Vol. 23 No. 1 - Aug. 20, 2018

One of Truman’s residence halls now features new dining options after undergoing a substantial renovation.  

For the first time since the building opened in 1965, the kitchen of Missouri Hall was renovated during the summer. Guests will quickly notice a larger, more open layout to the cafeteria section, what Justin Dreslinski, director of dining services, refers to as a food forward concept.

“Students will definitely notice a change,” Dreslinski said. “This by far is the most up-to-date, modern dining renovation. The way some of the cooking surfaces are placed, the food is going to be cooked right in front of you.”

One noticeable change is the addition of a food island, which includes a deli and soup station, salad bars with a section for controlled allergens and two new exhibition style cooking grills with one designated for vegetarian options. For the first time in 15 years, the seating area was updated. All of the tables and chairs are new, and the redesign has increased the cafeteria’s capacity by more than 20 seats, taking it to more than 200.

While the new amenities are nice for guests, the behind-the-scenes changes in the kitchen were the primary reason for the renovation. Previously, the kitchen area had no air conditioning, and temperatures could reach as high as 115 degrees. Other changes include all new appliances and electrical upgrades, as well as a walk-in cooler now attached to the building.

When the “Pursue the Future” campaign concluded, June 30, its original $40 million goal had long been surpassed.

All totaled, the campaign generated $42,964,926 in pledges, cash contributions and legacy gifts. The five-year endeavor officially exceeded its goal in April and nearly reached an additional $3 million before its scheduled conclusion at the end of June.

A majority of the money raised will go directly toward helping students. Nearly $24.7 million dollars has been allocated to provide Foundation scholarships. Academic programs and faculty support received more than $8 million, followed by $7.1 million for mission enhancement gifts, including the Truman Fund for Excellence, along with more than $3.1 million for athletics.

In total, more than 15,000 gifts and commitments were received for the “Pursue the Future” campaign. Commitments came in all shapes and sizes, ranging from $1 up to the largest-ever commitment to the University, a $7 million legacy commitment from alumni Dan (’79) and Jan (’76) Shepherd.
 
Truman began the advanced gifts, or “quiet phase,” of the five-year “Pursue the Future” campaign July 1, 2013. The three-year public phase began in July 2015.

A campaign celebration will take place during Homecoming 2018 in conjunction with the Alumni and Friends Celebration Banquet, Oct. 12. For more information on the campaign’s success go to campaign.truman.edu.

Internships are important. They teach students valuable skills, and interns often get to contribute to something larger than themselves. In the case of four Truman students, it is hard to imagine their internships carrying any more weight than they did. If these interns did not fulfill their duties every day, hungry children would not get to eat. The students – Kaitlin Roberts, Valerie Hagedorn, Emily Schaeffler and Mackenzie Snyder – oversaw the Food 4 Kids program in Kirksville this summer.

A joint effort of the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, the USDA and the City of Kirksville, along with several local churches and volunteer groups, the Food 4 Kids program strives to ensure as many kids as possible have regular access to adequate amounts of nutritious food during the summer.

Truman interns have been contributing to the Food 4 Kids program for the last seven years, ever since Rebecca Zimmer, lecturer in psychology, took on the responsibilities of co-director. Zimmer, along with Cheryl Dorrell of the Kirksville School District, coordinates serving lunches in local parks every weekday during the summer. With the responsibility of more than 3,000 meals each year, and a family of her own to take care of as well, Zimmer turned to Truman students to help. After starting with one intern, she now regularly employees four each summer.

“That team makes it possible for the program to run more smoothly,” she said. “I always tell students that the wonderful thing about this program is that by week two I step out. I’m always available for any challenges, but they have to make sure it happens every day.”

Zimmer and Dorrell take turns supervising the interns, but the students are responsible for everything from meal prep, paperwork and volunteer logistics to coordinating with the Food Bank in Columbia.

“That’s really how you learn, with real experience. Every day there are 50 to 100 kids depending on them,” Zimmer said. “For some of them, it’s a new sense of purpose and direction.”

Roberts, a health science major, is the only student participating in the internship for credit. She serves as the project manager and her work is more behind the scenes than the other three, each of whom are responsible for meal distribution in one park. Roberts hopes to parlay her experience into a similar career in the future,

“For me, it’s been more of a professional growth experience,” she said.

Each intern has her own reason for volunteering for the program. One in five children in Adair County under the age of 18 is food insecure. For Snyder, the issue hits close to home. As a child, she witnessed her friend growing up in a household without food security.

“I was already passionate about what Food 4 Kids was trying to do in the Kirksville community, and I really wanted to get involved just to kind of see the other side of things and help out with something that I witnessed growing up that I didn’t have the power to do anything about at the time,” Snyder said.

An English and pre-MAE student, Schaeffler signed on to the Food 4 Kids program in an effort to get more experience with children outside of the classroom. She has learned firsthand how factors such as food insecurity and poverty can play a role in a child’s behavior.

“In my education classes, you learn the logistics, and you learn the basics of it, but to see it from the emotional side too, it’s like a new perspective. It’s really helpful, and that sometimes can get lost on teachers,” Schaeffler said. “The kids pick up on when they are treated like regular people. Kids see that and in turn are more willing to open up to you and listen to you more.”

For someone who enjoys children and serving others, the internship sounded like an ideal fit for Hagedorn. She quickly got to know the kids who frequented her park and feels they showed up regularly for the social aspects as much as the food. While the nutritional component of the Foods 4 Kids program should not be overlooked, the psychological and social benefits are just as important.

“The kids are not just there to eat lunch, they really enjoy interacting with adult figures,” she said.

Those unfamiliar with the Food 4 Kids program might assume the hour a day the volunteers are in the park would be a despondent time, but it is actually quite the contrary.   

“In addition to the meals, the interns’ job is really to create a positive and playful tone in the park,” Zimmer said. “We want this to be a positive environment where the kids can be a little less structured and get positive attention where somebody knows them and greets them by name.”

By making a connection with the children and families the interns serve in the park, they are helping to erase a stigma about individuals in poverty.

“That was the biggest eye opener for me,” Snyder said. “Coming in I thought these kids were going to be so guarded, and I was really worried about the type of emotions I was going to see. I came in and all of the kids are so willing to have a positive attitude, and they are so compassionate. It’s definitely taught me to interact with them as people and view them as people first, not view them as children living in poverty. If you go in to an interaction with them with the mindset of viewing them as a person you get a much better interaction. They are a lot more willing to open up, and you are much more able to form a relationship.”

Anyone interested in participating in the Food 4 Kids internship for next summer can contact Zimmer at rzimmer@truman.edu.

Tiffany Middlemas, a junior business administration and history double major, has been appointed to the University Board of Governors.

A native of Kirksville, Middlemas has leadership positions with the Bulldog Student Investment Fund and Delta Zeta. Additionally, she works in the University Advancement Office, is a student ambassador for the Admissions Office and has completed two summer finance internships with The Boeing Company in St. Louis.

Middemas was appointed to the board in July 2018 for a term ending Jan. 1, 2020. She succeeds Carter Brooks Templeton.

Truman’s first-time pass rates on the uniform CPA exam continue to be among the highest nationwide.

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy recently released the 2017 CPA exam results related to first-time exam candidates. Truman ranked: fifth in the nation out of 281 medium-sized programs; 22nd in the nation out of the 797 institutions with 10 or more reported candidates; second in Missouri; and first in the nation on the REG section for institutions with at least 20 REG exam candidates.

Truman candidates passed 77.4 percent of exam sections taken with an average score of 80. Nationally, the pass rate was 52.9 percent with an average score of 71.3. Student performance on the CPA exam was among the top three percent, and evidence the University’s curriculum and focus on student learning continues to provide high value.

Truman is one of only 187 universities worldwide accredited in both business and accounting by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB accreditation is the internationally recognized, specialized designation for business and accounting programs at the bachelors, masters and doctoral levels.

Truman is among the best colleges in the nation, according to The Princeton Review.

Truman was included in the recent edition of the company’s annual book, “The Best 384 Colleges.” The Princeton Review tallied the rankings for the 2019 edition based on its surveys of 138,000 students attending the 384 colleges in the book in 2017-18 and/or the previous two school years. Profiles in “The Best 384 Colleges” feature ratings of the schools in eight categories including: academics, admissions selectivity, financial aid, quality of life, professor accessibility and quality, fire safety and green.

The book also has two bonus lists, one titled “Colleges That Pay You Back,” which lists 200 schools chosen for their academics, affordability/financial aid and return on investment data. Truman was included in The Princeton Review book by that title published in January 2018.

Princeton Review is an education services company known for its tutoring, test-prep courses, books and other student resources.

The Office of Student Research will be accepting Grants-In-Aid of Scholarship and Research (GIASR) applications for research and creative scholarship to be conducted during Fall 2018.

All disciplines are invited to participate. The purpose of these grants is to promote a culture of research and scholarship at Truman while providing flexibility to accommodate different research styles and requirements. Projects supported by this program should involve original ideas but may encompass a variety of activities including obtaining preliminary data or information, exploring new topics and continuing ongoing projects.
 
Students must be current Truman undergraduates or graduate students and be mentored by a Truman faculty member. Grant applications may request up to $750 and can cover student stipends as well as supplies and travel to conduct the research. Complete guidelines can be found at the Office of Student Research website.
 
All students who wish to be considered for GIASR Fall 2018 funding should submit applications online by 11:59 p.m. Aug. 27.
 
Any questions about the Office of Student Research programs can be directed to osr@truman.edu.

Sarah Hicks (’18) was awarded a Kansas City Quill Award this summer from the International Association of Business Communicators - Kansas City Chapter for her documentary “Redefining Art: Filling the Fine Arts Budget Cut Gap.”

Produced for the final project as part of a video production class in the Department of Communication, Hicks’ documentary explores the complexities of slashing fine arts program budgets in public and private schools. Her film was judged by communication professionals across the Midwest and scored in the top percentile for her category, earning a Quill.
 
Hicks completed the Digital Video Production course, taught for the first time in Fall 2017, by Marilyn Yaquinto and Mark Smith. The course will be taught again this fall by Smith.
 
“I cannot thank Truman’s Communication Department enough for allowing me to travel back and forth from St. Louis to produce and direct this documentary,” Hicks said. “Learning how to direct a crew in St. Louis on the weekends while editing in Kirksville during the week taught me skills I will use in my industry for the rest of my life.”
 
Hicks also won a first place award for the same documentary in the 2018 Missouri Broadcast Educators Association student media contest.

The Public Relations Office has named Marina Fanning, a senior communication major, as the Fall 2018 intern.

As the intern for the Public Relations Office, Fanning will help write the University newsletter, the Truman Today. She will also help produce the University’s alumni magazine, the Truman Review. Fanning will assist in coordinating Family Day activities and Kohlenberg Lyceum events, along with preparation for the Missouri Government Internship program.

Having previously served as a Greek Life summer intern for Truman, Fanning is thrilled to work alongside faculty and staff again.

On campus, Fanning is an active member and serves as webmaster for Sigma Sigma Sigma, public relations chair for Student Center for the Public Trust and public relations chair for Rotaract Club. She can be seen on the sidelines cheering on the Bulldogs as a Showgirl in the coming football and basketball seasons.

A 2015 graduate of Kirksville High School, she is the daughter of Mark and Arina Fanning.

Fanning is eager to expand upon her passion for the university by serving the people of Truman. She plans to pursue a career in public relations and anticipates she will be able to apply the skills she will learn throughout this internship to a future career.

Students with financial needs that may interfere with their ability to continue their education can seek assistance through the Truman State University Foundation Loan Program.

Foundation loans can come in the form of short-term loans, long-term loans, access loans and cultural loans specifically for study abroad trips. Applications go through the Financial Aid Office and are repaid directly to the University. Banks and outside lenders are not involved in the process.

To be eligible for a Foundation loan students must be enrolled on a full-time basis and be in good academic standing. Students also need to demonstrate an ability to repay the loan in a timely manner. Deferments of up to five years are available for cultural and long-term loans, provided the student is enrolled on a full-time basis.

In addition to scholarship assistance, the loan program is an example of the immediate impact of donations to the Truman State University Foundation. Gifts from alumni and friends allow Truman to provide assistance directly to students as they pursue their education.

For more information on the Foundation loan program, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@truman.edu, at 660.785.4130 or in person at McClain Hall 103.

The previous year parking decals will expire Aug. 31, 2018. New vehicle registrations can be completed through TruView. From the TruView homepage click on:

•    Update and View your personal Information,
•    Register your Vehicle/Bicycle.
•    Confirm name and campus address, click continue
•    Complete Vehicle Information – License Plate is required (Do NOT put spaces and/or dashes when entering license plate)

New parking decals may be picked up during Parking Services hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Students will be required to present their Truman ID card to pick up their parking decal. Questions can be directed to Parking Services at 660.785.7400.

Free instructional classes at the REC begin Aug. 20. For a full list of the classes and descriptions, visit recreation.truman.edu/fitness-class-schedule.

With Sodexo’s new Bite app, users can always know what food choices are available on campus. Updated in real time, the app provides menus for two weeks in advance. Students can highlight their favorite options and get notifications on when and where they will be available. Bite app also provides nutritional information, which can be logged to Fitbit. Details regarding allergens are also accessible. Bite is available at the App Store and on Google Play.

Applications are now being accepted for the May 2019 study abroad course in South Africa, AFR 300 Conservation and Management of African Mammals. This faculty-led course is open to all majors who are adventurous and passionate about wildlife and want to experience conservation in action. Students will receive specialized training in live, wild game capture while working with Parawild in Limpopo Provenience, South Africa. The course will also include a tour of Kruger National Park, one of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa. This is a “get out of the bus and get messy” course. Information sessions are scheduled for the following times:

Aug. 26
3-4 p.m.
Magruder Hall 2007

Aug. 27
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Magruder Hall 2007

Sept. 9
3-4 p.m.
Magruder Hall 2007

Sept. 10
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Magruder 2007

Additional information and the application are available on the course’s study abroad page or contacting the from the instructor, Stephanie Foré. Applications are due on or before Oct. 15.

Students who have excellent communication skills on and off the phone, an outgoing personality, a reliable and dependable work ethic and a willingness to ask parents and alumni for financial support are needed. There are nightly incentives (prizes, food, etc.) as well as the institutional hourly wage.
 
Apply here. Questions regarding Tel-Alumni can be directed to Dylan Phillips at 660.785.4103, dphillips@truman.edu or in McClain Hall 205. The application deadline is Aug. 29.

Truman will host a bicycle sale at 8:45 a.m. Aug. 30 at the Delaney and Baldwin Complex, Building No. 4. The bikes will be sold to faculty, staff and students. A Truman ID must be presented to register for a buyer number. Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m. Buyers will be a limited to purchase one bike per person. There are approximately 34 bikes for sale. Bikes will be sold for $20 (includes tax). Payment can be made by cash or check at the sale site. Bike will be sold “as is” with no guarantees, refunds or liability from Truman.

Abbie Dorsam is the Center for International Education Abroad Student of the Month for August. She is a junior international business and German major studying abroad in Eichstätt, Germany at the University of Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt through ISEP.
“So far, my experience abroad has been one that exceeded my expectations. I have met so many people from so many backgrounds and it has truly been a humbling and eye-opening experience. The school system is very different over here in Europe, with classes being only once a week and for less time. But I love my classes and they have really helped me expand on my knowledge of the German language and also my level of German. My favorite course is one where we learn a little bit of phonetics and linguistics, to better improve on how foreign speakers can pronounce things correctly in the German language and hopefully lose the accent while speaking. I chose this program because it was in a small city, which I wanted, and all of the courses offered looked very doable. Also, it was easy to navigate the website and the school was very helpful with everything before I even applied! I was also able to be a part of the soccer team comprised of international students – it was a great way to meet so many new people! I could not be happier with my choice of university. Everyone is so nice and helpful and I have so many new friends and connections. The culture is probably my favorite part of studying in Germany. Being in the middle of Bavaria, I have been able to experience how “real” Germans experience things and have also had some amazing food. Being in Germany is also a prime location to travel, which is exactly what I have done almost every weekend of being here. Some places I have traveled to include Poland, England, Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, Austria and many cities throughout Bavaria, and a few outside.”

Click here to learn more about the ISEP programs.

The McNair Program supports and prepares underrepresented students for graduate studies. Paid summer research internships, funds for graduate school visits and conferences, and seminars and academic counseling are just a few of the benefits the program has to offer.

Recruitment is ongoing for new applicants for Pre-McNair (freshmen) and McNair (sophomores and juniors) programs. To learn more about McNair services, attend one of the recruitment events. Snacks will be provided.

Open Houses in Adair House
Aug. 27
10-11 a.m.

Aug. 28
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Aug. 30
7-8 p.m.

McNair BBQ outside Adair House
Aug. 29
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

McNair Information and Application Work Sessions in Adair House
Sept. 4
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Sept. 13
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Sept. 19
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Sept. 28
5:30-6:30 p.m.

For more information visit mcnair.truman.edu.
McNair Scholars, from left, Marquita Cooper, Yu Xuan Lin, Sydney Shank, Ray Stewart, Marissa Pina and Monique Maxwell

Alpha Sigma Gamma is hosting their Fall 2018 rush event from 7-9 p.m. Sept. 11-13 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. ASG is a women’s service organization whose mission is “service today shapes a better tomorrow.” Find more details on Facebook and Instagram @asg_ducks.

The following organizations, students and University employees volunteered during Move-In Day, Aug. 15.

Alpha Gamma Delta
Alpha Gamma Rho
Alpha Kappa Lambda
Alpha Phi Omega
Alpha Sigma Alpha
Alpha Sigma Gamma
Association of Black Collegians
Baptist Student Union
Tim Barcus
Katie Best
Beta Theta Pi
Blue Key
Bullets Rugby
Campus Christian Fellowship
Catholic Newman Center
Melody Chambers
Mark Clynes
College Republicans
Emily Costello
Delta Chi
Delta Phi Epsilon
Delta Sigma Pi
Nathan Elder
Maren Eriksen-Russo
Gamma Chis and Recruitment Team
Bethany Gibson
Billi Gordy
Mary Hansen
Kirksville Country Club
Lambda Chi Alpha
Lincoln McCoy
Travis Miles
Momentum Ministry
National Education Association
Sherril Pearce
Phi Kappa Tau
Phi Lambda Phi
Phi Sigma Kappa
Dylan Phillips
Pi Kappa Phi
Prim Roses
Residence Hall Association
Deanna Rood
ROTC
Sigma Alpha
Sigma Alpha Iota
Sigma Kappa
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Sigma Sigma Sigma
Sigma Tau Gamma
Jeri Speak
Student Activities Board
Student Government
Tau Kappa Epsilon
Tau Lambda Sigma
Heidi Templeton
True Men
Tsunami
University Swingers
Winston Vanderhoof
Teresa Wheeler

During the Fall Opening Assembly the following faculty promotions were announced.

Promotion to Associate Professor
Anton Daughters, sociology
Rebecca Dierking, English education
Yuna Ferguson, psychology
Timothy Humphry, chemistry
Kathy Otero, accounting
Kelly Walter, agricultural science

Promotion to Professor
James Cianciola, communication
Charles Gran, music
Jesse Krebs, music
Zhong Ma, biology
Robert Matthews, computer science
Teak Nelson, nursing
Beverly Perrachione, elementary education
Timothy Walston, biology
Anthony Weisstein, biology

Tenure
Anton Daughters, sociology
Rebecca Dierking, English education
Julia Edgar, communication disorders
Yuna Ferguson, psychology
Timothy Humphry, chemistry
Kathy Otero, accounting
Kelly Walter, agricultural science

The University would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for donating goods or services for the faculty and staff Ready-or-Not Luncheon, Aug. 17.

Bellacino’s Pizza and Grinders
Center for Student Involvement
Cleaver Dermatology Skin Spa
Colton’s Steakhouse   
Discount Textbooks
Dukum Inn Bar and Grille
Hardee’s
Heritage House Realty
Lena Reardon, Avon Dealer
Maxwell’s Supper Club
Pagliai’s Pizza
Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee and Truman Alumni Office
Sieren’s Palace
Smoothie King
Sodexo
Take Root Café
Thousand Hills State Park Dining Lodge
Truman Bookstore
Warehouse 660

During the Fall Opening Assembly, the following staff members were recognized:

Bulldog Award
Communication Disorders
Institute for Academic Outreach

Points of Excellence
Lana Bogart, School of Business
Ron Collinge, Public Safety
Janes Dreamweaver, Student Recreation Center
Beth Oberman, Information Technology Services
Joyce Schmitz, Classical and Modern Languages
Brad Turnbull, Multicultural Affairs

Mark and Robin Gambaiana Purple Pride Award
Bethany Gibson, Academic Affairs  

Aug. 20-24
7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Aug. 25-26
7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Aug. 27-31
7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sept. 1-2
Closed

Sept. 3
3 p.m.-10 p.m.

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

Abigail Bullock, a master of accountancy student, has been awarded the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholarship. She will be awarded $10,000 to cover eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment while enrolled at Truman. The award is merit-based. Bullock was selected based on her demonstrated interest and aptitude in accounting and auditing. Additionally, her award was based on her adherence to high ethical standards while a student.

Hannah Gallamore received second prize in the fourth annual ENKOR International Music Competition earlier this summer. Gallamore competed with more than 500 collegiate musicians from all over the world in the winds and percussion division. Jury members are also selected internationally and represent some of the most renowned artists in their field. Gallamore was the highest scoring percussionist from the United States, with an overall score of 92.24. Gallamore is a student of Michael Bump, professor of music/percussion. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in music in May and is continuing her education at Truman as a graduate teaching assistant, pursuing the Master of Arts degree in music.  

Katherine Jackson, associate professor of business administration, and Charles Boughton, instructor of business administration, had their paper entitled, “Variation in the Structure and Administration of Student-Managed Investment Funds,” accepted for publication in a forthcoming issues of Managerial Finance.

Daniel Mandell, professor of history, served as commenter in the session “States of Speculation: Western Lands and the Forging and Fracturing of the Early Republic,” at the annual meeting of the Society for Historians of the Early American Republic in Cleveland, Ohio.

Officer Rocky Merritt, Department of Public Safety, was commended for actions that saved three students and dog from a house fire. At 3 a.m. July 11, Merritt noticed smoke coming from a house on East Scott Street. A former lieutenant with the Boone County Fire Department, he alerted the residents and assisted them in exiting the house. His early detection also prevented the fire from spreading to nearby structures.

Anne Morgan won the 2018 Pencak Award for her essay “The Philadelphia Riots of 1844: Republican Catholicism and Irish Catholic Apologetics,” written for the spring 2018 course, American Religious History. The Pencak Award is given annually by the Pennsylvania Historical Association for the best undergraduate research paper about Pennsylvania or mid-Atlantic history. It includes $150 and an invitation to revise the essay for publication in the Association’s prominent journal Pennsylvania History: A Journal of Mid-Atlantic Studies. Award recipients are also encouraged to attend the association’s fall conference to speak about their scholarship. Morgan is the second recipient of the Pencak Award, named for Bill Pencak, former editor of Pennsylvania History and a much-loved Penn State University history professor.