Vol. 24 No. 11 - October 28, 2019

Features

  • Fountain and Plaza Celebrated at Homecoming

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    Members of the Truman community look on as President Sue Thomas cuts the ribbon for the new plaza.

    The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Sandra K. Giachino Reavey Sesquicentennial Plaza took place Oct. 19 during Homecoming weekend.

    Thanks to gifts from many generous donors through a plaza campaign, including a brick campaign, the entire Student Union Plaza received a makeover. The new fountain and surrounding area were named after Reavey, following a donation from her estate and the success of Truman’s 150th anniversary brick campaign.

    Reavey was a Kirksville native and 1962 graduate of Truman. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business education. In addition to the plaza naming gift, she also established the Sandra K. Giachino Reavey Scholarship to support Kirksville High School graduates who are majoring in business at Truman. Reavey passed away in January 2018.

    The plaza features inscribed bricks and pavers that were donated through the Sesquicentennial campaign. The Brick Lookup Tool can be used to pinpoint the section where bricks or pavers are located on the plaza.

    Art major Wesley Scafe created the purple scissors used at the ribbon cutting. They will also be used for future Truman ribbon cuttings.
  • “Vulnerability: A Call to Courage” Features Movie Screening and Discussion

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    Jennifer Hurst, professor of health and exercise sciences, in collaboration with the JED Campus committee, will host “Vulnerability: A Call to Courage,” from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 11 in Violette Hall 1000.

    This event will include a screening of “A Call to Courage,” a Netflix documentary by Brene Brown that discusses what it takes to be courageous in getting out of comfort zones in today’s culture. Hurst discussed vulnerability as part of her Truman Week lecture to the incoming freshmen class this past August, and this event will build on themes discussed in that presentation.

    The documentary will be followed by a group activity and discussion, facilitated by Hurst, exploring participants’ experiences of vulnerability at Truman and how to create a culture on campus that supports vulnerability and personal growth for students, faculty and staff alike.

    All members of campus are invited to attend and are welcomed for the discussion. Faculty members or organizations who wish to incorporate the event into their classes or meetings are invited to contact Hurst for a short resource document that includes background on the original Truman Week lecture and ideas for reflection prompts that can be incorporated into discussions or assignments.

    Any questions about the presentation can be directed to Hurst at jhurst@truman.edu.
  • Forensics Earns Multiple Championships at UCM Tournament

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    Truman’s forensic union competed at the annual Missouri Mule and Dale Carnegie Swing tournament hosted by the University of Central Missouri, Oct. 19 and 20, earning nine new national qualifications and multiple sweepstakes awards.

    In individual event speaking, senior Austin Sopko kicked off a successful weekend by earning a tournament championship in afterdinner speaking, second place in impromptu speaking and fourth place in duo interpretation with junior Audrey Baker. Sopko’s high ranks in multiple events earned him third place in pentathalon, a sweepstakes award for students competing in at least five different speaking categories. Baker also reached finals in prose interpretation, finishing third. First-year Maya Krump earned a top novice award in informative speaking.

    On the second day of competition, Sopko accomplished the rare feat of earning back-to-back championships in an event with another win in afterdinner speaking. Sopko also earned a second championship by placing first in duo interpretation with Baker. Baker picked up her own championship as well, winning prose interpretation. All three of these tournament championships were based on unanimous decisions by the judging panels.

    The success did not stop there as Sopko earned second place in prose interpretation to Baker, and Baker earned fourth place in persuasive speaking. Sopko’s consistent success paid off, earning him a tournament championship in pentathalon, his fourth championship of the weekend. Senior Rebecca Walker earned third place in persuasive speaking and Krump placed fifth in informative speaking, earning her second top novice trophy for the event.

    The first day of debate saw six debaters advance to elimination rounds. First-year Gabe Smith dominated the junior varsity (JV) division, earning a tournament championship in Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate with a perfect preliminary round record. First-year Zach Evans also reached elimination rounds in the JV division, finishing as a semifinalist. Sophomore Michael Garrett and first-year Johnny Blocker finished as quarterfinalist in the JV division. Garrett also earned the award for fourth best speaker in the division and Evans took second. In the novice division, first-year Jacob Tourville reached the semi-final round and first-year Alec Cochran earned a quarterfinalist ranking.

    The second day of debate saw Cochran and Tourville both reach the final round of the novice division in LD, resulting in their co-championship. Both had perfect records in preliminary rounds. Cochran also earned the award for fourth best speaker in the division and Tourville earned third best speaker. In the JV division, first-year Zoie Francisco advanced to the final round and finished in second place in LD.

    After totaling the scores for the whole weekend, the team earned third in individual events sweepstakes, second in debate sweepstakes overall and second in overall combined speech and debate sweepstakes.

    The team will travel next to the Redbird Swing Nov. 2 and 3, hosted by Illinois State University. For more information on how to get involved, visit forensics.truman.edu or contact Christopher Outzen, director of forensics or Craig Hennigan, assistant director of forensics.
  • Emergency Notification System Test Scheduled for Nov. 8

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    Truman will conduct a test of the emergency notification system at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 8.

    Students, faculty and staff who have signed up to receive Truman emergency alert text notifications will get a TruAlert text and email message letting them know it is a test. Those that have not signed up for emergency text messaging can do so through TruView.

    To sign up, sign in to TruView and click on the “Truman” tab. Click the “Update Emergency Text Messaging Information” under “Update and View My Personal Information” (lower right screen). A maximum of three phones can be registered to receive texts. Confirm information in the same manner.

    An emergency alert will be displayed on all Truman computer systems where the Alertus software has been installed. This should include nearly all workstations on campus. There will also be alerts sent to digital signs in Violette Hall, Magruder Hall, Ophelia Parrish and Health Sciences, to the Truman channel on the cable televisions in residence halls and to classrooms with the Truman touch-pad control system installed.

    The campus is also encouraged to review the emergency procedures. It is important the entire community is familiar with these procedures in order to understand how to respond appropriately in a number of emergency situations.

    The city of Kirksville is also implementing a new mass notification system known as ReGroup. Alerts can be customized by email, text and/or phone call. There are a variety of groups that can be joined to get notifications about emergencies, advisories, community events and newsletters. Sign-up can be completed here.

Announcements

  • Laser Shows Return to Planetarium

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    The Del and Norma Planetarium will host laser shows through Nov. 2. Attendees should be advised the laser shows involve loud music and bright, flashing lights. Shows are not conducive to those with epilepsy or sensitivity to loud noises and flashing light. Shows will last 30-45 minutes.

    Electro Pop
    7p.m.
    Oct. 28

    Fright Light

    8 p.m.
    Oct. 28

    Laser Metallica

    9 p.m.
    Oct. 28

    Laser X

    7 p.m.
    Oct. 29

    Laser Beatles
    8 p.m.
    Oct. 29

    Electro Pop

    9 p.m.
    Oct. 29

    Laser Rock
    6 p.m.
    Oct. 30

    Hypnotica
    7 p.m.
    Oct. 30

    Fright Light

    8 p.m.
    Oct. 30

    Laser Vinyl
    9 p.m.
    Oct. 30

    Fright Light

    4 p.m.
    Oct. 31

    Laser Queen

    6 p.m.
    Oct. 31

    Pink Floyd

    7 p.m.
    Oct. 31

    Fright Light

    8 p.m.
    Oct. 31

    Fright Light II

    9 p.m.
    Oct. 31

    Fright Light II
    4 p.m.
    Nov. 1

    Laser Country

    6 p.m.
    Nov. 1

    Laser Vinyl

    7 p.m.
    Nov. 1

    Laser Retro

    8 p.m.
    Nov. 1

    Laser Queen

    9 p.m.
    Nov. 1

    Laser U2

    4 p.m.
    Nov. 2

    Laser X

    6 p.m.
    Nov. 2

    Laser Zeppelin
    8 p.m.
    Nov. 2

    Laser Beatles

    9 p.m.
    Nov. 2
  • Econ Speaker Examines School Choice and Gender Pay Gap

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    The Economics Department Speaker Series kicks off with guest speaker Dr. Angela Dills, who will present on school choice and the gender pay gap.

    Dills is the Gimelstob-Landry Distinguished Professor of Regional Economic Development at Western Carolina University. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia along with a Master of Arts and Ph.D. from Boston University. Specializing in the economics of education, crime and health, her research focuses on policy issues such as school choice accountability, peer effects, college quality and alcohol and drug prohibition. Her work has appeared in publications such as the Journal of Health Economics, American Economic Review, Economic Inquiry, the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization and the Economics of Education Review.

    Dills will present on educational and school choice in a class at 4:30 p.m., Oct. 28 in McClain 208. Her talk will describe the types of school choice in the U.S. and provide domestic and international evidence on the effectiveness of school choice.

    Later in the evening, Dills will speak on wage differentials and the gender pay gap at 7 p.m. in Baldwin Little Theater. She will describe a variety of potential explanations with empirical evidence on why women earn 80 cents for every dollar a typical man earns. In closing, she will provide a detailed understanding of what is behind the pay gap.

    These events are hosted by the Economics Department and are free to the public.
  • CMDS to Host Open House for Graduate Students

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    The Communication Disorders Department (CMDS) will host a Graduate Student Open House from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nov. 2 in the Health Science Building Room 2203. All prospective students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in communication disorders from Truman are invited to attend. Information regarding the CMDS graduate program, the profession, employment opportunities and funding for graduate school will be provided, along with the opportunity to meet faculty, alumni and students of the program. RSVP to Connie Ikerd, CMDS secretary, by Oct. 28.
  • Study Abroad Office Offers CLS Info Session

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    The Critical Language Scholarship Program is an intensive, fully funded opportunity for American college and university students to learn one of 15 languages deemed essential by the U.S. government. The Study Abroad Office will sponsor a Critical Language Scholarship Program info session from 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 28 in Baldwin Hall 114.
  • Guest Lecturer Presents Analysis of Buffy the Vampire Slayer

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  • Research Trip Provides Opportunities in Peru

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    In summer 2020, Truman students of any major will have the opportunity to study and conduct research in Tambopata National Reserve in Peru.

    Cultural experiences will include a day of service in Puerto Maldonado and exploration of Lima. Coursework for the class will begin on campus in the first block of summer session and will be aimed at providing students background information and tools to develop their research projects.

    The class will travel as a group to Peru to spend nine days in research at Sachavacayoc Center and cultural experiences in Puerto Maldonado. Three days will be spent in the Lima area expanding knowledge on biodiversity in Peru and culture.

    This four-credit study abroad course fulfills the intercultural perspective and provides four biology elective credits. There are no prerequisites to participate, and non-degree seeking students are eligible to enroll. Application and more information can be found at studyabroad.truman.edu/programs/faculty-led/peru.

    Stephanie Foré, professor of biology, and Enrique Pareja, assistant professor of STEM education, MAE mathematics and science, are the faculty members who will oversee the trip. Students can meet them at an informational session at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30 in Magruder Hall 2007.
  • Summer Study Abroad in Costa Rica

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    There will be an informational meetings for students interested in the Costa Rica study abroad program at 7 p.m. Oct. 30 in McClain Hall 306.

    Students will attend the Costa Rica Language Academy (CRLA), located in San José, the country’s capital, from May 16 through July 11, 2020. They will have a complete linguistic and cultural immersion by living with a host family. In addition, students will travel on weekend excursions to bio-diverse sites such as Monteverde, Arenal and Tortuguero, where they will experience trips to volcanoes, hot springs, colonial-era churches, zip lining, waterfalls, a crocodile tour and relaxing beaches.

    Students will earn 12 hours of 300-400 level credit taking the following courses: Spanish Grammar and Composition; Spanish Conversation; Introduction to Hispanic Literature; and Latin American Culture and Civilization. Nine credits apply to the Spanish minor and six credits apply to the Spanish major. Students must complete Spanish 202 before studying in Costa Rica.

    The Department of Classical & Modern Languages sponsors this study abroad program. For more information, contact Oscar Sendon, Matthew Tornatore or visit studyabroad.truman.edu/programs/faculty-led/costarica/.
  • Sigma Alpha to Host Annual Haunted Corn Maze

    Sigma Alpha will host their annual haunted corn maze Oct. 31 through Nov. 3. Admission is $5, or $3 with a student ID. Dates and times include:

    Oct. 31
    7-11 p.m.

    Nov. 1
    8 p.m.-12 a.m.

    Nov. 2
    8 p.m.-12 a.m.

    Nov. 3 (Kids Day)
    1-3 p.m.
    This is a free event for children. There will be a cake walk, pumpkin bowling, duck pond and corn hole.

    For more information, visit the Facebook event for the haunted corn maze or for the kids day.

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  • Lyceum Spotlights American Renaissance Man

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    The Kohlenberg Lyceum Series continues Nov. 1 with a tribute to American singer, actor and political activist Paul Robeson.

    Robeson graduated as valedictorian from Rutgers University in 1919. He received a law degree from Columbia University and passed the New York State Bar in 1922. He was the first African-American lawyer hired by a New York law firm.

    The son of a preacher, Robeson dreamed of a colorblind society. He spoke out against the Holocaust, visited the Warsaw ghetto in Poland, co-founded the Organization for African Unity with W.E.B. Dubois and pushed for the liberation of Africa.

    Actor, singer and comedian Stogie Kenyatta will perform “The World is My Home: The Life of Paul Robeson” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 in Baldwin Hall Auditorium. In this performance, Kenyatta will bring his unique interpretation to the stage, where he majestically captures the essence of Robeson through an entertaining, laugh-out-loud, music-filled show. Portraying 14 characters, he chronologically takes the audience through the life of history’s first black renaissance man and one of America’s most complex and brilliant citizens.

    Tickets for this performance are $10 and can be purchased now at the Truman cashiers window in McClain Hall or online at lyceum.truman.edu.
  • Safe Zone Training Open to All

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    The Center for Diversity and Inclusion will host Safe Zone Training from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Nov. 1 and 3-5 p.m. Nov. 21 in the Student Union Building Room 3000. Participants will learn current terminology and simple ways to create a welcoming campus environment. Training sessions are for people to learn more about LGBTQ issues and, specifically, LGBTQ issues regarding students at Truman. Trainings are open to all wanting to become a Safe Zone ally. RSVP here. For more information, contact Brad Turnbull at bturnbull@truman.edu.
  • International Education Week Scheduled for Nov. 3-9

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    International Education Week, Nov. 3-9, is a nationally recognized event that serves as an opportunity to celebrate international students and study abroad opportunities. These experiences enrich education and make campus a more diverse and welcoming place. Events include:

    Night Market
    5-7 p.m.
    Nov. 3
    Student Union Building Down Under
    Admission is $5 and will feature food cooked by campus cultural clubs.

    Game Night

    6-8 p.m.
    Nov. 4
    Baptist Student Union

    International Tea and Coffee
    5-6:30 p.m.
    Nov. 5
    Student Union Building Hub

    Careers Around the World
    7-8 p.m.
    Nov. 7
    Baldwin Hall Room 114

    Language Crash Course

    7-8 p.m.
    Nov. 8
    Violette Hall 1400s

    International Idol
    7 p.m.
    Nov. 9
    Baldwin Hall Auditorium
    Students can see a variety of performances from different international students, and judges will award a prize for the top performance.
  • Prism to Host Student Drag Show

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  • Get Your Financial Life Together with Erin Lowry

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    Author and personal finance expert, Erin Lowry (also known as “Broke Millennial”) will be on campus at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room to talk all things money. She will explore topics such as how to make yourself save, budgeting, and investing. Lowry will help students unearth their emotional relationship with money and discover how that impacts decisions. This is event is being made possible by FAC and the School of Business, with co-sponsors including Delta Sigma Pi, Alpha Sigma Alpha and Alpha Phi Omega.
  • Ofstad Reading Series Presents Zoë Estelle Hitzel

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  • ATSU Founder Portrayed in Special Event

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    A.T. Still University will host the Missouri premiere of “Dr. A.T. Still – America’s Healthcare Disruptor” at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 in Baldwin Hall Auditorium. The event will present a portrayal of Dr. A.T. Still, founder of osteopathic medicine, and feature Patrick Lobert, Ph.D. For additional information, contact communications@atsu.edu or call 660.626.2272.
  • Ireland Study Abroad Trip Focuses on Public Relations and Journalism

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    A faculty-led study abroad trip in May and June 2020 will explore the culture of Ireland while studying public relations and journalism through an international experience.

    The three-week trip will be led by Don Krause, professor of communication. The group will stay in Dublin and Belfast. Sites planned for the trip include Kilkenny Castle, a cliff walk from Greystones to Bray, the Book of Kells and Giant’s Causeway. Students will also go on a political tour in Belfast to learn about “The Troubles.”

    Throughout their time abroad, students will look at communication-related topics including public relations, journalism and photography from an Irish perspective. The trip is open to all majors, and students will earn three credits.

    Students who wish to be considered for Foundation Scholarships need to complete their application by Nov. 15. The regular application deadline will be Jan. 20. To learn more about the trip, visit studyabroad.truman.edu/programs/faculty-led/commireland or contact Krause.
  • Autism Spokesperson Temple Grandin to Speak on Campus

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    Renowned autism spokesperson and professor of animal science, Temple Grandin will speak Dec. 6 in Baldwin Auditorium.

    Grandin is one of the most accomplished and well-known adults with autism in the world. Her life was brought to screen in the HBO full-length film, “Temple Grandin,” starring Claire Danes. She has been inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, featured on NPR and has a 2010 TED lecture titled “The World Needs ALL Kinds of Minds.” She has also been featured on the BBC special “The Woman Who Thinks Like a Cow,” ABC’s “Primetime Live,” NBC’s “The Today Show” and more.

    Grandin developed her talents into a successful career as a livestock-handling equipment designer and is one of few in the world. She has authored multiple books including her bestselling book on autism, “The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism and Asperger’s.” Grandin is considered a philosophical leader in both the animal welfare and autism advocacy movements.

    As one of the first individuals on the autism spectrum to publicly share insights from her personal experiences, Grandin will be presenting on her life, how she got to where she is today and educating about autism. She will also be the keynote speaker for the Livestock Symposium, taking place Dec. 7.

    Those interested in hearing Grandin speak can visit eventbrite.com to purchase a ticket for $99. For more information contact Donna Brown at 660.341.9993. The Missouri Livestock Symposium website will also have event details.
  • Students Eligible for Research Grants and Travel Aid

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    The Office of Student Research is accepting applications for Conference Travel Scholarship and Grants-in-Aid of Scholarship and Research (GIASR).

    Students presenting the results of their research or creative scholarship in upcoming conferences from January to June 2020 are able to request scholarship aid to cover up to $500. The scholarships will aid in costs for conference registration, lodging and travel expenses. Students must have completed or be currently involved in a faculty-mentored research experience and plan on presenting at the conference.

    GIASR applications are available for research and creative scholarship conducted in Spring 2020. Grant applications can request up to $750 and can cover student stipends, supplies and travel to conduct research. A GIASR writing proposal will take place from 3:30-5 p.m. Oct. 28 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room A.

    Complete guidelines for the Conference Travel Scholarship and GIASR applications can be found at the Office of Student Research website. Applications for both funding opportunities are due at 11:59 p.m. Nov. 13. Further questions can be sent to osr@truman.edu.
  • Food Packs Available for Truman Students

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    Drawstring packs of food are now available for Truman students experiencing food insecurity. Any student limiting their food intake due to cost is eligible to receive a pack. Packs can be picked up with a Truman ID between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the SERVE Center located in the Student Union Building 1105. Food is provided by Pantry for Adair County in partnership with the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri.
  • Apply Early for 2020-21 FAFSA

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    Students should file the 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) located at fafsa.gov as soon as possible to determine aid eligibility.

    Although some students may not qualify for grants or work study, all are considered for the federal direct loan (no co-signer required). Filing the FAFSA does not commit a student to taking a loan, but it does allow more payment options.

    The 2020-21 FAFSA requires students to report income and tax information from 2018. It is recommended that students should apply before Feb. 1, 2020. For questions, contact the Financial Aid Office in McClain Hall 103 or call 660.785.4130.

Notables

  • Notables

    Truman students Mary Butler, Reuben Kern, Addison Leabo, Alexandra Marko, Kerstin Peterson and Alyssa Tipler gave research poster presentations at the 2019 Midwest Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Wichita, Kan. Biochemistry majors Butler, Peterson and Tipler presented on developing an essay to understand the mechanism of a protein chaperone. Biochemistry major Kern and biology majors Leabo and Marko presented on the work they have done creating disulfide-mediated aggregates of the proteins that cause cataracts in order to see if a molecular chaperone can reverse this aggregation. These students will be continuing their work in the Dobson lab.

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    Kerstin Peterson, Reuben Kern, Addison Leabo, Cassidy Dobson, Alexandra Marko, Mary Butler and Alyssa Tipler

Scholarship Opportunities

  • Spring 2020 Scholarships Available

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    Spring 2020 Foundation Scholarship applications are now available.

    This is a smaller application period for Foundation scholarships that have not yet been awarded for the 2019-20 school year. The main application period will begin in February for 2020-21 scholarships. Scholarships totaling nearly $200,000 are available for the spring. Foundation scholarships are established by generous alumni and friends of the University.

    Recipients must be enrolled full-time during the term of the scholarship to receive the full amount. Click here to apply in TruView. Applications can be submitted and revised at any time prior to the Nov. 1 deadline.
  • Foundation Scholarship Application Open for Study Abroad Programs

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    Students can apply to a faculty-led study abroad program by Nov. 15 to be considered for a Truman State University Foundation Scholarship.

    Faculty-led programs being offered during the May Interim and Summer 2020 semester include:

    Biology in the Amazon Rainforests of Peru
    Journalism and PR in Ireland
    Summer Spanish Programs in Costa Rica and Spain
    Japanese Language and Culture in Japan
    Creative Writing and Communication in England
    Business in Italy, Croatia and Slovenia
    Cantoria Choir concert tour in France
    Communication Disorders clinical experience in Mexico
    Nursing clinical experience in the Philippines

    Foundation Scholarships for study abroad are awarded in varying increments, ranging from $500-$3,000. Last year, more than $80,000 in total scholarships were awarded, and this year’s total awards are estimated to be about the same amount. Priority consideration for Foundation Scholarships will be given to students who have applied for a faculty-led program, paid a program deposit and completed a registration agreement by Nov. 15.

    Students can apply online through TruView>Student Tab>Registration>Apply to Study Abroad. Awards will be announced by Dec. 6 and students will have through Jan. 20 to accept any award or receive a refund of their deposit.

    Students can explore faculty-led programs here. Contact Will Storm with any questions.