Giving Week Set for April 22-26
Truman’s Giving Week will take place from 8 a.m. April 22 to 5 p.m. April 26.
In celebration of National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day, Truman’s Giving Week gives beautiful bulldogs the chance to come together to make a difference for Truman students by giving back. Matching funds are available for the following campaigns thanks to the generosity of lead donors.
Bertha Thomas Legacy Scholarship
The Bertha Thomas Legacy Scholarship was established in 2023 to honor Thomas for her substantial contributions to students, campus and the Kirksville community. Thomas spent the majority of her career as the assistant dean of Multicultural Affairs where she helped create safe spaces and support systems for all students, especially those from historically underrepresented groups. Gifts to the Bertha Thomas Legacy Scholarship will be matched 1:1 up to $3,000 through the generosity of Floyd Simpson III (’02).
Embedded Tutoring Program
The Embedded Tutoring program places a tutor in select classrooms to assist student learning. Classes with embedded tutors have increased overall GPA and students self-report higher grades. Gifts to the Center for Academic Excellent Embedded Tutoring program will be matched 1:1 up to $3,000 through the generosity of an anonymous sponsor.
Farm-to-Table is a collaboration with the University Farm to bring healthy, fresh, organic produce and goods directly from the nearby land to the dining hall tables. The Farm-to-Table Initiative also provides educational opportunities for students, allowing them to learn about supply chains and the importance of eating locally and in-season. The first $4,300 donated to the Farm-to-Table Initiative will receive a 1:1 match thanks to the generosity of Cindy Spiker (’93) and Michele Hoyne (’90).
Forensics
Students in the Truman Forensics Union compete in both in-person and virtual events. Gifts to the Forensics Fund will be matched 1:1 up to $10,000 through the generosity of Nishant Bhajaria (’03) and an anonymous alumni couple. At the same time, $5,000 are eligible for a 1:1 match from the start, and an additional $5,000 in matching funds are available if 50 individuals donate to the Forensics Fund during Giving Week.
Gregg Nesbitt Football Scholarship
Gregg Nesbitt spent 40 years coaching and 14 seasons as Truman’s head football coach. This scholarship honors his retirement and his many years of service to the University. Nesbitt is succeeded in his role by his son, Kellen Nesbitt, who served as assistant head coach since 2010. Gifts to the Greg Nesbitt Football Scholarship will be matched 1:1 up to $10,000 through the generosity of McLeod Express, LLC which is owned by Mac McLeod (’85).
Health and Exercise Sciences Experiential Fund
The HES Experiential Fund will allow students to travel to present research, attend conferences and deepen connections with Truman alumni and health and exercise sciences faculty. The fund is designed to provide multi-purpose support for students to participate in experiences that will expand their understanding of their academic field and their future careers. Gifts to the HES Experiential Fund will be matched 1:1 up to $12,500 through the generosity of Calaneet Balas (’97).
In celebration of the impact of Truman donors, members of the Foundation Board are offering a 2:1 match to a Foundation fund of choice.
More information about the featured campaigns is available online and will be shared on the Truman Alumni Facebook page. Donors who give $70 or more in the month of April are also eligible to receive an exclusive Truman-branded puzzle.
