Vol. 14, No. 18 - Jan. 26, 2010

Students, staff and faculty are encouraged to wear purple or other Truman apparel on Fridays.

Purple Fridays are designed to raise Truman Spirit and build community on campus by joining together to wear Truman colors.

There are prizes available to students who wear purple. Organizers are also planning other fun involving Truman Spirit.

The Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Student Senate, Greek Life and the CSI are sponsoring Purple Fridays and credit the Truman Bookstore, ES 350: Event and Game Management, Truman ROTC and Delta Sigma Pi for the support.

Recognizing Truman’s role as a national innovator in undergraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the University with a five-year, $1.2 million grant to attract more undergraduates to science and mathematics degree programs.
 
In addition to enhancing interdisciplinary and research-enhanced opportunities for Truman students, the award will support the University’s continuing work with regional community colleges to help prepare students to earn bachelor’s degrees in science and mathematics fields.

“More students than ever start college at a community college, so we at Truman are excited to continue our work with our partners to create innovative ways to increase the number of students who earn baccalaureate degrees in science and mathematics,” said Jason Miller, associate professor of mathematics at Truman. “This grant allows us to introduce science and mathematics to students in interdisciplinary and innovative ways.”

The five-year grant extends an NSF-funded partnership between Truman, Moberly Area Community College, St. Charles Community College and Metropolitan Community College.  Together these schools will increase the number of students who pursue and earn a four-year degree in science or mathematics after starting at a community college. Pre-STEM programs at the community colleges and 2+2 programs at Truman will provide advising, support and career awareness programs for students.

At the same time, Truman will pilot courses for first-time students that present science and mathematics as interdependent and integrated pursuits. This will prepare students to be future innovators and leaders in an economy that is increasingly interdisciplinary and science-driven.

Questions about this new NSF award and the programming it will support can be addressed to Jason Miller (project lead, mathematics, millerj@truman.edu), Timothy Walston (biology, tdwalston@truman.edu), or Barbara Kramer (chemistry, bkramer@truman.edu).

In reaction to the Haitian Earthquake, the Truman and Kirksville communities are coming together to raise money for Partners in Health, an organization that has worked in Haiti for two decades.

Truman’s chapter of GlobeMed has opted to name events after Partners in Health’s “Stand with Haiti” campaign to promote the organization. Truman’s Stand with Haiti campaign is hosting a benefit concert at 8 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Journal Printing Building in downtown Kirksville. The event will feature the band Deadwood, composed of several Truman faculty members. Admission is $8, or $5 with a student ID, with all proceeds going to Partners in Health.

In 2008, students from Truman’s GlobeMed chapter traveled to Hispaniola, the island encompassing both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. While there the students taught maternal health education among sugarcane field workers. Truman’s GlobeMed chapter partners with Maison de Naissance, a birthing clinic in Haiti. The clinic was not harmed by the earthquake, however, due to the destruction in Haiti’s capital, there is much needed support in ensuring citizens are receiving adequate care and supplies.

In conjunction with GlobeMed, students in English 503: Gender Studies, are hosting “Slam for Haiti,” a poetry slam at 9 p.m. Jan. 28 at Il Spazio. Admission is free, but donations are being accepted at the door. All proceeds will go to Partners in Health through Truman’s GlobeMed chapter.

For more information about what Truman is doing to help, visit http://www.truman.edu/pages/184.asp?autoid=15.

There are other ways to provide relief to the Haitians. Those interested can also donate $10 to Partners in Health by texting GIVE to 25383.
The American Red Cross is also accepting text donations. Text HAITI to 90999 to make a $10 donation to support the American Red Cross Haiti relief efforts. Donations can also be made to the local Red Cross Chapter at 315 S. Franklin, Kirksville, MO 63501.

The Salvation Army is offering three ways to donate. Donations can be made online at http://www.salvationarmy.org, by texting Haiti to 52000 or by sending a check to the local Salvation Army at 1004 Gardner St., Kirksville, MO 63501.

Visit http://mgive.com/A for information about text donations.

The Northeast Regional Professional Development Center at Truman will be collecting hygiene “Kits 4 Kids” donations Feb. 2 at the National Guard Armory at 500 S. Elson Street. For complete details on the kits go to http://rpdc.truman.edu/kits4kids.asp.

Save Haiti Relief Week

The Truman Speech and Debate Team participated in the Hell Froze Over invitational tournament Jan. 15-17 in Austin, Texas.

Co-hosted by the University of Texas and Bradley University, of Peoria, Ill., the tournament got its name more than 10 years ago because the schools were each others’ biggest debate rivals, and the coaches joked that no one would believe the two would host a tournament together. Hell Froze Over is now one of the most competitive tournaments, aside from nationals.

The tournament brought competitors from as far north as Wisconsin and as far west as California. With an average of 115 competitors per event, representing 40 schools, contestants must place in the top six to earn a spot in the finals.  

Competitors battled through preliminary rounds for a place in each event’s top 18 spots. Those 18 then compete in one of three semi-final sections, where they hope to earn a top two rating from the judges, sending them to the finals round.

Of the five Truman students in attendance at the tournament, the team achieved five out round breaks total. During the first competition, freshman Samantha Jones made it to the semi-finals in prose interpretation and freshman Kyle LaVelle made it to the semi-finals in impromptu speaking. During the second half of the competition, sophomore Andrew Grojean made it to semi-finals in prose interpretation, while LaVelle continued his success, qualifying for the semi-finals in extemporaneous speaking and the finals in impromptu speaking. LaVelle took home sixth place in impromptu speaking.

“The level of success that we were able to achieve at this incredibly competitive tournament is a sign of great things to come,” Kristi Scholten, director of Truman Forensics, said. “I only hope that we can carry this momentum and even build on it, as we move into the state and national championship tournaments.”

The team has one more invitational in January, this one at Webster University in St. Louis. Following that, the Forensics team has the state tournament and national tournament. The Truman Bulldogs currently have 13 students and 18 events qualified for the national tournament, but are hoping to increase those numbers.

Anyone interested in joining the team can contact Scholten at kscholten@truman.edu.

Curtis R. Blakely, assistant professor of justice systems, and Alice Walkley, a senior justice systems major, recently had their paper examining the country’s prison system published by the Internet Journal of Criminology.

With more than two million inmates in the U.S. prison system, contemporary officials have curtailed their use of treatment programs. This has allowed them to focus needed attention and funds on controlling overcrowded facilities.

In their paper “A physicist, a philosopher and a politician: What penologists can learn from Einstein, Kant and Churchill,” Blakely and Walkley contend this has created an imbalance within correctional ideology and practice. To restore this balance, the authors propose the use of specialized prisons.

Under this proposal some prisons would incapacitate hardened and repeat offenders while other prisons would treat young and impressionable offenders. The key is to keep each group from interacting with the other. Interaction of this kind, it is argued, tends to corrupt the young, impressionable inmates. By separating these two populations, amenable inmates might be rehabilitated at greater rates, reducing both recidivism and operating costs. In determining the feasibility of their proposal, Blakely and Walkley considered the insights and statements of several well-known figures.

Their paper was also submitted upon request to California State Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod. It was of interest to the Senator since it promises to reduce prison overcrowding and remedy budgetary shortfalls.  

A brief description of this project will also appear in an upcoming highlights publication of the Council on Undergraduate Research, Washington, D.C.  

Blakely and Walkley’s paper can be viewed online at http://www.internetjournalofcriminology.com/Blakely_Walkley_Physicist_Philosopher_Politician_Jan_2010.pdf.

Huping Ling, professor of history, has edited two recently-published books

“Asian American History and Cultures: An Encyclopedia,” is a two-volume set published by M.E. Sharpe, an award-winning publisher of reference books, textbooks, general interest books and journals.

With overview essays and more than 400 A-Z entries, this encyclopedia documents the history of Asians in America from earliest contact to the present day.

Organized topically by group, with an in-depth overview essay on each group, the encyclopedia examines the myriad ethnic groups and histories that make up the Asian American population in the United States.

“Asian American History and Culture” covers the political, social and cultural history of immigrants and their descendents from East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Pacific Islands, as well as the social and cultural issues faced by Asian American communities, families and individuals in contemporary society.

In addition to entries on various groups and cultures, the encyclopedia also includes articles on general topics such as parenting and child rearing, assimilation and acculturation, business, education and literature.

Ling also edited “Asian America: Forming New Communities, Expanding Boundaries,” available through Rutgers University Press.

The last half-century witnessed a dramatic change in the geographic, ethnographic and socioeconomic structure of Asian American communities. While traditional enclaves were strengthened by waves of recent immigrants, Asian Americans also created new urban and suburban communities with or without geographical boundaries.

“Asian America” is the first comprehensive look at post-1960s Asian American communities in the United States and Canada. From Chinese Americans in the Chicago metropolitan area, to Vietnamese Americans in Orange County, this multidisciplinary collection spans a wide comparative and panoramic scope.

The Truman State University Foundation Study Abroad Scholarships are now available for Summer 2010. Ten $1,500 scholarships will be awarded for summer faculty-led Truman study abroad programs based on financial need, statement of purpose and academic achievement. Applications are available in the Center for International Education (Kirk Building 114). Application deadline is 12 p.m. Jan. 29. Recipients will be notified in late February.

The Alumnae Panhellenic Association of Greater Kansas City is offering scholarship opportunities to female college juniors, seniors or graduate students, who are residents of the greater Kansas City area, attending Kansas or Missouri schools. The Kansas City area is defined as Platte and Ray counties in Missouri and Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami and Wyandotte counties in Kansas. Greek sorority membership is required to apply for this program. Application deadline is Feb. 5. Applications are available online at http://www.kcpanhel.com.

USA Funds is taking applications for $1,500 scholarships to qualified full-time undergraduate and graduate students from households with incomes of $35,000 or less. Applicants for the scholarships must be enrolled or plan to enroll in coursework at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational/technical school beginning with the fall 2010 term. Deadline for students to submit the scholarship application is Feb. 15. For complete eligibility information and to download an application, visit USA Funds’ website at http://www.usafunds.org/scholarship.

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 grade point average of at least 3.0. For more information, visit http://www.missouritravel.com. The deadline for applications is March 2, 2010.

Camp Ramapo in Rhinebeck, N.Y., is offering unique educational summer job opportunities for students. Ramapo is one of the few residential summer camps servicing children with emotional, behavioral and learning problems. It provides a safe, predictable and highly structured environment, which fosters the development of positive social and learning skills. In addition, Ramapo offers an on-site college course through the National Program on Non-collegiate Sponsored Instruction. For more information on how to make a difference in a child’s life this summer, while possibly earning college credits, log on to http://www.ramapoforchildren.org.

U.S. Bank will award forty $1000 scholarships through a random drawing process. Undergraduate students attending an eligible four-year college or university participating in the U.S. Bank No Fee Education Loan Program are eligible to apply. Further details regarding this scholarship opportunity can be found online at http://www.usbank.com.

Scholarships are available through Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri, Inc., for the 2010-2011 academic year. Stop by the Financial Aid Office in McClain Hall 103 for more information on eligibility requirements or to obtain an application. One winner from each state may be submitted for the National Garden Club scholarship in the amount of $3,500.

The John Gyles Education Awards are available each year to students in both Canada and the United States. They are the result of a private, benevolent endeavor established in 1990. Full Canadian or American citizenship is a requirement. Awards are available to both male and female students for all areas of post secondary study. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Criteria other than strictly academic ability and financial need are considered in the selection process.  Selected students will receive up to $3,000. The filing date for mailing applications is May 1, 2010. Applications are available online at http://www.johngyleseducationcenter.com.

The BigSun Organization is proud to be able to continue to help young athletes succeed in their academic pursuits by offering a $500 scholarship. All student athletes are eligible for this award, regardless of the sport. Deadline for submission is June 24, 2010. Visit http://www.bigsunathletics.com to learn how to apply.

The Institute of International Education (IIE) has announced the inauguration of the Freeman Indonesia Nonprofit Internship Program (FINIP), funded by the Freeman Foundation. The internship aims to develop student leaders and strengthen the nonprofit sector in Indonesia. IIE will select and pair 10 Indonesian students pursuing U.S. degrees with 10 U.S. undergraduates and arrange internships for them to work together in an Indonesian nonprofit organization. The internship lasts from June 15-Aug. 17, 2010 and will take place in three cities: Jakarta, Bandung and Yogyakarta. Interested American and Indonesian sophomores and juniors enrolled in U.S. institutions are encouraged to apply online at http://www.iie.org/programs/finip. The deadline for submission of applications is Feb. 15. Contact finip@iie.org for more information.

Collegium Civitas is now accepting applications for its professional internship program in Warsaw, Poland (June 1-July 31, 2010). Civitas offers students a unique opportunity to undertake professional internships in various areas, including politics, European integration, human rights, civic and political education, civil society, arts, history, Jewish culture and history, economics, business, media and journalism, legal and constitutional affairs, the environment and more. For details, visit http://www.globaleducationleadership.org/.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) invites highly qualified undergraduate students to apply for scholarships funding study, senior thesis research and/or internships in Germany. Scholarships are available either as part of an organized study abroad program or as part of an individual, student-designed study abroad semester or year. Funding is offered for the academic year 2010-2011 and includes a monthly stipend, health insurance and a lump sum for travel. For program details go online to: http://www.daad.org/?p=undergrad. Current DAAD-Scholar blogs: http://daadabroad.wordpress.com/. DAAD Young Ambassadors: http://www.daad.org/page/65670/.

Upward Bound has open positions for residential mentors, night supervisor, reading specialist, chemistry instructor, physics instructor and variety show director.  Application packets will be accepted until positions are filled.  Access application materials at http://ub.truman.edu or Kirk Building 220. Call Donna for additional details at 785.4244.

Activity: Badminton
Division: Open
Deadline: Jan. 26
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: Jan. 30 & Feb. 6

Activity: Racquetball-Doubles*
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Feb. 2
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: Feb. 8
* Will be played at YMCA

Activity: Taboo
Division: Open
Deadline: Feb. 9
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: Feb. 13

Activity: BAGGO
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Feb. 23
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: Feb. 28

Activity: NCAA March Madness
Division: Open
Deadline: First of March
Captains’ Meeting: NA
Play Begins: First of March

Activity: Volleyball
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Mar. 2
Captains’ Meeting: Mar. 3
Play Begins: Mar. 15

Activity: Co-Rec Volleyball
Division: Open
Deadline: Mar. 2
Captains’ Meeting: Mar. 3
Play Begins: Mar. 15

Activity: Closest to the Pin
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Mar. 16
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: TBA

Activity: Indoor Soccer
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Mar. 16
Captains’ Meeting: Mar. 18
Play Begins: Mar. 22

Activity: Co-Rec Indoor Soccer
Division: Open
Deadline: Mar. 16
Captains’ Meeting: Mar. 18
Play Begins: Mar. 22

Activity: Swim Meet
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Apr. 6
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: Apr. 8

Activity: Ultimate Frisbee
Division: Open
Deadline: Apr. 13
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: Apr. 17 & 18

Activity: Punt Pass & Kick
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Apr. 13
Captains’ Meeting: Apr. 15
Play Begins: Apr. 22

Activity: Track Meet
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Apr. 13
Captains’ Meeting: Apr. 15
Play Begins: Apr. 22

Activity: T-Shirt Design Contest
Division: Open
Deadline: Apr. 29
Captains’ Meeting: NA
Play Begins: NA

Activity: Wrap Up Meeting
Division: Open
Deadline: NA
Captains’ Meeting: Apr. 29
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.

John Richard Freese, a graduate music composition student from Milwaukee, Wis., was awarded Honorable Mention/Second Place in the Music Teachers National Association Student Composition Competition, Young Artists Division. Freese’s winning composition was a work for solo guitar entitled “Scattered Memories.” In November 2009, this composition was awarded First Place in the Missouri MTNA Student Competition. Freese studies with Warren Gooch, professor of music.

A Faculty Forum relating to “Vessels From the Past,” an ancient Egyptian pottery exhibit on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum, will be presented by exhibit curator Sara Orel, professor of art, at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 in Magruder Hall 2001. The theme for the Forum is The Garstang Excavations at Beni Hasan, Egypt.

The Weekly Lunch Series will continue at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 27 in the Spanish Room of the Student Union Building with the program “How to Pitch Your Summer or Weekend Performance, Event, Conference.” Kevin Minch, director of the Truman Institute, and Beth Tuttle, director of Greek Life, will advise on how to bring revenue to the University through the various professional meetings Truman faculty and staff often sponsor. Get their planning tips and ideas to make the process smoother.

Alpha Phi Omega will be hosting Rush Interest Meetings at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Jan 27-28 in Violette Hall 1146. Alpha Phi Omega is a national coeducational service fraternity with three cardinal principles: leadership, friendship and service. “You can do it, APO can help.”