Vol. 21 No. 15 - December 5, 2016
Features
MIT-based Physicist to Give Commencement Address
Brandon Sorbom, a physicist from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will give the commencement address during graduation ceremonies Dec. 17.
Sorbom is a sixth-year Ph.D. candidate at MIT and the lead author of the ARC Reactor design study, a student-led conceptual design for a small, modular fusion pilot plant. Along with other students, researchers and engineers at MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, he is working on applying new superconducting magnet technology to accelerate the development of fusion energy as a usable power source in the future.
A native of Southern California, Sorbom received bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and engineering physics from Loyola Marymount University in 2010. At LMU, he performed undergraduate research in astrophysics and electrostatic confinement fusion, and he built a small fusion device called a Farnsworth Fusor.
As part of his thesis work, Sorbom repaired and refurbished an old linear particle accelerator in the basement of his lab building. He is currently using the accelerator to study the response of superconductors in a simulated fusion reactor operating environment. He hopes that his research will help enable a faster path to realizing fusion as a source of clean energy for the world.
Sorbom was originally invited to speak at the May graduation ceremony, but the event was cut short due to rain.
Graduation ceremonies will take place at 11 a.m. Dec. 17 in Pershing Arena. Following commencement, there will be a reception in the Student Union Building HUB. Graduates, along with their friends and families, are encouraged to share their experiences on social media with #TrumanGraduation, #TrumanCommencement and #BulldogForever.
Brandon Sorbom
Photo courtesy of Lillie Paquette - MIT School of EngineeringFall Directors’ Showcase Features Student Talent
The Theatre Department will present eight student-directed one-act plays during its semesterly Directors’ Showcase.
Performances take place at 8 p.m. Dec. 8-9 in Ophelia Parrish Severns Theatre, and admission is free and open to the public.
The showcase begins Dec. 8 with Nicholas Huber’s direction of “Canker Sores and Other Distractions,” a story of a divorced couple who meet at a restaurant for old times’ sake. “Flop Cop,” as directed by Mitchell Flottman, is about a concerned cop who learns that there’s a wild monologuing playwright on the loose that he must confront. Natalie Hansen will direct the next play, “Fear,” that tells the story of what happens when there is a serial killer loose in your neighborhood. The final performance of the night will be Lexi Diaz’s direction of “The Dungeons and The Dragons,” a story of four friends who go on a glittery role-playing adventure involving magical goats and hot pockets.
The Dec. 9 performances will begin with Kristin Hafen’s direction of “Ferris Wheel,” a story of strangers who get to know each other while stuck on a Ferris wheel. Kitty Corum will direct the next play, “Words, Words, Words,” which covers three monkeys who try their hands at writing "Hamlet" as part of an experiment. “The Fifteen Minute Hamlet,” as directed by Keaton Richey, tells of a whirlwind tour of the greatest moments of "Hamlet" in 13 minutes and then again in two minutes. The final performance will be Marissa D. Butler’s direction of “POOF!,” the story of a housewife who has come to the end of her rope with her abusive husband.
The showcase is a result of Truman’s play direction course, taught by assistant professor David Charles Goyette. The course is required of all theatre majors in order to graduate, and each student must direct a one-act play as the final assignment. One-acts to be performed must have been published within the last 80 years, be between 10 and 30 minutes in length and be without heavy scenic, costume, light or sound effects. These final productions represent a synthesis of numerous concepts explored in the course of the semester, including exploration of composition and picturization techniques, scene analysis, how to develop a directorial approach and methods on how to work with actors. Each play is entirely student-run.
More information about the plays, directors and actors can be found at facebook.com/trumantheatre and facebook.com/trumansal.
Art Students Present Works at Gallery 104
Sculpture and photography students will display their artwork downtown at Gallery 104 throughout the months of December and January.
Truman students featured in the exhibition include Madi Pearson, Madee Richardt and Larissa Sullivan from sculpture, as well as students Stephanie Best, Athena Geldbach, Austin Hornbostel, Haley Johnson, Madison Kamp, Lu Meng, Kara Nord and Zoe Zaiss from photography. Sculpture students worked under the direction of instructor Danielle Yakle, and photography students worked with instructor Amanda Breitbach.
Gallery 104 is located at 104 N. Franklin St. and is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with extended hours on Friday evenings until 7 p.m. The gallery will be open daily, Monday through Saturday, from Dec. 12-23.
In addition to this display, the community is invited to a special reception at the gallery Jan. 6, featuring work by artist Judy Harris.Professor Danielle Yakle puts the finishing touches on the display of student work at Gallery 104.
Wellness Events Offer Free Relaxation Opportunities
To help ease the stress during this time of year, the Wellness Committee and the Wellness Zone are teaming up to offer some stress relieving activities.
Students are invited to take a break from studying and stop by the Wellness Zone, located in the library, where they can relax by playing board games, doing puzzles and coloring. They also can pick up information on how to better deal with stress, and for $1, students can take advantage of a three-minute electronic chair massage.
A table offering wellness-related free stuff will be set up from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 5-9 in the Student Union Building. In addition to this, the Wellness Zone will give away free electronic chair massages from 3-5 p.m. Dec. 11 in the library.
Laser Shows Return to the Planetarium
After a successful run earlier this semester, the Del and Norma Robison Planetarium will again feature musically themed laser light shows through Dec. 10.
The new laser features are holiday themed and can be enjoyed by the whole family. In addition to these special holiday programs, the planetarium will welcome the return of other laser shows featuring the music of the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, among others.
Regular shows also will continue, focusing on planet Earth, the universe and mankind’s place in the cosmos. The planetarium can accommodate 60 guests at a time for screenings on its 1,800-square-foot panoramic screen. To learn more about the planetarium and its programming, or to purchase tickets to a show at $5 each, visit planetarium.truman.edu.
Dec. 5
7 p.m.
Laser Zeppelin
8 p.m.
Laser Holidays 1
Dec. 6
7 p.m.
Laser Beatles
8 p.m.
Laser Vinyl
Dec. 7
7 p.m.
Laser Holidays 2
8 p.m.
Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon”
Dec. 8
7 p.m.
Laser County
8 p.m.
Laser Zeppelin
Dec. 9
7 p.m.
Laser Vinyl
8 p.m.
Laser Holidays 1
Dec. 10
4 p.m.
Double Feature
“Seven Wonders”
Laser Beatles
6 p.m.
Double Feature
“New Horizons”
Laser Holidays 2
Laser Beatles
Featuring the music of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band of all time, Laser Beatles will take viewers back to a different time in history to re-experience and remember the evolution of this musical phenomenon. The “Fab Four’s” best-spanning six years becomes the background for dazzling laser-art. All ages and backgrounds will appreciate this fantasy tribute of music and light to the Beatles and how they helped define a generation.
Laser Country
Set to the all-American sounds of modern and classical country songs, this laser show will appeal to all generations. From Garth Brooks and Shania Twain to Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline, this show promises to be a boot-scootin’ good time.
Laser Holidays 1 and 2
These popular programs feature a mix of everyone’s favorite holiday music, from the classical to the modern, all set to fantastic laser, cove and digital artwork. Since the shows are rated a two out of five for intensity, it is appropriate for family members of all ages.
Laser Vinyl
This presentation captures the pure intent of the laser show experience. Accompanying a fantastic musical concert representing the best of classic rock is some of the most beautiful and stunning laser art ever produced.
Laser Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin is proclaimed by many critics to be the progenitors of heavy metal and hard rock, and their individualistic style reset the standards for many musical genres in the 1960s and ’70s. Indeed, they have been hailed as one of the most successful, innovative and influential bands, alongside Pink Floyd, U2 and the Beatles. Relive the magical sounds of Led Zeppelin while enjoying a visual treat of custom laser imagery.
Pink Floyd, “Dark Side of the Moon”
Based on Pink Floyd’s 1973 album of humanitarian, political and philosophical empathy, “Dark Side of the Moon” is one of the most startling and bizarre laser light shows of all time. Considered by many critics to be the album that brought the commercial breakthrough to Pink Floyd, “Dark Side of the Moon” offers a mixture of psychedelic, rock and jazz sounds. Its sonic backdrops and atmospheric soundscapes combined with a unique assortment of sound effects yield an emotional resonance. When accompanied by a diverse and unusual display of laser art, the overall feel is a dramatic and haunting atmosphere.
Announcements
Donate to the Scarf and Mitten Drive
Staff Council is hosting a campus-wide scarf and mitten drive to benefit local children. All warm clothing is welcome, and donated clothes will be delivered to the Kirksville Primary School, Elementary School and other community children in need. Drop off donations through Dec. 16 at the Mall-facing entrance of McClain Hall, the fountain-facing entrance of the Student Union Building or the entrance to the library.
MIT-based Physicist to Give Commencement Address
Presidential Search Update
The Board of Governors has announced the members of the Stakeholder Advisory Committee. These members represent an important part of the search process as they will represent all constituencies (students, faculty, staff, alumni and the Kirksville community at large) in the finalist interviews. The Board of Governors is thankful for the leadership of Faculty Senate, Staff Council and Student Government for their assistance with the selection of the Stakeholder Advisory Committee.
Students/Student Government
Lucasana Barker, sophomore/biology
Brett Combs, sophomore/political science and communication
Faculty/Faculty Governance
Debra Cartwright, business administration
James D’Agostino, English and linguistics
Staff/Staff Council
Michelle Boyd, health and exercise sciences/athletics
Billi Gordy, academic advising/business
President’s Administrative Council/Academic Deans
Janet Gooch, health sciences and education/science and mathematics
Charles Hunsaker, advancement
David Rector, administration, finance and planning
Foundation Board/Alumni
Mike McClaskey (’85)
Matthew W. Potter (’96)
Kirksville Community, at large
Mari Macomber, city manager
Students, faculty, staff and friends of the University should feel free to share with these individuals their vision about the direction of Truman and the characteristics needed to accomplish that vision. It should be understood that members of the committee cannot share any information as they are the key to keeping the identities of the candidates confidential. This applies to the period prior to the interviews, as well as after the next president is chosen, when the names of the other finalists will remain in strict confidence.
Members of the Presidential Search Committee met on campus Dec. 2, along with search consultants R. William Funk and Associates, to begin the work of distilling the pool of applications to semi-finalists. Like the Stakeholder Advisory Committee, the members of the Presidential Search Committee represent the various constituents of the University and welcome input from the campus community.
Updates and additional information related to the search can be found on the Presidential Search Committee website located at truman.edu/presidential-search.University Bookstore Sale
Residence Life Sponsors Random Acts of Kindness
Residence Life is inviting students to celebrate random acts of kindness. As finals begin to approach, it can be easy to get bogged down with classes and schoolwork. Instead of stressing, ResLife is encouraging all residents to take note of the random acts of kindness that happen every day in the residence halls. At each hall desk, there will be a jar for residents to place the name of someone they noticed doing a random act of kindness.
Throughout the coming weeks, the names from the jars will be collected and the individuals recognized with a special door decoration. Students are encouraged to take a study break and recognize a resident who made someone’s day a little bit better.Sigma Delta Pi to Discuss Cuban History and Culture
Truman’s National Collegiate Hispanic Honors Society, Sigma Delta Pi, is hosting an event designed to share and inform about Hispanic culture. Students and faculty will present on the history of Cuba and modern Cuban culture. Refreshments will be provided.
Cuba: Past and Present
8-9 p.m.
Dec. 6
Magruder Hall 2001Students Invited to Free Gingerbread House Contest
The Center for Student Involvement will host a gingerbread house building contest at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms. The event is free, and students will sign up on site. Capacity will be limited. For more information, contact Fred Henry, CSI student programmer.
Retirement Reception: Peggy Clark
Retirement Reception: Kathy Powell
Summer 2017 Orientation Leader Applications Available
Applications are open for summer orientation leader positions. Leaders welcome and introduce first-year students and their families to the University during orientation, when students enroll in classes, discuss transitional issues with current students and staff and begin to make friends at Truman. Eight summer orientation sessions will take place in June and a late session will be offered before Truman Week in August.
To get involved in the summer orientation process, visit the application page. Applications are due by midnight Dec. 11. Questions should be directed to Justin Wilson, orientation coordinator.
MCAT Prep: The Big Picture
5:30-7 p.m.
Dec. 8
Violette Hall 1010
Students planning to take the MCAT in May or June of 2017 can get resources to help create a study plan, find the best study materials, learn with the most effective strategies and connect with others who want to study together. For more information, contact Brittany Harden.December Graduate Pizza Party Scheduled for Dec. 14
December graduates are invited to attend a free pizza party from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Reading Day, Dec. 14 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room A. Celebrate with fellow graduates and enjoy pizza, provided by the Alumni Association, along with various drinks and desserts. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available upon request. In addition, graduates will receive a complimentary alumni t-shirt.
Those graduates who cannot attend the event should stop by the Office of Advancement in McClain Hall 205 to pick up their free Truman alumni T-shirt. Contact Denise Smith, director of alumni relations, for more information.
Department of Public Safety Winter Break Hours
Dec. 16
7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Dec. 17-18
Closed
Dec. 19-21
7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Dec. 22-27
Closed
Dec. 28-31
7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Jan. 1-2
Closed
Jan. 3-6
7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Jan. 7-8
Closed
Jan. 9-13
7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Jan. 14-15
Closed
Jan. 16
3-10 p.m.
Jan. 17
Resume Regular HoursAnnual Kirksville Community Christmas Dinner Scheduled for Dec. 18
Residents from Kirksville and the surrounding area are invited to a free Christmas dinner at 5 p.m. Dec. 18 in the Student Union Building.
Dinner will start at 5 p.m. and will be followed by an evening of other festivities beginning at 6 p.m. Monetary donations and gifts are strongly encouraged to support the annual dinner. Donated funds can be mailed to Community Christmas Dinner, 1716 S. Orchard, or dropped off at Alliant Bank at 201 S. Baltimore or American Trust Bank at 2817 N. Baltimore.
Study Abroad Opportunities Available in Australia
New summer and semester programs are available for study abroad in Australia at Bond University.
Located on Australia’s Gold Coast, Bond University is an hour’s drive from Brisbane, with easy access to attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef, some of the world’s finest beaches and the large rain forest areas of the north. The university is Australia’s first and largest private university and offers courses in a variety of disciplines, including accounting, communication and media, health sciences, psychology and more.
For more information, visit ccisabroad.org/program.php?link=australia_bond. Applications for the summer semester are due March 1. For more information and to apply, contact the Center for International Education and Study Abroad, located on the first floor of Grim Hall, at 660.785.4076 or at ciea@truman.edu.Students Encouraged to Add Professional Interests
A variety of professional interests, such as pre-law and pre-med, are now available for students to add to their programs. By adding a professional interest to their majors, students can receive important information and resources. For example, a student with a pre-med interest would receive announcements about MCAT prep courses, workshops and more.
Add a professional interest by logging onto TruView and following these directions:- Select the Student tab
- Under Student Data select Change, Add, Drop Majors/Minors or Catalog
- Select Degree Program Update Form—Student
- Select Catalog Year and Submit (This is usually one's first year at Truman)
- In the section that says Update First Major and Degree To:
- Go to the drop down box for Professional Interest
- Select the preferred interest
- Press Submit at the bottom of the page
Students may also change or delete their professional interest at any time by following the same process.
Library Exhibit Showcases Lewis and Clark
The exhibit, “Lewis & Clark Across Missouri,” sponsored by the Missouri State Archives, will be on display in the Pickler Memorial Library gallery until Jan. 16.
Showcasing the expedition’s course along the Missouri River, these panels document the earliest mapped version of the river and illustrate the rich natural resources available in the 19th century. Rounding out the exhibit are authentic Native American arrowheads and tools courtesy of the E.M. Violette Museum, as well as a variety of animal specimens, provided by the Biology Department, representing what Lewis and Clark might have seen along the way.
UK Fulbright Applications Now Open
The Fulbright UK Summer Institute Programmes offer students the opportunity to be immersed in the study of British academics and culture. Students will take part in research, collaboration, presentation and cultural events at a British university. They will enhance their leadership skills, develop knowledge and understanding of new subjects and become ambassadors for the United Kingdom and the United States. The awards will cover the majority of all costs incurred, including flights to and from the UK, university fees and room and board at the host university.
Students from all areas of study are encouraged to apply. To meet the minimum eligibility, applicants must:- be a US citizen and possess a US passport;
- be at least 18 years old;
- have a high level of academic achievement with a minimum GPA of 3.7 (confirmed by grades, awards and references);
- have at least two years of university study upon their return (i.e. applicants should currently be a freshman or sophomore in college/university)
- be mature, responsible, independent and open-minded
Reminder: Apply Early for FAFSA
Students should file the 2017-18 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) well before Missouri’s priority deadline of Feb. 1.
Applications opened Oct. 1, significantly earlier than previous FAFSAs. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this new opportunity. For more information about these and other changes to the 2017-18 FAFSA, visit the FAFSA website at studentaid.ed.gov/sa/about/announcements/fafsa-changes.
FAFSAs must be completed using “prior prior year” tax information, which means 2015 tax information must be used for the 2017-18 application. Information collected in the FAFSA is needed to determine Title IV federal aid eligibility and for some other federal, state, University and private programs. The state’s priority filing deadline for the Access Missouri Grant Program is Feb. 1, but applications submitted before April 1 may still be eligible for the Access Missouri Grant. Awards will be made until funds are depleted. Go to fafsa.gov to fill out the application.
For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 660.785.4130, finaid@truman.edu or visit the office in McClain Hall 103.
Financial Wellness Class Open to Students
Truman will offer the course INDV 115 - Personal Financial Wellness during the first block of the spring 2017 semester on Wednesdays from 2-3:20 p.m. The course covers a variety of financial wellness subjects and is worth one credit hour. It is open to all undergraduate and graduate students.Digital Marketing Contest Focuses on Start-ups
The ESSCA School of Management invites students aged 17-25 to compete in a marketing contest featuring concepts and start-ups. Students are encouraged to submit their digital innovations until Jan. 15 to win some of the following prizes:
ESSCA International winner: free tuition for five individuals to a Paris summer session
ESSCA Favorite Prize: a six-day trip for two to Shanghai
1st Prize Winner : a 10-day trip for two to San Francisco
For more information, check out digiprize.essca.fr/#/en, or stop by the Center for International Education and Study Abroad, located on the first floor of Grim Hall.
Notables
Notables
Timothy Farley, professor of French and MAE foreign languages specialty director, presented “Assisting Intermediate Learners to Interpret Advanced-level Texts” at the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages Annual Conference in Boston, Mass. At the conference, Farley met with Jeremy Jordan, MAE Spanish alumnus, who received the Distinguished Educator Award from the Foreign Language Association of Missouri. Farley and Jordan both participated in a radio podcast hosted by Bill VanPatten, a leading educator in second language acquisition and foreign language pedagogy.
Sydnie Russian, junior Russian major, is one of 850 American undergraduate students from 359 colleges and universities across the U.S. selected to receive the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. This scholarship is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and allows students to study or intern abroad for one academic term. Russian will study abroad in Moscow during spring.
Truman earned bronze status on the 2016 list of Bicycle Friendly Universities. Complied by the League of American Bicyclists to recognize institutions of higher education for promoting and providing a more bikeable campus, the BFU program evaluates schools’ efforts to promote bicycling in five primary areas: engineering, encouragement, education, enforcement and evaluation/planning. Truman was the only Missouri university among the 51 schools included on this year’s list. In total, there are now 164 BFU’s in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
Scholarship Opportunities
Study Abroad Foundation Scholarships Now Available
Foundation scholarships for those studying abroad in 2017 are open to students. Applications are online and are due by midnight, Jan. 19. To apply, log in to TruView, go to the Student Tab and click “Foundation Scholarship Application” under Student Finance.