DMU Mini Medical School Opens Registration
WEST DES MOINES, IA (12/03/2025) High school students curious about a career in health care can now register for Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences' Mini Medical School. The program, offered at no cost, is held on Tuesday evenings in February 2026 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at DMU's campus, 8025 Grand Ave., West Des Moines. Participants will work directly with DMU faculty and students in interactive sessions that introduce them to medical problem-solving, patient care and career paths in
DMU Dual Degree Student Earns National Award for Public Health Impact
WEST DES MOINES, IA (12/01/2025) Gabrielle Hammond, D.O.'27, M.P.H.'27, has been named a recipient of the 2025 U.S. Public Health Service Physicians Professional Advisory Committee Excellence in Public Health Award. The award honors medical students from across the U.S. who have made significant contributions to advancing public health through research, advocacy and outreach. Recipients are selected for the impact of their work, the level of leadership demonstrated and their potential for a future career
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Keynote Speakers and Early Bird Registration Announced for the Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (Monday, Dec. 1, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has opened registration for the sixth annual Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit, presented by Chase Bank. The 2026 event will feature Coach Ken Carter and Reggie Love as the keynote speakers. Coach Ken Carter is a successful businessman, author and high school basketball coach best known as the real-life inspiration behind the film “Coach Carter,” starring Samuel L. Jackson. The story comes from his time at
Des Moines University Wins CASE District Award
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/24/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has earned a Best of District VI Award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education for a video featuring one of its distinguished alumni. CASE awards recognize institutions that set the bar for excellence in alumni relations, fundraising, advancement services, special events, and marketing and communications. The award-winning piece, titled "DMU Pioneer in Osteopathic Medicine and Public Service," shares
DMU Professor Selected as National Research Champion
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/19/2025) Jason Semprini, Ph.D., MPP, assistant professor of public health at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, was named to the inaugural cohort of AcademyHealth's Champions for Health Services and Prevention Research program. Supported by the Doris Duke Foundation, the program will foster connections between researchers and policymakers in communities across the nation. Through the program, the 21 selected research champions - mostly early-stage academics - will
New Research Shows Collaborative Care for Plantar Heel Pain Leads to Long-Term Savings and Better Outcomes
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/17/2025) A multi-year study led by Shane McClinton, P.T., D.P.T., Ph.D., shows that combining physical therapy with standard podiatry care for plantar heel pain improves patients' quality of life while also cutting long-term health care costs. McClinton is a physical therapist at Des Moines University Clinic - Physical Therapy and also teaches at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences. The research project, "Cost Effectiveness of Physical Therapist Treatment in
DMU Researcher Publishes Article
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/14/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences doctoral researcher, Stephanie Cole, Ph.D., recently authored an article on dismemberment trauma titled, "Deciphering Dismemberment Cuts: Statistical Relationships Between Incomplete Kerf Morphology and Saw Class Characteristics." It's the first publication funded by a grant from the National Institute of Justice supporting Cole and Heather Garvin, Ph.D., as they evaluate the forensic utility of tool marks left in bone in
Icons of Impact: One-of-a-Kind Mentorship Showcase Launches November 12th
[Des Moines, IA – November 13, 2025] – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa presents Icons of Impact: Mentorship Showcase, a new fundraising initiative co-chaired by Connie Wimer and Mike McCoy. This event brings together influential leaders, executives, and changemakers for a unique one-to-one mentorship experience. The public can make pledges on exclusive 1.5–2 hour mentorship sessions, available virtually or in-person, with some of Central Iowa’s most respected figures. The highest pledges will win
Des Moines University Wins National 2025 UCDA Design Award
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/10/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has earned an award of excellence in the 2025 University & College Designers' Association's Design Awards. The award-winning entry - a recruitment box for the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery - was among the 195 projects selected for recognition. The recruitment box included a stress toy in the shape of a white coat, a "Future D.P.M." lapel pin and a welcome card for newly admitted students. Kathryn Finney,
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West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Open Nominations for 2026 High School Leadership Academy
WEST DES MOINES, IA (October 14, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) today announced that nominations are now open for the 2026 High School Leadership Academy (HSLA)—a free, spring-semester program exclusively for students in grades 9–11 within the West Des Moines Community School District (WDMCS). Led by Meredith Murphy, Director of Future Workforce at the WDM Chamber, HSLA will select 30 students for its 2026 program, featuring four full-day sessions designed to build
City of West Des Moines and West Des Moines Chamber Release Findings from 2025 Business Survey
WEST DES MOINES, IA (September 16, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of West Des Moines, has released the results of its 2025 Business Survey, conducted in May to better understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing the local business community. The survey gathered input from businesses and the community across the region. Responses will help shape future policies, programs, and initiatives designed to support economic growth, enhance city
Keynotes and Current Mentor Lineup Revealed for WDM Chamber’s 8th Annual Regional Mentoring for Women Conference
WEST DES MOINES, IA (August 12, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the current mentor lineup for its 8th Annual Mentoring for Women Conference, presented by Wellabe, on September 19, 2025, at the West Des Moines Marriott. The event provides women in Central Iowa the chance to learn from top regional leaders through fast-paced coaching sessions and interactive learning activities. “The Mentoring for Women Conference is a valuable opportunity to learn directly from
West Des Moines Leadership Academy Graduates Class and Breaks Fundraising Record
The West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA), a program of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, congratulates the Class of 2025 on graduating. During the nine-month program, participants built leadership skills through hands-on learning, critical thinking, and a Community Impact Project that set a new fundraising record. The 33-member class supported West Des Moines Human Services through its Community of Care Campaign. Instead of hosting one large fundraiser, they took a multi-faceted
West Des Moines Chamber Extends Nomination Deadline for Reignite CommUNITY
WEST DES MOINES, IA (May 30, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is extending the nomination period for Reignite CommUNITY 2025. Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. “There are incredible individuals and organizations across Iowa driving real change,” said Kara Matheson, vice president of workforce development & culture for the WDM Chamber. “This extension gives more people the opportunity to highlight their impact and be recognized for their
WDM Chamber Announces Visionary Leaders Legacy Forum Series and Featured Leaders
WEST DES MOINES, IA (May 6, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has launched the Visionary Leaders Legacy Forum, a new monthly speaker series featuring influential Iowa executives who are nearing or have recently entered retirement after decades of service. Each forum highlights a leader’s personal career journey, key lessons learned, and the legacy they aim to leave behind. The series is designed to inspire both emerging and established professionals through the stories of those who have
WDM Chamber Announces Catalyst Award Presented by Principal®, to Be Awarded at Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 8, 2025) – The 2025 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo will introduce an exciting new honor this year: the Catalyst Award, presented by Principal®. This award will recognize one standout finalist from the Summit’s Pitch Competition, where eight innovative entrepreneurs will showcase their businesses before a panel of judges and a live audience. "We are thrilled to support this pitch competition because it embodies our commitment to fostering
WDM Chamber Announces Speakers for May 2025 Luncheon
WEST DES MOINES, IA (April 1, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces its speakers for the May Luncheon: Real Estate & Economic Development Trends, presented by Shive-Hattery, with supporting sponsor Samuels Group and non-profit spotlight Meals from the Heartland. The event will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Arcadia Building, 7000 Vista Drive, West Des Moines, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. The annual West Des Moines Real Estate Trends & Investments Luncheon brings
WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER LAUNCHES WEST YP APP & VYP PROGRAM
WEST DES MONES, IA (FEBRUARY 18, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is excited to announce the launch of the West YP App, a groundbreaking tool designed to revolutionize the way young professionals connect, learn, and grow. Available exclusively to members of the West YP program, this app is a reimagined experience tailored for Central Iowa’s next generation of leaders. West YP is the young professional program powered by the WDM Chamber that launched in 2021 and has since
WDM Chamber Announces Speakers for February 2025 Luncheon
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, January 14, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces its speakers for the February Luncheon: INSPIRE 2025, presented by Bank Iowa and featuring Non-Profit Spotlight on Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa. February’s luncheon will feature insights from industry leaders on innovation, collaboration, and ignite action for the year ahead. “INSPIRE 2025 is an incredible opportunity to hear from thought leaders who are shaping our future,” said Katherine
