Vol. 22 No. 32 - May 7, 2018

Award recipients pose for a picture after the Leadership Recognition Program Banquet. The program honors students, advisers and organizations that have inspired and influenced Truman's campus.

The Center for Student Involvement hosted the annual Leadership Recognition Program Banquet April 18. The Leadership Recognition Program honors students, advisers and organizations that have inspired and influenced Truman’s campus.

Individual Awards
Riley Merdinian, Athletic Leadership Award
Ray Stewart, Excellence in Diversity Student Award
Alyssa Tipler, New Student Leader Award
Lisa Simms, Outstanding President of the Year (Small Organization)
Rachel Hanson, Outstanding President of the Year (Large Organization)
Rebekka Brown, Outstanding Student Worker Award
Nischal Shrestha, Outstanding Student Worker Award
Andrea Otte, Outstanding Student Worker Award
Kyra Cooper, Senior Leadership Award
Rebekah Sutherland, Senior Leadership Award
Deanna Schmidt, Student Excellence Award
Ben Lasser, Student Excellence Award
Hailee Baer, TLC Pass it Along Award
Bhavana Yerragunta, TLC Pass it Along Award
Taylor Collins, Verona S. and David Nichols Award
Katie King, Verona S. and David Nichols Award

Organization Awards
“Add Another Chapter to Your Story” – Alpha Sigma Gamma, Creative Campaign Award
Association of Black Collegians, Excellence in Diversity Organization Award
“Big Man on Campus” – Delta Zeta, Outstanding Entertainment Event Award
“Let’s Talk About It: A Conversation About Race in America” – Association of Black Collegians, Outstanding Educational Event Award
SHAG (Sexual Health Advocacy Group), Outstanding New Organization Award
Student Government, Outstanding Organization Award (Small Organization)
Student Public Health Association, Outstanding Organization Award (Large Organization)

Adviser Award
Alicia Wodika, E.M. Violette Outstanding Adviser Award
Laura Bates, E.M. Violette Outstanding Adviser Award

Multicultural Affairs Center
Alyssa Tipler, Rising Activist Award
Sadeja Harper, Outstanding Advocate Award
Heather Cianciola, Bertha Thomas Outstanding Faculty/Staff Advocate Award

Omicron Delta Kappa
Margaret Edwards, Faculty Hall of Fame
Meaghan Hartman, Staff Hall of Fame
Korbin Keller, Student Hall of Fame
Keaton Leppanen, Student Hall of Fame

Residence Life
Donald Levi Cullifer, Gaber Achievement Award
Samantha Jo Garrett, Gaber Achievement Award
Erin Darr, Outstanding Residence Leader Award

Serve Center
Delta Sigma Pi, Outstanding Organization Award
Alpha Sigma Gamma, Outstanding Service Organization Award
Kelsey Collins, Outstanding Student Volunteer Award
Enactus, Service-Learning Award

Student Senate
Christina Elem, Shining Star

Women’s Resource Center
Margaret Edwards, Women of Distinction Award – Faculty
Carol Bennett, Women of Distinction Award – Staff
Deanna Schmidt, Women of Distinction Award – Student

Greek Life Awards
Beta Theta Pi (IFC), Academic Excellence Award
Sigma Kappa (NPC), Academic Excellence Award
Sigma Tau Gamma, Brotherhood of the Year Award
Sigma Kappa, Sisterhood of the Year Award
Austin Green (IFC), member of Sigma Tau Gamma, Emerging Greek Leader Award
Courtney Atwell (NPC), member of Sigma Kappa, Emerging Greek Leader Award
Beta Theta Pi (IFC), Excellence in Risk Management Award
Sigma Sigma Sigma (NPC), Excellence in Risk Management Award
Alpha Gamma Rho (IFC), Outstanding Community Service Award
Delta Zeta (NPC), Outstanding Community Service Award
Troy Marroquin (IFC), president of Alpha Kappa Lambda, Outstanding Greek Chapter President Award
Jessica Mugler (NPC), president of Delta Zeta, Outstanding Greek Chapter President Award
Alpha Gamma Rho (IFC), Chapter of the Year Award
Delta Zeta (NPC), Chapter of the Year Award

From left to right, Cheryl J. Cozette, Mike McClaskey and K. Brooks Miller Jr.

Three members were appointed to the Truman State University Board of Governors in May.
 
Cheryl J. Cozette of Columbia, Mo., was reappointed to the Board for a term ending Jan. 1, 2024. Cozette serves as the 2018 chair of the Board of Governors. She is an adjunct professor in educational leadership and policy analysis at the University of Missouri-Columbia and a special consultant to the eMINTS National Center for programs related to school administrators. She recently retired as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for the Columbia Public Schools. Cozette graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Kansas City College and Bible School. She received a Master of Arts degree in elementary education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and did further coursework in educational administration at Truman. She received her Doctor of Education in educational administration (curriculum and instruction, general administration) from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Mike McClaskey of Castle Pines, Colo., is a retired Fortune 500 corporate executive. Most recently, he worked in executive capacities at DISH Network serving as the executive vice president and chief human resources officer as well as the senior vice president and chief information officer. Before joining DISH, he spent 12 years at Perot Systems where he was the corporation’s vice president of infrastructure solutions and CIO. A native of Kirksville, McClaskey received Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Education degrees from Truman as well as a Master of Arts degree from the University of Missouri. McClaskey serves as the president of the Foundation Board, and he was an active steering committee member for both the “Pursue the Future” and “Bright Minds, Bright Futures” campaigns. He and his wife, Janet (Yearns) McClaskey (’84), were named Truman’s Alumni of the Year in 2014. McClaskey was appointed to replace Michael A. Zito for a term ending Jan. 1, 2022.

K. Brooks Miller Jr. of Springfield, Mo., is the president and chief executive officer of Jordan Valley Community Health Center. An alumnus of Truman, Miller received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in 1982 and a Master of Arts in Education degree in education administration in 1987. Miller’s career in health care began with the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Rural Health Clinic program in 1984. He advanced to the position of CEO for the Northeast Missouri Health Council, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) providing comprehensive services throughout Missouri. In 2002, he relocated to Springfield to serve as the president and CEO of Jordan Valley Community Health Center, an FQHC which offers accessible and integrated primary, oral, optometric and behavioral health care services to more than 50,000 patients annually. Miller was appointed to replace Susan Plassmeyer for a term ending Jan. 1, 2024.

 
Starting May 14, Picker Memorial Library will begin a critical construction project to replace the fire suppression system throughout the building.

As this is a large-scale project, construction will continue through the end of December. The library will remain open with normal service hours during the entire project, although each floor will have limited access during its scheduled phase. When feasible, service points and equipment will be relocated. While library staff will work to minimize disruptions, expect the following impact on services:
 
Construction noise
Work will end by 5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 3:30 p.m. Friday.

Reduction of study rooms and seating

Restricted access to collections located in each phase

Some closure of service areas for short periods of time
 
As the construction progresses, watch for signage in the building or check the project website for the most current information about the schedule and temporary relocations of services. During times that collections are restricted, the library encourages the use of e-resources, MOBIUS and interlibrary loan.

The library staff is working to balance the protection of materials with patron needs, however, visitors should be prepared for delays in obtaining materials in affected areas. Questions or concerns about the project can be directed to the library service desk at 660.785.4051 or 660.785.4533.

Jordan McGaughey (’07, ’08) will be the featured speaker during the Master of Arts in Education Hooding Ceremony at 7 p.m. May 11 in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.

McGaughey earned a Bachelor of Science degree in history and his MAE in secondary social studies education. Following graduation, he accepted a position in the Fox C-6 School District as a social studies teacher at Seckman High School where he has taught for the past 10 years.

In 2015-16, McGaughey was named Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year for the St. Louis area, Fox C-6 District Teacher of the Year and Seckman High School Teacher of the Year. At a surprise assembly in October 2017, he was named the only Missouri winner of the 2017-18 Milken Educator Awards. This award is given each year to outstanding K-12 teachers, principals and specialists who are furthering excellence in education. Recipients join the Milken Educator Network, a group of distinguished educators fostering effective educational leadership.

Harry Truman takes a photo on the steps of Kirk Memorial with University graduates in August 1943. Photo courtesy of Pickler Memorial Library’s Special Collections Department.
 
In 1996, the name Truman State University became official. It was one of the final steps in transforming the school from a regional institution to Missouri’s only statewide public liberal arts and sciences university.
 
The name was selected as an homage to the only Missourian to serve as president of the United States. One of the few ties Harry Truman had to Kirksville came Aug. 13, 1943. Truman, then a senator, addressed the graduating class and had his picture taken with them on the steps of Kirk Memorial. Less than two years later he would be the president, leading the nation through the end of World War II.
 
Although Harry Truman was not an alumnus of the University – and is famously the last president without a college degree – he was a proponent of lifelong learning and public service. By all accounts, he would have embraced the spirit of the University’s vision statement to develop citizen-leaders committed to service, and the school’s association with him has come to be widely accepted as an appropriate tribute.
 
The Celebrating 150 stories included in the Truman Today during the past academic year were made possible thanks in large part to: the Pickler Memorial Library Special Collections Department; David Nichols, professor emeritus of music and author of “Founding the Future: A History of Truman State University”; the Office of Publications; Tim Barcus, University photographer; the Truman Sports Information Department; and the Index.
 
More University history is available at truman.edu/about/history.

Alumna Corinne Brinkerhoff (‘02) will provide the commencement address during graduation ceremonies at 2 p.m. May 12 in Stokes Stadium.

Brinkerhoff is a television writer and producer in Los Angeles. She began her career on ABC’s critically acclaimed “Boston Legal,” where she was on the writing staff for three years before moving on to “The Good Wife” on CBS. As part of the writing and producing team, Brinkerhoff was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series, two Writers Guild Awards and a PRISM Award, recognizing television writing that accurately depicts important social issues. “The Good Wife” was also honored with a Peabody, American Film Institute’s TV Program of the Year Award and the inaugural Sidney Lumet Award for Integrity in Entertainment.

Brinkerhoff has also worked as a writer and co-executive producer on the detective drama “Elementary” and legal drama “Reckless,” both on CBS, and Golden Globe nominated comedy “Jane the Virgin” on the CW. She created and executive produced the 2016 CBS murder mystery “American Gothic,” in association with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television. She also created and executive produced “No Tomorrow,” an adventure romantic comedy on the CW, nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series at the 2017 Monte Carlo International Television Festival. Most recently, she returned to “Jane the Virgin” as a consulting producer while developing new projects for cable and streaming.

While a student at Truman, Brinkerhoff was a member and officer of Sigma Kappa and worked at the Center for Student Involvement. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 2002 and a master’s degree in television production from Boston University in 2004.

A native of Lawrence, Kan., Brinkerhoff currently resides in the Echo Park area of Los Angeles.

Family and friends unable to attend the event in person can view it online at livestream.com/tmn/2018MayGraduation.

Details on commencement can be found online here or through the Facebook event. Those wishing to share their experiences through social media are encouraged to use #TrumanGraduation, #TrumanGrad or #BulldogForever.

External scholarships are available through Bulldog Financial Literacy. Applicants from every major, academic level and financial need can apply for external scholarships, mostly coming from companies who want to give back. The scholarships range from $250-$5,000. To apply visit tru.mn/externalscholarships.

May 7-9
9 a.m.-11 p.m.
 
May 10-11
9 a.m.-7 p.m.
 
May 12-13
Closed
 
May 14-18
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
 
May 19-20
Closed
 
May 21-25
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
 
May 26-28
Closed
 
May 29-June 1
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
 
June 2-3
Closed

Specific areas may be closed for periods of time without advance notice for cleaning.

The Department of Public Safety will sell t-shirts from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday to raise money for the Special Olympics. The sale is a part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, and all proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics Missouri’s year-round sports training and athletic competition program for more than 15,000 athletes across the state. The shirts cost $15 for sizes youth medium-XXL, and shirts size 3XL-6XL cost $20.

The Wellness Zone will host an event from 6-9 p.m. May 9. The event will include free massages, games, coloring pages and the iPad for various activities.

The annual Service Recognition Luncheon will be at 12 p.m. May 15 in the Student Union Building. The list of honorees for this year can be found on the Human Resources website. Honorees can request two complimentary tickets, and additional tickets can be purchased from the Human Resources Office for $10. RSVP by May 8. Questions can be directed to 660.785.4031.

The University Counseling Services will provide RESPOND training for faculty and staff from 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. May 16 and May 17. This free, eight-hour training will teach participants how to offer effective support to a student or colleague. The course provides a basic overview of symptoms often associated with mental health concerns and offers an action plan to help RESPOND effectively. The training also includes information on how to intervene when someone is experiencing a suicide crisis. To sign up, click here. For more information, contact Joe Hamilton at hamilton@truman.edu.

The central steam plant will be shut down for maintenance from 7 a.m. May 21 through 12 p.m. May 24. This will affect heating and hot water in buildings that use steam. Barnett Hall, Campbell Apartments, Centennial Hall, the Ruth W. Towne Museum and Visitors Center, Ryle Hall, the Student Recreation Center and West Campus Suites are equipped with their own broilers and will not be affected.

New member induction and Staff Council elections will take place at 12:15 p.m. May 29 in Violette Hall 2451.

The council represents the interests of University staff and works to improve the University community. Staff who are interested in serving on the council should send an expression of interest by email, campus mail or dropping off a note at the Human Resources Office. Questions can be directed to current chair Ryan Miller, ryanm@truman.edu. The Staff Council website can be found here. Meetings are currently once a month starting at 12:15 p.m. in Violette Hall 2451. There will be open positions in every area of the University.

Staff Council is sponsoring a blood drive from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 6 in the Student Union Building. To schedule an appointment, call 1.800.733.2767, or visit redcrossblood.org and enter in the sponsor code TrumanState.

May 11
7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

May 12
10 a.m.-3 p.m.

May 13
Closed

May 14-18
7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

May 19-20
Closed

May 21-25
7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

May 26-28
Closed

May 29-June 1
7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

June 2-3
Closed

To have an officer dispatched for a non-emergency, call 660.665.5621. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

The next issue of the Truman Today will be available May 29.

Christa Reisinger became the softball program’s first two-time Great Lakes Valley Conference Player of the Year and second two-time conference Player of the Year. Reisinger was one of five Bulldogs to receive postseason awards as announced by the GLVC. Designated player Morgan McMahan picked up a second-team nod while right-hander Lauren Dale and third baseman Alyssa Rivera garnered third-team spots. This season’s James R. Spalding Sportsmanship nominee was outfielder Adrienne Compton.