Vol. 13, No. 16 - Jan. 13, 2009

Since 2009 is, “The Year of Darwin,” the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of “On the Origin of Species,” Truman’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa will host Visiting Scholar Betty Smocovitis from the University of Florida Jan. 26-27.

Smocovitis, of both the zoology and history departments at Florida, will address several Truman classes in biology, anthropology, and the history of science. She will also meet informally with Truman students. The culmination of her visit will be a public lecture that promises to be a memorable review of the legacy of Charles Darwin in our times. It is titled “Singing his Praises: Darwin and His Theory in Song, and Musical Production.”
Smocovitis writes that this lecture is “designed to reflect on Darwin, his theory, and its expression in popular culture in general, and American culture in particular. It explores a number of substantive issues in the history of evolution pertaining to controversies over Darwin and the reception of his theory, but it does so in what I hope is a lighthearted and engaging manner (lots of music will be played and discussed). The lecture is designed to introduce a general audience to the life of Darwin, to introduce some new insights on his life and work and to provoke thought about the relationship between science and American popular culture.”

The public lecture will take place at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room, with a reception to follow. The event is co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Biology and the Phi Beta Kappa Delta chapter of Missouri, with a generous contribution from Truman’s former President Charles McClain.

Smocovitis is the recipient of six teaching awards during her 20 years at Florida. Her research focuses on the history, philosophy and sociology of the 20th century biological sciences, especially evolutionary biology, systematics, ecology and genetics, and the history of American botany. She is the author of “Unifying Biology: The Evolutionary Synthesis and Evolutionary Biology,” has two works in progress.

A fellow of the American Association of the Advancement of Science and recent chair of its history and philosophy of science section, Smocovitis is the recipient of a Mellon Fellowship in the Humanities as well as grants from the Botanical Society of America, the National Science Foundation, the American Philosophical Society and the National Endowment for the Humanities. She has been a visiting professor at the University of Athens, Cornell, Emory and Stanford, and a visiting research associate at the National Museum and Art Gallery, Papua New Guinea.

Every year, the Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Program makes 12 or more distinguished scholars available to visit 100 colleges and universities with chapters of Phi Beta Kappa. Founded in 1776, Phi Betta Kappa is the nation’s oldest academic honor society. It has chapters at 276 colleges and universities and more than 600,000 members.

In celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Multicultural Affairs Office has coordinated several events to take place Jan. 19-23.

The MLK Service-Learning Community Challenge debuts Jan. 19. Students from Truman’s campus will come together to perform various service “challenges” for the greater Kirksville community from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Later that day, at 4 p.m. in the Student Union Building Georgian Room, will be the Unity Reflection.

The annual Unity Luncheon is Jan. 21 in the Georgian Room. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., with the buffet starting at 11:45 a.m. and programing at 12 p.m. The centerpiece of the luncheon will be a 20-minute performance of staged reading presented by students of Dana Smith, associate professor of theatre. One Voice will perform gospel selections. Tickets are $8 per person. Students can apply one meal block and pay $3.50. RSVP to the Public Relations Office at 785.4016 by Jan. 16. (Click here to view the invitation http://trumantoday.truman.edu/pdf/pdfmlkinvitation.pdf)

Festivities taking place Jan. 22 include a Symposium at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Building Down Under, and the the start of the MLK “Read-In,” a two-day event with programs at area locations.

For a complete schedule of events go to http://mac.truman.edu/MLK/MLKHome.asp.  

The Global Issues Colloquium will resume at 7 p.m. Jan. 22 in Magruder Hall 2001 with “Local Responses to International Financial Crises: Past and Present,” a presentation by Wolfgang Hoeschele, associate professor of geography, and Ma’ikwe Schaub Ludwig of the Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage.

Hoeschele will examine how ordinary people respond to international financial crises like the current global crisis. Using a discussion of the use of local currencies in Austria during the Great Depression and in Argentina during the 2000-2003 crisis as his starting point, he will advance theoretical perspectives on the economy that open up more possibilities for local action now or in the future.

In addition Ludwig, an author and sustainability educator, will share her real life experience of living in a local ecovillage whose goal is to demonstrate and promote ecologically sustainable lifestyles. The lessons of Dancing Rabbit, and similar projects, can be replicated elsewhere and contribute to preventing another Great Depression.

The Global Issues Colloquium is sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Learning. Other events scheduled for the spring semester include: “Writing Colonial History under Postcolonial Conditions: The Unfinished Study,” by Julie Flowerday, assistant professor of anthropology, Feb. 12; “The Immigration Debate Reconsidered: A Global Perspective,” by Jason McDonald, of the history department, March 19; and “Women’s Activism and Feminist Agency in Mozambique and Nicaragua,” by Jennifer Leigh Disney, of Winthrop University, April 16.

Pickler Memorial Library has a new “Special Collection.”

“Alumni Publications” was created and added to the catalog in December to acknowledge the scholarship and creativity of former Truman students. Approximately 50 volumes previously catalogued to Missouriana and Rare Books were brought together to form the core of the collection with more books, recordings and scores to be added as the staff identifies the authors, publishers or producers as Truman alumni.

Many of the volumes in the collection so far, especially those published in recent years, are signed copies that were gifts of the authors to the library or to the University via the Alumni Office.

The oldest title is “Columbian Historical Novels,” a 13-volume set originally published in 1891 by John R. Musick, an alumnus from the class of 1874. The most recent is a Civil War history published in 2008 and catalogued to MoColl just a few days before it was moved to the new collection.

The location of the new collection on the catalog is “Truman Sp Coll Alumni.”

The last three open forum opportunities to ask questions and provide feedback on the Phase II Report from the Commission on Undergraduate Curriculum will take place Jan. 14-15 in the Student Union Building.

Two sessions are scheduled for Jan. 14, with the first starting at 12:30 p.m. in Georgian Room B. A buffet lunch will be provided. A second session begins at 3:30 p.m. in Georgian Room A. The final opportunity to participate will be the forum at 4 p.m. Jan. 15 in Georgian Room A.

All members of the campus community are invited to attend the sessions. To maximize time, it is advised to read the report prior to attending the forum. It can be viewed online at http://ugc.truman.edu/projects/commission/PhaseII_CUC_Report.pdf.

Members of the commission will be available, if invited, to attend department meetings to help clarify proposals.

The commission is developing a detailed survey to gather systematic feedback that will be distributed at the beginning of the spring semester. Each faculty member will have the opportunity to rate and provide substantive comments about each curricular element, scheduling/calendar option, and curricular model.

Responses to the survey will be compiled, along with any feedback received from departments. These evaluations will be made available to the entire campus community as the commission uses the feedback to revise the proposals prior to a more binding decision-making process.

Truman State University Foundation Study Abroad Scholarship Applications are now available in the Center for International Education (CIE) Office in Kirk Building 114. Ten $1,500 scholarships will be awarded for summer 2009 faculty-led Truman study abroad programs based on financial need, statement of purpose and academic achievement. Applications are due in the CIE Office by 12 p.m. Jan. 23, 2009 and recipients will be notified by the end of February.

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is to offering scholarship opportunities through the Memorial Education Fund (MEF) to student IMA members pursuing study in accounting or finance as an undergraduate or graduate student. These scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,500. One student will be chosen from the scholarship pool to receive the Stuart Cameron and Margaret McCloud Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $5,000. Students must be at least part-time (at least six credits per semester), an IMA student member (membership number must be included on the application), and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applications are available on the IMA website at http://www.imanet.org/scholarships. Deadline for submission of applications is Feb. 15, 2009.

The Webster Groves Herb Society is offering a scholarship up to $3,000 to qualifying sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students enrolled in a Missouri college or university who are majoring in horticulture, floriculture, landscape design, botany, plant pathology, forestry, agronomy, environmental concerns, city planning, land management or allied subject. Applications for the 2009-2010 academic year must be submitted on the required application form and mailed to the Webster Groves Herb Society. Visit the Truman State University Financial Aid Office for requirements and the application form for this scholarship. Deadline for scholarship submission is Mar. 1, 2009.

The Missouri Travel Council will offer two $1,000 scholarships to currently enrolled sophomores, juniors or seniors in an accredited college or university in the State of Missouri. Applicants must be pursuing a hospitality related major such as hotel/restaurant management, parks and recreation, etc., must be a current resident of Missouri and must have a GPA of at least 3.0. To obtain further information about how to apply for this scholarship please go to http://www.missouritravel.com. Deadline for application is Mar. 2, 2009.

The BigSun Organization is offering a $500 scholarship to a deserving student athlete, regardless of their respective sport. Please visit http://www.bigsunathletics.com to learn how to apply. Deadline for submission is June 27, 2009.

Truman State University has launched the “Investing in Students” initiative designed to provide increased financial assistance to students in advance of an anticipated state funding crisis.

The special fund drive will generate gifts from University constituents – alumni, friends, faculty/staff, corporations and the Kirksville area – to provide extra support for students who will be facing additional hardships during the 2009-2010 academic year.

“The cost of education is requiring a greater commitment from students and their families,” said Dr. Darrell Krueger, Truman president. “In recent years, federal grant and loan programs have deteriorated, and coupled with the anticipated reduction in state aid, this combination will create hardship for many families.”

Truman students may apply for the special awards program that will provide an additional $1,000 grant for the 2009-2010 school year. The program will be administered by the Office of Financial Aid. Students must meet certain application guidelines that demonstrate financial need, including a filing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

The fund has been established with $100,000 in advance commitments, including a $30,000 pledge from Krueger and his wife, Nancy, to assist 30 Truman students with financial need next year.

“These are extraordinary times, and the global financial crisis has reached Missouri and Truman,” Krueger said. “This initiative is designed to proactively lend a helping hand to our most financially needy students in preparation for what appears to be a very difficult budget year ahead.”

Last month, presidents of all state public universities in Missouri were asked by state legislative officials to develop state appropriation reduction scenarios in increments of 15, 20 and 25 percent for the next fiscal year.

For Truman, a 15 percent decline in state appropriation translates into a $6.2 million reduction in funding, while a 25 percent drop means $10.4 million in reduced funding.

“While the University continues to deal with the complex and ongoing economic realities from a position of strength and confidence, there are many variables in play as we begin preparation for next year’s budget,” Krueger said. “The campus community is working together to protect the quality of Truman, a rare gem among higher education institutions whose distinctive qualities must be preserved.”

Krueger has also spoken with student leaders about the possibility of asking students to partner with the University to help create solutions to the state funding crisis through a per credit hour student fee. The fee would contribute to the enhancement and preservation of the Truman experience, while simultaneously beginning discussions of how to streamline University processes and programs to assure and advance Truman’s quality. Students will also participate in that process.

The initiative is part of Truman’s Bright Minds Bright Futures fundraising campaign that opened in the summer of 2006. The five-year, $30 million effort has generated $15.9 million in advance commitments and will begin the public phase later in 2009. Student scholarships have been a significant priority with $3.01 million in cash and $5.61 million in deferred gifts received to date. To discuss this initiative, please contact the Office of Advancement at 660-785-4133.

Activity: Co-Rec Basketball
Division: Open
Deadline: Jan. 20
Captain's Meeting: Jan, 22
Play Begins: Jan. 26

Activity: Basketball
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Jan. 20
Captain's Meeting: Jan. 22
Play Begins: Jan. 26

Activity: Badminton
Division: Open
Deadline: Jan. 26
Captain's Meeting: Jan. 29
Play Begins: Jan. 31 & Feb. 7

Activity: Super Bowl Pickem
Division: Open
Deadline: Jan. 30
Captain's Meeting: NA
Play Begins: Feb. 1

Activity: Taboo
Division: Open
Deadline: Feb. 16
Captain's Meeting: NA
Play Begins: Feb. 22

Activity: Cranium
Division: Open
Deadline: Feb. 23
Captain's Meeting: NA
Play Begins: Mar. 1

Activity: Volleyball
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Feb. 23
Captain's Meeting: Mar. 4
Play Begins: Mar. 16

Activity: Co-Rec Volleyball
Division: Open
Deadline: Feb. 23
Captain's Meeting: Mar. 4
Play Begins: Mar. 16

Activity: Closest to the Pin
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Mar. 2
Captain's Meeting: NA
Play Begins: TBA

Activity: Outdoor Soccer
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Mar. 18
Captain's Meeting: Mar. 19
Play Begins: Mar. 23

Activity: Sports Trivia
Division: Open
Deadline: Mar. 23
Captain's Meeting: NA
Play Begins: Mar. 29

Activity: Ultimate Frisbee
Division: Open
Deadline: Apr. 14
Captain's Meeting: Apr. 16
Play Begins: Apr. 18-19

Activity: Punt, Pass & Kick
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Apr. 14
Captain's Meeting: Apr. 16
Play Begins: Apr. 22

Activity: Swim Meet
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Apr. 14
Captain's Meeting: Apr. 16
Play Begins: Apr. 23

Activity: Bench Press
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Apr. 20
Captain's Meeting: Apr. 23
Play Begins: Apr. 27

Activity: T-shirt Design Contest
Division: Open
Deadline: Apr. 30
Captain's Meeting: NA
Play Begins: NA

All information, rules and registration requirements are online at http://recreation.truman.edu/intramuralrec.asp, or contact the Intramural Office at 785.4467.

Aaron Fine, associate professor of art, has been recognized as a result of his 2007-2008 sabbatical research. He was included in the latest edition of Studio Visit Magazine, which is received by two thousand curators and gallerists throughout the country as well as a growing subscriber base of collectors and art enthusiasts. He also has been invited to present a solo exhibition of his works on paper at the art gallery of Illinois Central College in East Peoria, Ill. Examples of his work created on sabbatical can be found at http://www.aaronfineart.com.

Priya Kambli, associate professor of art, received three significant honors during the fall semester. The Museum of Contemporary Photography in Chicago accepted her portfolio into its “Midwest Photographer’s Project,” an archive of artwork kept in the museum’s collection for two-year periods as a resource for curators and scholars. Additionally, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis accepted five of her prints into their “Flatfiles” collection for a period of one year. Also, the non-profit photography organization Photolucida has selected her from among more than 600 artists who entered the “Critical Mass” contest as one of their six book awards finalists. Two or three of these six finalists will have a book of their photographs published.

Betty L. McLane-Iles, professor of French, was featured in the Jan. 1 issue of The Argus, one of the largest newspapers in England, regarding her book “Dieppe Crossing.”

A Taekwondo informational meeting will take place at 8 p.m. Jan. 13 in the Student Recreation Center Aerobics room.

The Association of Black Collegians and Lambda Chi will sponsor Old School Game Night at 7 p.m. Jan. 16 in the Student Union Building Down Under. Games include Twister, Taboo, Double Dutch, Duck Duck Goose and UNO.

The Prim Roses will conduct informational meetings at 7 p.m. Jan. 21-22 in the Student Union Building 3204. Prim Rose recruitment will take place from 7-8 p.m. Jan. 26-27 in the Student Union Building Activities Room.

Lambda Pi Eta, the Communication National Honor Society, will host an informational meeting at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26 in Barnett Hall 1211for communication majors and minors interested in joining. Requirements include 60 total credit hours, with at least 12 in communication courses, and a 3.0 cumulative GPA with a 3.25 communication GPA.

The Career Center will be the site of the eighth annual Secretary’s Tea at 2 p.m. Jan. 28.