Des Moines University announced it has begun the public phase of the largest capital campaign in its history, with a goal to raise $25 million or more. DMU’s “Purple & Proud” campaign has reached 70 percent of that goal since beginning its quiet phase in 2014, and is set to close in December 2020. More than 300 faculty, staff, alumni and community leaders attended an on-campus gala Saturday unveiling the campaign. The fundraising will advance three priorities for the graduate medical and health sciences institution: Supporting students with enhanced learning opportunities and scholarships; investing in faculty endeavors; and enhancing facilities of the campus. “This campaign will accelerate our ability to realize extraordinary advancements and innovation in teaching, scholarly activity, clinical services and community engagement,” said Angela Walker Franklin, DMU’s president and CEO. “It will enable us to better respond to health needs across the nation. Those are critical growth areas, because just as health care needs are always changing, so, too, must medical and health sciences education.”