.T.

    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, M.S.P.A.S., 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.

    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

    Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is pleased to recognize graduates who have distinguished themselves during the course of their academic studies.

    Master of Health Care Administration Program

    Graduate With Distinction
    Brianna Olivia Warren

    Dean’s Leadership Award
    Sydney Lynn Hawekotte

    Distinguished Achievement Award
    Ryan Charles Kivett

    Pamela A. Duffy Award
    Guriqbal Singh Bhullar

    Scholarship Award
    Chad Michael Kelley

    Alpha Eta Honor Society
    Ana Fournaris
    Thomas Hosfield
    Marta Kapustynska
    Bailey Kerkel
    Ryan Kivett
    Jennifer Lower
    Ajaysinh Rana
    Megan Rinner
    Brenna Ryan
    Brianna Warren

    Master of Public Health Program

    Graduate With Distinction
    Catherine Vrentas

    Dean’s Leadership Award
    Ashley Ezzio

    Distinguished Achievement Award
    Logan G. Schroeder

    Special Recognition Award
    Patricia Alejandra Rodriguez

    Pamela A. Duffy Award
    Ali Lynn Goldensoph

    Scholarship Award
    Sara Elizabeth Belles

    Alpha Eta Honor Society
    Kristine Pinter
    Nika Schneider
    Logan Schroeder
    Catherine Vrentas

    Physician Assistant Program

    Graduate With Distinction
    Calla Valiquette

    Dean’s Leadership Award
    Madison Mealey

    Pi Alpha Honor Society
    Megan Bell
    Heather DeMark
    Rebecca Etler
    Brooke Hiatt
    Ashley Koos
    Calla Valiquette
    Anna Williams

    Physical Therapy Program

    Graduate With Distinction
    Benjamin Kytta

    Dean’s Leadership Award
    Abbey Bierma

    Special Recognition Award
    Riley E. Anderson

    Research Award
    Michael VanMeel

    Service Award
    Ryan Wayne Enerson
    David McHugh

    Clinical Education Award
    Siennah Stamness

    Sandra Teague Memorial Award
    Ryan Wayne Enerson

    Alpha Eta Honor Society
    Allison Anderson
    Kaylee Gerdts
    Benjamin Kytta
    Amber LeGrande


    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 physician assistant honor society organized for the promotion and recognition of significant academic achievement, leadership, research, community/ professional service and related activities. The society also encourages a high standard of character and conduct among both physician assistant students and graduates. The members of Pi Alpha are wearing ceremonial blue and green honor cords.

    College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

    College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Award Recipients

    Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is pleased to recognize graduates who have distinguished themselves during the course of their academic studies.

    Podiatric Medicine Program

    Graduate With Distinction
    Alex Martinez

    Leadership Award
    Mohamed AbdelGilil

    Dwayne S. Rivard, D.P.M., Surgery Award
    Tyler Gray

    ABPM Graduate Merit Award
    Stephanie Bush

    Basic Science Award
    Tyler Gray

    Timothy Holbrook Award for Excellence in Clinical Performance
    Gabriel Roberts

    Service Award
    Ogechi Okafor

    Research Award
    Lucy Xu

    Pi Delta Members
    Gwenyth Amborski
    Jared Bacardi
    Tyler Gray
    Parker Hinkle
    Christian Kent
    Connor Kinkade
    Ryan Knapp
    Alex Martinez
    Gabriel Roberts
    Fabio Sacco
    Lucy Xu


    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

    Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is pleased to recognize graduates who have distinguished themselves during the course of their academic studies.

    Anatomy Program

    Primary Degree Graduate with Distinction
    Sidney Marie Steiner

    Dual Degree Graduate with Distinction
    Jason Dale Crumb (D.O./M.S.A.)

    Biomedical Sciences Program

    Primary Degree Graduate with Distinction
    Tenly Corrine Hansen 

    Osteopathic Medicine Program

    Graduate with Distinction
    Conner Michael Willson

    Academic Achievement Awards
    Anisha Humaira Karim
    Madeline Kilby
    Charles Love

    AOF/AAOA Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial Award
    Emilie Thatcher (Spouse of graduate Micah Thatcher)

    CAP Distinguished Medical Student Award
    Sharanpreet Hira

    Excellence in Public Health Award
    Kevin Mark Kozakowski

    Garrett Reed Wheeler Award in Pediatrics
    Lexy Shantel Powell

    Global Health Outreach Award
    Clarissa Floriann Dahm

    Howard Graney Award for Outstanding Achievement in Surgery
    Madeline Kilby

    Iowa Chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians Award
    Anthony Werner Plagge

    Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association Service/Achievement Award
    Micah Thatcher

    Joseph R. McNerney, D.O., Award for Excellence in Internal Medicine
    Anisha Humaira Karim

    OMM Ram’s Head Awards for the Fellowship Program
    Hannah Christine Gustafson
    Lauren Elizabeth Hartwell
    Olivia Claire Matz
    Laura Rudberg-Post

    Clinical Discipline Awards — Behavioral Medicine (Psychiatry)
    Maximillian Striepe

    Clinical Discipline Awards — Family Medicine
    Kayla Rae Comried

    Clinical Discipline Awards — Internal Medicine
    Edina Shu

    Clinical Discipline Award — Obstetrics & Gynecology
    Abigail Mae Arky

    Clinical Discipline Award — Osteopathic Manual Medicine
    Lexy Shantel Powell

    Clinical Discipline Awards — Pediatrics
    Elaine Dandan
    Megan DeDecker
    Kristina Laura Giddens

    Clinical Discipline Awards — Surgery
    Dominic Anton Najjar
    Michael Gerard Poplawski


    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 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

    Additional Ceremony Information

    History of the University

    The history of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences reflects a continuing commitment to teach to learn and to serve.
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    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.

    As part of its ongoing commitment to provide future health care professionals with the best education possible, in 2003 DMU demolished the oldest buildings on campus to make way for the Student Education Center, which opened in 2005. These changes reflected the needs of students and faculty, as incoming class sizes increased for the osteopathic, podiatric, physician assistant and physical therapy programs. 

    In addition to enhancing its facilities, DMU has expanded its degree offerings. 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 began the process of establishing 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, a $50 million fundraising effort and the largest in DMU’s history. The campaign’s  priorities included another bold DMU initiative – to build the medical and health sciences university of the future on 88 acres in West Des Moines, Iowa. The university moved to the new site 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.

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    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 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 of our newest degree programs — master of science in anatomy and master of science in biomedical sciences — wear a hood of golden yellow. 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.

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    Board of Trustees

    Executive Committee

    Sally K. Mason, Ph.D. — Chair
    Mary A. Radia, D.O.’81 — Vice Chair
    Mark C. Menadue, D.O.’83, J.D., FACEP, FCLM — Treasurer
    Marcia L. Hammers, B.H.A.’88 — Secretary
    Michael C. Witte, D.O.’77 — Past Chair
    Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D. — President, Ex-Officio

    Trustees

    Larry J. Baker, D.O.’77, FACEP
    Eric A. Barp, D.P.M.’01, FACFAS
    Barry Braver, D.O.'79
    Hijinio G. Carreon, D.O.’03, M.B.A., CPE, FACEP, FAAEM
    Jay W. Christensen, M.H.A.’01
    Renee Hardman, M.B.A., SPHR
    Michael J. Helak, B.S.
    Victoria L. Herring, J.D.
    S. Ahmed Merchant, B.S.
    Nicki L. Nigro, D.P.M.’89 FACFAS
    Steve Richards, D.O.’74, R.P.H., FAAFP
    Stanley E. Skopit, D.O.’77, M.S.E., FAOCD, FAAD
    David A. Stark, M.A., FACHE
    T. Bernard Swift, Jr., D.O.’76, M.P.H.

    Emeriti Trustees

    Julius L. Abramsohn, D.O.’52*
    John C. Agnew, D.O.’33*
    William G. Anderson, D.O.’56, FACOS
    Arthur E. Angove, D.O.’62
    J.R. Astley*
    Joseph B. Baker, D.O.’50*
    John Baldridge*
    Richard Brown, D.O.’60
    Gilbert S. Bucholz, D.O.’58, FAOCR*
    Jennie Tripson Button, D.O.’56
    Richard F. Coatney, D.O.’60*
    John Connolly Jr., Esq.*
    Martin Diamond, D.O.’62
    Harry B. Elmets, D.O.’46*
    Bernard M. Feldman, D.O.’80, FACG
    Sue K. Fisher, D.O.’52*
    Judge Luther T. Glanton*
    Willie Stevenson Glanton, Esq.*
    Murray Goldstein, D.O.’50, M.P.H.
    James A. Grekin, D.O.’62, MACOI
    Irwin G. Groff, D.O.’51*
    H. Dean Hannam*
    W. Hal Hatchett, D.P.M.’00, FACFAS
    Richard M. Kotz, D.O.’56*
    Robert M. Kreamer, D.O.’56, FACOI*
    Judge Alfred D. Lerner*
    Madelyn “Maddie” M. Levitt*
    Ralph Levy, D.O.’60
    Myron S. Magen, D.O.’51, FACOP*
    Harold E. McKinney*
    Max "Tedd" T. McKinney II, D.O.’69, FACOFP*
    Joseph R. McNerney, D.O.’37*
    Stephen M. Morain, J.D.
    Dorothy V. Mullin, D.O.’48*
    Ralph A. Olsen*
    Glenn C. Petersen*
    David Rothman, D.O.’54, MACOI*
    Edwin Rosenblatt, D.P.M.*
    Jerry G. Rosenblatt, D.O.’56*
    Paul L. Ruza, D.O.’56*
    K. George Shimoda, D.O.’43*
    Sara "Sally" E. Sutton, D.O.’53, FAAO
    Roy L. Swarzman*
    Dan D. Toriello, D.O.’40*
    Mose Waldinger*
    Bryce E. Wilson, D.O.’49*
    C. Arthur Wittmack
    Patricia Yungclas*

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