Annual Glanton Event
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026
Each year, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences hosts the Glanton Event, bringing together hundreds of community leaders who believe in expanding health care opportunities. Their support helps DMU meet its mission of preparing future health professionals to establish positive, trusting relationships with patients and offer culturally competent care.
Save the date for our next annual Glanton Event, and secure your spot by supporting the Glanton Fund.
The Impact of the Glanton Fund
The Glanton Fund supports Des Moines University’s goal to create a campus environment that encourages an appreciation for the cultural differences that exist in society and attracts students of all backgrounds to be part of the university and the greater Des Moines community.
The fund generates scholarships for students with significant financial need with preference given to those whose qualities best align with DMU’s mission and values. It also funds educational programs that help students engage with broader perspectives and serve all communities effectively.
The Glanton Fund: By the Numbers
Over $6.1 million total endowment
More than $4 million awarded to students
All 1,534 enrolled students impacted this year
About the Glanton Fund
The Glanton Fund is a unique program established to recognize the contributions of the late Judge Luther T. Glanton and Willie Stevenson Glanton to Des Moines University and Central Iowa. The fund:
- Generates scholarships to enable promising students to attend DMU.
- Supports university programming that explores an appreciation for cultural differences.
The Glanton Fund requires eligible recipients to demonstrate financial need, determined annually by a valid FAFSA. Many individuals and organizations support the fund as sponsors of the annual Glanton Event.
Judge Luther T. Glanton and Willie Stevenson Glanton
Judge Luther T. Glanton and Willie Stevenson Glanton were lawyers who dedicated their lives to professional leadership and community service. He was the first Black judge in Iowa. She was the first Black female assistant county attorney and the first Black person from Polk County to serve in the Iowa Legislature.
They shared a devotion to DMU, too. Judge Glanton joined the DMU Board of Trustees in 1979. When he died in 1991, Mrs. Glanton took his place on the board, became its chair in 1999 and served as a member untill 2012. She passed away in 2017.
“Preparing future health professionals to be culturally competent, respectful of differences and aware of their own biases is critical in reducing inequality in health care.
We are all responsible to help, guide and empower our students to become culturally competent.”
Richard A. Salas, Ph.D.
Chief Diversity Officer
“To serve my community as a bilingual physical therapist is one of my top motivations. I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in health care. While I rarely saw providers who shared my language and culture, I knew that through hard work and sacrifices, I could accomplish this dream.
The Glanton Scholarship has been fundamental in alleviating the financial burden not only for myself but for my family as well. I am truly blessed to be a recipient of the Glanton Scholarship.”
Maricela Real, D.P.T.’25
Glanton Recipient
“We must stop trying to be the voice for underserved communities. Our job is to listen, to amplify and to ensure their stories and needs are heard and acted upon.”
Jayce Clark, D.O.’27
Glanton Recipient
Latest About the Glanton Fund
Celebrating Impact and Championing the Future: Highlights from the 2025 Glanton Event
On Wednesday, Oct. 22, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and the Des Moines community came together for an evening of celebration, inspiration and powerful storytelling at the 2025 Glanton Event presented by UnityPoint Health.
UnityPoint Health to Serve as Presenting Sponsor of Des Moines University’s Glanton Event
UnityPoint Health will be the presenting sponsor for the 2025 Glanton Event on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, at The Meadows Event Center in Altoona, Iowa, advancing Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences’ mission to prepare a health care workforce that meets the needs of all communities.
