Vol. 14, No. 4 - Sept. 22, 2009

The Kansas City Symphony will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29 in Baldwin Hall Auditorium.
 
The Symphony, founded by R. Crosby Kemper, Jr. in 1982, plays a 42-week season. KCS performs a wide variety of subscription, educational, touring and outreach concerts. In addition, the symphony performs with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and the Kansas City Ballet.


Steven Jarvi, who the Wall Street Journal describes as “eloquent and decisive,” leads the group’s 80 full-time musicians. Jarvi has become recognized as an extraordinary talent with an equal passion for the concert hall and the opera house. Jarvi received the KCS Assistant Conductor position in Fall 2008 after completing two seasons as Conducting Fellow with the New World Symphony in Miami Beach and as an Associate Conductor for the New York City Opera at Lincoln Center. Jarvi was recently named Bruno Walter Associate Conductor Chair for the 2009-2010 season, one of only three awards given nationwide for the concert year. His responsibilities include leading the Pops and Family Series concerts and serving as the cover conductor for the Classical Series.

Tickets go on sale Sept. 22. Students can pick up their free tickets by presenting a Truman ID at the Student Activities Board Box Office, located in the lower level of the Student Union Building. Faculty and staff may receive their free ticket by showing their Truman ID at the Information Center in the Student Union Building. General admission tickets cost $7 for adults and $4 for those 18 and under and may be purchased at Edna Campbell’s or the Truman Cashier's Window in McClain Hall.

The Missouri Government Internship Program is now accepting applications for the spring 2010 semester. All majors and students with junior or senior status are encouraged to apply.
 
The internship offers a $2,500 stipend, up to 15 hours of college credit and the opportunity to spend a semester in Jefferson City working with a legislator, public official or state agency. There will be an informational meeting for all students that are interested in the program at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Student Union Building Spanish Room.

“The Missouri Government Internship Program has been a valuable opportunity for me in my undergraduate career at Truman,” said Makita Abraham, who interned with the Secretary of State, Robin Carnahan’s office in the spring of 2009. “I enjoyed having the chance to become acquainted and work with elected officials and state department employees who impact the direction of Missouri government daily. I gained a great deal of knowledge of the functions of state government and made many connections with individuals throughout the Capitol. My experience will definitely stay with me past my undergraduate years.”

The program provides interested students an inside look at state government and the political process. The experience has special appeal for students anticipating careers in business, law, public relations, government service or public affairs, but is filled with opportunities for a variety of career fields.

“The Missouri Government Internship has been the defining moment of my undergraduate career,” said Phillip Raine, a spring 2009 intern with Representative Bryan Pratt. “I was able to utilize the lessons that I learned in the classrooms of Truman in a real world environment. I walked out of the Capitol with an insider’s understanding of the process of government. I was never bored, and when the last day came, I didn’t want to leave. I made some great friendships and made the connections that will get me places when I graduate from Truman.”

Students wishing to participate in the Missouri Government Internship Program should possess a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit, cumulative GPA of 2.75 and divisional approval. No special coursework is required prior to the internship.

To view internship requirements, go to http://career.truman.edu/Internships/mogovBrochure.asp. For more information about the internship, contact Heidi Templeton at 785.4016 or Candy Young at 785.4650.

In an exciting new collaboration, the A.T. Still Research Institute (SRI) at A.T. Still University has partnered with Truman to host the first Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Symposium. The symposium will take place from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at ATSU’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and will set the foundation for more interdisciplinary biomedical research between the ATSU and Truman campuses. 

“The purpose of this event is to expand and support the research culture at both campuses,” said Neil Sargentini, Ph.D., microbiology/immunology chair at KCOM and chair of the symposium program committee.

The symposium’s activities include oral and poster presentations on research resources and accomplishments by Truman and ATSU faculty and students; panel discussions on human research, animal models and student research opportunities. In addition, the symposium will feature a keynote presentation by Jay Moskowitz, Ph.D., President and CEO of Health Sciences South Carolina.  

Moskowitz will bring his vast experience of working with federal, state and foundation systems where he worked to develop programs that facilitate research programs and careers of emerging basic science and physician investigators. He has served as a member of SRI’s External Board of Scientific Counselors since SRI’s inception in 2001.

“Because of his experience, Dr. Moskowitz will be able to present insightful information on how to link independent campus research and research groups into a collaborative research network,” said Brian Degenhardt, D.O., SRI director and assistant vice president for osteopathic research. “He will present the challenges and barriers that he has experienced in establishing research programs and what resolutions were developed to overcome these challenges.”

Research topics covered at the symposium include a combination of observational, clinical and mechanistic studies. The SRI chose these areas of focus because they are strategic areas of research for SRI, are consistent with areas of research routinely supported at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and are fundamental to the scientific process.

Planning for the inaugural symposium began more than a year ago by a committee consisting of representatives from Truman, ATSU and SRI.

“This conference is intended to facilitate each campus’ research activity by identifying common areas of interest between professors with different yet complementary skill sets, particularly in areas that have the potential of influencing future medical care,” said Degenhardt. “By partnering with other educational institutions such as Truman State University and providing a platform at a public event, we encourage researchers to present their research and to talk about research interests and resources.”

The program committee anticipates establishing the symposium as an annual event to include both ATSU’s Missouri and Arizona campuses as well as Truman. So far, the committee has received interest from new and active faculty and student researchers.

“There is also the possibility, in a few years, of expanding the event to target a national researcher audience,” said Degenhardt.

This means continuing to include other research institutions in the collaborative process.

To learn more about the symposium, visit http://www.atsu.edu/research/conferences_seminars.

The newly opened Communication Lab in Barnett Hall offers help to students who need assistance with any type of oral presentation, not just COMM 170 speeches.
 
Several student workers with experience in debate and public speaking staff the lab, located in 1215 Barnett Hall. The student workers have received training to aid students during any part of the speechwriting process, from narrowing a topic to practicing the speech. Jay Self, associate professor of communication, runs the lab.

The lab is open this semester six days a week on: Sunday, 2-7 p.m.; Monday, 4-9 p.m.; Tuesday, 12-7 p.m.; Wednesday, 3-6 p.m.; Thursday, 12-6 p.m.; Friday, 2-6 p.m.

Students are welcome to walk in during these hours or e-mail commlab@truman.edu to set up an appointment.

For more information, contact Self at 785.6044 or selfjw@truman.edu.

Thomas Trimborn, professor of music, will present “Encounters With Lincoln Through the Arts,” at 7 p.m. Oct. 7 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall. The program will focus on the writing of historians and the work of artists, poets, photographers, sculptors, painters and musicians.

Members of the Truman State University Brass Choir and Cantoria will assist Trimborn by performing vocal and instrumental music just as Lincoln actually heard it. Selected artwork that appears in Trimborn’s book “Encounters With Lincoln: Images and Words,” published by the Truman Press, will also be shown and discussed. The forum is free and open to all.

Nearly a dozen faculty from a variety of disciplines and departments presented their research at the inaugural Truman Faculty Research Conference Sept. 12. More than 50 faculty members attended the event, which the Caucus for Faculty Scholarship sponsored in the Student Union Building Alumni Room.

Amber Johnson, professor of anthropology, chair of the Department of Society and Environment and one of the planners of the event, said the caucus organized the conference as a way for faculty to exchange ideas and share research with one another. Johnson said Truman students have outlets for scholarship, but the conference helped give faculty a similar outlet to build a community and share excitement for research and scholarship.  

Late last spring, the organizing group of Johnson, Julia DeLancey, Taner Edis, Mike Goggin, Sam Minner, Maria Nagan and Wynne Wilbur asked for abstracts. The response exceeded the group’s expectations, so the members decided to host another conference Feb. 6, 2010.

Johnson said the conference proved a new and exciting outlet for faculty and helped create academic exchange between a supportive community of scholars.

Faculty members Edis, Goggin, Warren Gooch with Jesse Krebs and Yukari Yano, Rob Graber, Rebecca Harrison, Jan Grow-Maienza, Jason Miller, John Quinn, Marc Rice, Linda Seidel and Tim Walston presented their works.

The Kansas City Society of CPCU has announced the Percy S. Lorie Scholarship for the 2009-2010 academic year. This scholarship is intended for students that have completed at least 90 hours of college level classes and are majoring in insurance or a related field. Deadline for applications is Oct. 1. Applications are available online at http://www.kansascity.cpcusociety.org.

Nominations for the $10,000 Walker and Doris Allen Fellowships to recognize outstanding faculty members are being accepted by the Office of the Provost until Sept. 30. The Fellowships are open to all tenured or tenure-track faculty with at least four years of full-time service at Truman. For details on the nomination process visit http://www.truman.edu/pages/131.asp.

Sept. 21-25
The Clothesline Project
9 a.m.-5 p.m. • The Mall
A visual testament to the experiences and hopes of those who have been sexually assaulted

Sept. 22
You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers: A Panel Discussion about Sexual Assault and the Conduct Code
6:30 p.m.
Baldwin Hall Little Theatre
A panel including members of Victim’s Support Services and University Counseling Services will discuss the recent changes to the conduct code

Sept. 23
Stalking: Prevention and Action
7 p.m. • Baldwin Hall 303
Learn about stalking on college campuses and what you can do to protect yourself

Sept. 24
Take Back the Night
8 p.m. • Fountain on the Mall
A candlelight vigil that mourns loss by sexual assault and celebrates survivors

Intent to Graduate Forms for May 2010 are due Oct. 1. The forms can be found on the Registrar’s website (http://registrar.truman.edu/) or in the Registrar’s Office. They are to be returned to the Registrar’s Office in McClain Hall 104. For questions call 785.4143 or e-mail registrar@truman.edu.

Students may pick up Applications for the 2009-2010 award in the Dean of Student Affairs Office, located in the Student Union Building 3100. Faculty and staff may also nominate students. Nominations are due Sept. 25. To qualify, students should be active in campus and community activities, have a 2.75 GPA, and be a senior eligible for graduation in the 2009-10 academic year. Completed student applications must be returned to the Student Affairs Office by Oct. 19. For more information visit http://saffairs.truman.edu or call 785.4111.

The Dean of Student Affairs asks Truman faculty and staff to submit grant proposals for excursion/field trip opportunities for students. For information on past recipients, as well as grant requirements, please visit http://saffairs.truman.edu/stulife_initiatives.asp. Proposals are due to the Dean of Student Affairs Office in Student Union Building 3100 by Oct. 1.

Create and manage your Writing Center appointments online. Read the Writing Center’s policies page first at http://writingcenter.truman.edu/confsumm.asp, but if you’ve used the Writing Center before, then you can go straight to the scheduler: http://www.rich75.com/truman. Go to http://writingcenter.truman.edu or drop by the Writing Center in McClain 303 for details.

The Showgirls will audition new members for basketball season from 9 a.m.-noon and 2-3 p.m. Sept. 26 in Pershing Small Gym.
Please e-mail Brandi Keller (bkeller@truman.edu) for tryout requirements.

Activity: Softball
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Sept. 22
Captains’ Meeting: Sept. 24
Play Begins: Sept. 26-27

Activity: Co-Rec Softball
Division: Open
Deadline: Sept. 22
Captains’ Meeting: Sept. 24
Play Begins: Sept. 26-27

Activity: Tennis-Doubles
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Sept. 21
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: Sept. 28

Activity: Frisbee Golf
Division: Open
Deadline: Sept. 24
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: Sept. 28 to Oct. 2

Activity: Outdoor Soccer
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Sept. 29
Captains’ Meeting: Oct. 1
Play Begins: Oct. 5

Activity: Co-Rec Outdoor Soccer
Division: Open
Deadline: Sept. 29
Captains’ Meeting: Oct. 1
Play Begins: Oct. 5

Activity: MLB Playoff Pickem
Division: Open
Deadline: Oct. 2
Captains’ Meeting: NA
Play Begins: Oct. 8

Activity: Table Tennis
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Oct. 13
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: Oct. 24

Activity: Basketball Pentathlon
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Oct. 27
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: Nov. 2

Activity: Texas Hold’em
Division: Open
Deadline: Nov. 3
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: Nov. 8

Activity: 3 on 3 Basketball
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Nov. 3
Captains’ Meeting: Nov. 5
Play Begins: Nov. 9

Activity: Pickelball
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Nov. 3
Captains’ Meeting: Nov. 5
Play Begins: Nov. 9

Activity: Pitch
Division: Open
Deadline: Nov. 10
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: Nov. 14

Activity: Billiards
Division: Open
Deadline: Nov. 10
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: Nov. 15

Activity: Bench Press
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Nov. 10
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: Nov. 16

Activity: College Bowl Mania
Division: Open
Deadline: Finals Week
Captains’ Meeting: NA
Play Begins: Finals Week

Activity: Wrap Up Meeting
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: NA
Captains’ Meeting: Dec. 3
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. Captains’ Meeting is at 4:30 p.m. in the SRC Conference Room.

Truman’s chapter of Beta Theta Pi recently returned from National Convention with many prestigious awards. The chapter earned the John Reily Knox Award for Chapter Excellence, the top award given by Beta Theta Pi nationally. The fraternity also earned the Francis H. Sisson Award for chapter excellence, the Virginia Tech Award for academic excellence, the Excellence in Risk Management Award and the John Holt Duncan Award for leadership development. Also, Beta Theta Pi earned Gold Chapter recognition, the only fraternity to do so in the Truman Greek Challenge for Excellence, and also won Interfraternity Council Chapter of the Year at Truman.

Jerrold Hirsch, professor of history, recently spoke at the Kansas City Public Library’s kick-off event for a six-week series of public programs commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Federal Writer’s Project, A New Deal Program that helped define America and American literature by supporting literary talent during the Great Depression. Hirsch’s presentation, “Portrait of America: A Cultural History of the Federal Writer’s Project,” is online at http://www.archive.org/details/JerroldHirschPortraitOfAmerica. His recent interview on the public radio program “Up to Date” can be found at http://kcurstream.umkc.edu/UTD/UTD_9-2-2009.mp3.

Amnesty International, the Hispanic American Leadership Organization (H.A.L.O.) and the Anthropology Club will hosting a screening of “Bordertown” at 6 p.m. Sept. 22 in Violette Hall 1000. The full length motion picture Bordertown is a political thriller starring Martin Sheen, Antonio Banderas and Jennifer Lopez.  The film, which is based on a true story, follows the journey of a young woman who is sexually assaulted by two men on her way home from work at a factory in Juarez, Mexico and left to die.  After her traumatic experience she attempts to seek justice with the aid of the press while being stifled by the government.  Based on Barbara Martinez Jitner’s (who is speaking on campus two days after this screening) documentary La Frontera, the movie reveals the dark world of poverty and sexual abuse that has led to the 400 unsolved murders of women in Juarez since 1993. 

The Weekly Lunch Series will continue at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 23 in the Student Union Building Spanish Room with a discussion on “Critical Thinking Gains Through Service Learning.” Teak Nelson and the student nurses will present.
     
The next Physics Colloquium event will feature Mark Alford, from the Department of Physics at Washington University. He will present “Superconducting Quarks: Condensed Matter in the Heavens” at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 23  in VH 1000. For more information about the colloquium series and upcoming talks, please visit http://physics.truman.edu/colloquia/mainstage.asp.

Amnesty International, the Hispanic American Leadership Organization (H.A.L.O.) and the Anthropology Club will sponsor “Juarez, Mexico, The Capital of Murdered Women,” at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms B and C. Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Barbara Martinez Jitner will speak on violence against women and poverty in Juarez, Mexico.  Martinez Jitner posed as a factory worker in the maquiladora industry (U.S. owned factories that popped up along the border after NAFTA was ratified) to uncover for herself the causes of the 400 unsolved murders of women in Juarez, Mexico since 1993 – most of who worked in maquiladoras.  Most of these women are found in outlying areas of the city and show signs of sexual abuse, rape and torture.  Martinez Jitner will reveal how some components of NAFTA have led to femicide and poverty in Juarez.  She also draws from her personal life story to speak about taking pride in one’s heritage, the strength of family and the liberating power of education. Funded by FAC, Center for Teaching and Learning, National Organization of Women (NOW), School of Arts and Letters and Department of Society and the Environment

Global Youth Connect, an international human rights organization, requests applications for its International Human Rights Delegation and Training program in Rwanda, which will take place between Dec. 28, 2009 and Jan. 11, 2010. For more information, visit http://www.globalyouthconnect.org/participate. The deadline for applications is Sept. 25.

The Kirksville Watershed Management Commission will sponsor Shoreline Cleanup from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Sept. 26 at Forest Lake. Those wishing to participate should meet at the marina. Drinking water, trash bags and gloves will be provided. Participants should bring their own field shoes or boots. For more information, contact Cindy Cooper at 785.4082.

The next Global Issues Colloquium session features Baldwin speaker, Alan Guskin who will present, “In The Beginning: Peace Corps,” at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 in Magruder 2001. Truman faculty and others, including: Mark Campbell (Agricultural Science); Karen Keck (Kirksville public school teacher); Bob Matthews (Math and Computer Science); John Quinn (Political Science); and Mary Shapiro (English & Linguistics), will share their experiences with the Peace Corps. In addition, the Career Center will present information on applying to the Peace Corps.

The 2009 Baldwin Dinner and Lecture will take place at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 1. Alan Guskin, Distinguished Professor, Ph.D Program in Leadership and Change, and University President Emeritus, Antioch University will speak on, “The Courage to Change:  Higher Education Facing 21st Century Realities.” Tickets are $8. Make check payable to Truman State University and send to The Center for Teaching and Learning in PML 204.