Holman Family Study Abroad Scholarships and Speaker Series Make a Lasting Impact
In 2008, the Truman State University Foundation received a $2.87 million cash gift, the second-largest ever in the University’s 141-year history. The gift was from the family of Squire Paul and Meeda (Daniel) Holman, a family with a deep history with Truman.
Six scholarships for $2,500 each will be awarded from the Holman Family Study Abroad Scholarship fund this year, with preference given to students who have never traveled internationally. Truman offers study abroad opportunities in more than 50 countries around the world, and each year more than 500 Truman students participate in study abroad programs. Applications are available in the Center for International Education Office in Kirk Memorial Building and are due by 12 p.m. Feb. 3. Recipients will be named in late February.
The Holman Family Speaker Series, also funded by interest earned by the Holman’s generous gift, will showcase national and international figures and provide interaction opportunities with Truman students, faculty, staff and the northeast Missouri community. The inaugural speaker will be Michael Beschloss, who is scheduled to be on campus April 14.
The late Squire Paul and Meeda (Daniel) Holman each spent their childhood and young-adult years in Green Castle, Mo. Paul served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War I, and Meeda attended Missouri Wesleyan College in Cameron, Mo. They were married in 1923 and moved to Kirksville in 1937. Paul became a member of the staff at Truman State University, then known as Northeast Missouri State Teachers College, serving as the building custodian for Science Hall for 17 years. Both Paul and Meeda took active roles in the lives of the young scholars attending the University, and over the years, many students lived in their home, which was located across the street from the Blanton-Nason-Brewer residence hall. They influenced their children, Charles, Wilmer and Vinita, to pursue a college education and had a positive impact on many Truman students’ lives throughout their long association.
The generous gift was made to Truman State University’s “Bright Minds Bright Futures” campaign and will touch a number of young lives for generations to come.
Six scholarships for $2,500 each will be awarded from the Holman Family Study Abroad Scholarship fund this year, with preference given to students who have never traveled internationally. Truman offers study abroad opportunities in more than 50 countries around the world, and each year more than 500 Truman students participate in study abroad programs. Applications are available in the Center for International Education Office in Kirk Memorial Building and are due by 12 p.m. Feb. 3. Recipients will be named in late February.
The Holman Family Speaker Series, also funded by interest earned by the Holman’s generous gift, will showcase national and international figures and provide interaction opportunities with Truman students, faculty, staff and the northeast Missouri community. The inaugural speaker will be Michael Beschloss, who is scheduled to be on campus April 14.
The late Squire Paul and Meeda (Daniel) Holman each spent their childhood and young-adult years in Green Castle, Mo. Paul served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War I, and Meeda attended Missouri Wesleyan College in Cameron, Mo. They were married in 1923 and moved to Kirksville in 1937. Paul became a member of the staff at Truman State University, then known as Northeast Missouri State Teachers College, serving as the building custodian for Science Hall for 17 years. Both Paul and Meeda took active roles in the lives of the young scholars attending the University, and over the years, many students lived in their home, which was located across the street from the Blanton-Nason-Brewer residence hall. They influenced their children, Charles, Wilmer and Vinita, to pursue a college education and had a positive impact on many Truman students’ lives throughout their long association.
The generous gift was made to Truman State University’s “Bright Minds Bright Futures” campaign and will touch a number of young lives for generations to come.
