Endocrinology holiday party, 2025

As Chair & DEO Upi Singh, MD, wrote in her last post, it turned out that members of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism did “have much to celebrate.” Over the course of an evening spent in the International Ballroom of the University of Iowa’s Memorial Union, lots of evidence were on display of a successful 2024 in each of its academic missions.

Event organizers were prepared to tell that story to attendees, publishing a booklet for each guest that contained a printout of every digital monitor slide from throughout the year. Announcements on the division-based monitor ranged from grant wins and promotions to publications and discoveries to life events and social gatherings.

But before they even entered the ballroom to find their own copy of the book, guests were greeted by Division Director Ayotunde Dokun, MD, PhD, FACE, and his spouse. They were encouraged to don a name tag and choose a size for their own division-branded zip-up jacket.

Once inside, Division Coordinator Laura Bibby handed out drink tickets and pointed them to the appetizers. Guests mingled during the social hour and began scouting out where they would be seated for the buffet style dinner.

Following dinner and dessert, Bibby and Division Administrator Collin Just formally welcomed guests and described the purpose of the other documents on the tables in addition to the Year in Review books. The first was a questionnaire with openers like “What is something you like to do on a day off” and “What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done in the last 6 months.” Guests were encouraged to pair off with someone that they did not work with regularly and spent the next 10 minutes making new acquaintances into stronger friends.

One more activity remained, a competition to see who could form the most words out of the word “SNOWFLAKES.” Attendees quickly jotted down as many as they could in the brief allotted time. The winner ended up with a large box of chocolates, a different kind of melting soon to follow.

Then a raffle for 4 different gift bags was held and winners with an assortment of goodies inside.

Dokun and Just then took the stage to make a few remarks of gratitude to the division. Dokun pointed guests to the books at their table for more details but called out each of the missions, including the strength of the research labs in securing external funding and the recent fellowship match in which all of the program’s top picks also made Iowa their top pick.

Dokun also recognized longtime clinic staff member Vicky Putnam on her remarkable 40 years of service to UI Health Care, as she nears retirement. Clinic director Amie Ogunsakin, MD, expressed her affection for Putnam as well. Dokun also acknowledged the extraordinary leadership of Professor Yumi Imai, MD, as he presented her with a division excellence award. Another service award, intended for nurse clinician Michelle Allswell was accepted by her partner, Will, in her absence.

Finally, Dokun thanked Just, Bibby, and Kim Tolsdorf for their hard work in organizing a lively and interactive celebration that evening.