Truman Today

Students Honored for Outstanding Academic Achievements

The annual list of outstanding students has been released. The recipients are determined by their respective departments.

Golden Heart Week Raises More than $25,000 for Charity

Sigma Phi Epsilon raised $25,084 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in honor of their brother Nate Aldrich.

Adnew Selected as COPLAC Winner

Ruhama Adnew, a senior business administration major, has been selected as the recipient of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) 2026 David J. Prior Award for Students.

Free Alumni Shirts Available for May Graduates

Students graduating May 9 can now grab a free Truman alumni shirt from the Alumni Association. There are several opportunities for students to pick up their shirt, as well as other free goodies.

Student Orgs Reminded to Submit Updated Information Forms

Student organizations must submit an updated information form to Union and Involvement Services if they...

Student Recreation Center Finals and Summer Hours

Finals hours for the Student Recreation Center:

9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday...

Glowga Event Set During Finals Week, May 4

Phi Epsilon Kappa and Campus Recreation will host Glowga at 8 p.m. May 4 in the Student Recreation...

Open Forums Scheduled for Dean Candidates

All students and employees are invited to attend open forums for candidates for the Dean of the School...

Calling for Commencement Volunteers

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Nominations Open to Recognize Outstanding Young Alumni

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Spring Plant Sale Set for Reading Day

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Education Alumnus to Deliver Commencement Address

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May Yoga Sessions Available at Student Recreation Center

Janes Dreamweaver, director of fitness-wellness, will be teaching a free, drop-in fitness yoga class...

Faculty and Staff Honored at Service Recognition Celebration

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Volunteers Needed for Special Olympics Summer Games

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Registration Open for JBA Jr.

Summer Registration Now Open

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Online Latin Courses Expedite Undergrad Requirements

Next Issue

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May the Fourth Be with You

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Truman Included in National Ranking for Best Value Colleges

Truman has been ranked No. 21 in a list of America’s Best Value Small Colleges and Universities by SmartAsset.

The study analyzed more than 1,000 regionally accredited small colleges and universities, filtering to include only those with attendance costs less than the median of similarly sized schools. These institutions were then ranked based on graduation rate and the median earnings of alumni, with the 75 top-scoring named “best values.”

SmartAsset is an online destination for consumer-focused financial information and advice, offering educational content and personalized calculators and tools. The site connects users to financial advisors and calculators, as well as information about loans, insurance, banking accounts and more.

The full list of results and how each school compares can be found here.

Phillips Honored for Service as Hospice Volunteer

Student Nicholas Phillips is presented with Gaber Founder’s Award for Excellence in Hospice Services by Linnette Baker, RN and director of Hospice of Northeast Missouri, along with Todd Ahrens, president and CEO of Hannibal Regional Healthcare System.

Nicholas Phillips has been named by Hospice of Northeast Missouri, a service of Hannibal Regional, as one of two recipients of the Gaber Founder’s Award for Excellence in Hospice Services.

This recognition, established through a generous donation from Drs. Ron and Elsie Gaber, honors outstanding individuals who demonstrate an unwavering commitment and exceptional service in providing comfort and support to hospice patients and their families.

Phillips, a hospice volunteer and pre-medical biology major, was honored for his dedication to providing companionship and comfort to patients.

“Nicholas cared for his patient with a level of compassion and dedication that truly set him apart,” shared his nominator. “He went out of his way to ensure she felt seen, valued and never alone – often adjusting his schedule to spend extra time with her.”

Community Events

Petroglyph Tour

6:30-7 p.m.

May 8

Thousand Hills State Park, 20431 MO-157

Thousand Hills State Park is home to a collection of petroglyphs or rock carvings made by ancestors of today’s American Indians. Join park staff for a slideshow presentation to get a close up look and learn more about this unique piece of history. Meet at the petroglyph shelter located next to the beach.

Kiwanis Farmers' Market

7 a.m.-12 p.m.

May 9

Downtown Kirksville

Spring Nature Painting

6-8 p.m.

May 15

Thousand Hills State Park, 20431 MO-157

Learn how to paint a spring nature scene with staff and volunteers. Supplies will be provided but attendees may bring their own if they prefer. Seating is limited. To ensure a spot, call the park office 660.665.6995. Meet in the Special Use Area. Stay on Highway 157 and take the first right after Big Loop Road.

Kiwanis Farmers' Market

7 a.m.-12 p.m.

May 16

Downtown Kirksville

Birding for Beginners

8-9 a.m.

May 16

Thousand Hills State Park, 20431 MO-157

Join staff at Thousand Hills State Park to learn some basic birding skills and enjoy a leisurely hike. Meet at the Beach Shelter at 8 a.m. This birding hike will take place on a section of Carolyn Bagley Harding Trail. This trail has a paved surface and is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and should consider bringing binoculars, field guides and cameras. Birding for beginners is free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. This event is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. For more information, call the park office at 660.665.6995.

Kiwanis Farmers' Market

7 a.m.-12 p.m.

May 23

Downtown Kirksville

Petroglyph Tour

10-11:30 a.m.

May 24

Thousand Hills State Park, 20431 MO-157

"The Great Escape" Showing
7-9 p.m.
May 29
Curtain Call Theatre, 512 W. Elizabeth St.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., movie at 7 p.m. Admission is free, concessions available.

Kiwanis Farmers' Market

7 a.m.-12 p.m.

May 30

Downtown Kirksville

Fungal Foray

9-11 a.m.

May 31

Thousand Hills State Park, 20431 MO-157

Join Bob Johnson, Department of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, for a fungus filled day at the park. This foray will focus on exploring the diversity of fungi that exists in the park. Attendees will collect specimens and then examine and talk about what they found. Wear appropriate attire for walking in the woods and bring a basket for collecting. Meet at the parking lot, next to the playground, across from the Redbud Trailhead. Questions should be directed to the park office at 660.665.6995.

Observatory Events

For additional information regarding the Observatory and stargazing opportunities, visit observatory.truman.edu or contact Vayujeet Gokhale, professor of physics, at 660.785.4594 or gokhale@truman.edu.

Targets: Leo and Virgo cluster, M3 and M51
9-11 p.m.
May 5
Observatory at the Truman Farm

Targets: Moon, Leo and Virgo cluster and M51
9-11 p.m.
May 22
Point Shelter at Thousand Hills State Park

Targets: Venus, Milky Way and Globular Clusters
9-11 p.m.
July 3
Point Shelter at Thousand Hills State Park

Sodexo Calendar

Athletics Seeks Student Workers for Next Year

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Men’s Basketball to Host Summer Training Camps

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Women’s Basketball to Host Summer Training Camps

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Submission Information

Truman Today is a publication of Truman State University for students, faculty and staff. Deadline for entries is 5 p.m. the Thursday preceding Monday’s publication. Submit items to pr@truman.edu or complete a Truman Today submission form here. All information pertaining to news items can be filled out online, including the ability to upload images. All submissions are subject to editing for clarity, style and space. To receive a message when each new issue is available, submit an email address to pr@truman.edu.

Helpful Tips for Submitting an Item

Don’t Forget the Details. Make sure all relevant information is included with your submission. When promoting an upcoming event, make sure the time, date and place of the event is included, as well as any other details the audience should know.

Include a Picture if You Have One. Posts that include an image perform better than those that only include text. Photos that are relevant to news or events will increase the likelihood more people will see your item. Pictures should be sent as their own file, not embedded in a Word document.

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Consider Using the Publications Office. Truman’s Publications Office can help student organizations and University departments with creating materials to promote their events free of charge. The Publications Office can also provide images in the correct size for the Truman Today, social media and traditional printed posters. For more information, contact the Publications Office at publications.truman.edu or fill out a work order job request at publications.truman.edu/request-a-work-order-form. Information about Truman’s brand and visual identity can be found at identity.truman.edu.

Truman Today

Students Honored for Outstanding Academic Achievements

Golden Heart Week Raises More than $25,000 for Charity

Adnew Selected as COPLAC Winner

Free Alumni Shirts Available for May Graduates

Student Orgs Reminded to Submit Updated Information Forms

Student Recreation Center Finals and Summer Hours

Glowga Event Set During Finals Week, May 4

Open Forums Scheduled for Dean Candidates

Calling for Commencement Volunteers

Nominations Open to Recognize Outstanding Young Alumni

Spring Plant Sale Set for Reading Day

Education Alumnus to Deliver Commencement Address

May Yoga Sessions Available at Student Recreation Center

Faculty and Staff Honored at Service Recognition Celebration

Volunteers Needed for Special Olympics Summer Games

Registration Open for JBA Jr.

Summer Registration Now Open

Online Latin Courses Expedite Undergrad Requirements

Next Issue

May the Fourth Be with You

Truman Included in National Ranking for Best Value Colleges

Phillips Honored for Service as Hospice Volunteer

Community Events

Observatory Events

Sodexo Calendar

Athletics Seeks Student Workers for Next Year

Men’s Basketball to Host Summer Training Camps

Women’s Basketball to Host Summer Training Camps

Submission Information

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