Vol. 16, No. 21 - Feb. 14, 2012

The Truman Department of Music has announced Maria del Pico Taylor as the guest artist for the 29th Annual Truman Piano Festival Feb. 18. Taylor serves on the piano faculty at Temple University Boyer College of Music and Dance in Philadelphia, Pa.

Taylor will conduct a master class featuring Truman piano majors at 9 a.m. Feb. 18 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall. She will then deliver a presentation on the Dorothy Taubman technique at 11 a.m. in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.

The Taubman technique liberates pianists to play effortlessly, unburdened by physical limitations. Based on principles of physiology, the Taubman technique is built on the concept of coordinated motions of finger, hand and arm movements. Both the master class and the Taubman presentation are open to the public, free of charge.

Taylor was the first Cuban pianist to receive the coveted Canada Council Grant for advanced studies at the University of Toronto, where she graduated with distinction with Artist and Licentiate Diplomas in piano performance and pedagogy. She also has a master’s degree in piano performance from Northwestern University.

Her teachers include Paul Stassevitch, Adele Marcus and Dorothy Taubman. She is a frequent presenter of lecture and master classes on the Taubman technique at state and national conventions throughout America.

The newly founded journal The Wide Net has launched its first issue, which includes research, reviews and creative work written by master’s level students from across the country.

Founded in September 2011 by master’s students at Truman, The Wide Net seeks to foreground the often underrepresented work of master’s students in a national journal of English and cultural studies. It is possibly the country’s first journal designed expressly for this purpose.

In January, The Wide Net released its first issue titled, “Occupying Spaces: Reclaiming Cultural Space for Liberatory Causes.” Issue 1.1 examines how space is used in literature and culture in a variety of ways.

Additionally, the issue includes reviews of contemporary poetry, nonfiction and a composition textbook.

As The Wide Net nears its second issue, it is dedicated to the goals of publishing the highest forms of academic inquiry, forming a viable network of young academics and reaffirming the value and utility of the humanities.

The Wide Net publishes work exclusively online under the auspices of the English and Linguistics Department at Truman and can be found at thewidenet.truman.edu. The Wide Net is also on Facebook.

For more information contact Anthony Meyer, Editor-in-Chief at ameyer@truman.edu.

David Livewell, from West Deptford, N.J., is the winner of the 2012 T. S. Eliot Prize for Poetry sponsored by the Truman State University Press.

Livewell’s winning poetry collection, “Shackamaxon,” was selected from nearly 450 manuscripts in the 16th annual competition. Livewell receives $2,000 and publication of his book, which is scheduled for the fall of 2012.

Livewell works as a medical editor in Philadelphia and has taught poetry courses at La Salle University. His poems have been published in numerous journals, and he has been the recipient of the fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

This year’s judge, poet and educator Sandra McPherson said, “[Livewell] writes with a formal ‘at-­homeness,’ with classic rhythm he warms with imagery of the environment he shares with local and national history. Wasps on a baseball diamond, ‘flame-cast shadows’ singeing walls: Livewell’s poems glisten with surprises of light.”

Four finalists were also named: Alan Soldofsky, Sarah M. Wells, Katherine E. Young and Elizabeth Lindsey Rogers.

The prize, established in 1996 in honor of Missouri native T. S. Eliot, is an annual award for the best, unpublished book-length collection of poetry.

The Truman Free Practice Test, sponsored by Kaplan Test Prep, will take place Feb. 18. The event allows students and alumni planning on going to graduate, business, law, medical, pharmacy, dental or optometry school to take a free GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, PCAT, DAT or OAT practice exam. Besides seeing their results, attendees will receive a free detailed score report on their performance and will view a brief test-strategy session.

This year, the event will take place on the Anywhere Live Online Classroom, so Truman students and alumni can attend the event from anywhere with an Internet connection. There is limited space, so enroll soon at bit.ly/TRUMANSPRINGNPT.

Brendan Loula, Truman alumnus, will give two presentations on African music, entitled “The Gambian Music Preservation Project” at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Feb. 17 in Ophelia Parrish 2117. The presentation is sponsored by the Truman Department of Music.

The presentation, a joint endeavor between the National Center for the Arts and Culture in Gambia and the Peace Corps, will focus on Loula’s work to help preserve fading music traditions in Gambia. The project includes recording session and interviews with dozens of musicians, culminating in a wealth of audio and visual materials.

In addition, Loula will present a session entitled “Jaliya,” dealing with the caste of “griots,” or historian-musicians in West African hierarchical societies, at 1:30 p.m. in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall. Loula will attempt to give the audience a basic understanding of the complex system of societal structure and music.

At Truman, Loula focused on western music, but incorporated elements of international music in some of his pieces. After graduating, Loula applied for the Peace Corps and was sent to Gambia to serve as a health volunteer for a two-year term. He finished his service working with the Gambian Music Preservation Project, a month-long series of music recording treks. Since returning to the U.S., Loula has been working on securing a place for the recordings in American archives. He plans to pursue a master’s and Ph.D. in ethnomusicology in 2012.

All events are free and open to the public.

Truman has again been named one of the nation’s “Best Value” colleges and universities according to The Princeton Review. Truman is profiled in its newly published book, “The Best Value Colleges: 2012 Edition,” and on www.princetonreview.com/best-value-colleges.aspx.

The Best Value Colleges: 2012 Edition, subtitled “The 150 Best Buy Colleges and What It Takes to Get In,” features profiles of 75 public and 75 private colleges with detailed information about their campus culture, facilities and financial aid offerings.

The Princeton Review selected its “Best Value Colleges” schools based on institutional data and student opinion surveys collected from 650 colleges and universities the company regards as the nation’s academically best undergraduate institutions. The selection process analyzed more than 30 data points broadly covering academics, cost and financial aid. Cost and financial aid data came from the company’s fall 2011 surveys of school administrators. Data on academics came from its fall 2010 through fall 2011 surveys of school administrators. Data from students attending the schools over these years included their assessments of their professors and their satisfaction with their financial aid awards.

New Student Programs and the School of Business are recruiting Academic Peer Mentors for the 2012-2013 academic year.

The academic peer mentors support the advising staff by providing an academic outreach program to first- and second-year students who are accounting or business administration majors or who are considering these majors.

Applicants must be juniors or seniors by the Fall 2012 semester and must be accounting or business administration majors. A job listing can be viewed on TruPositions under “Academic Peer Mentor.” Applications are available in the Business Academic Advising Center in Violette Hall 2413 and are due by March 19.  

Truman State University Foundation Scholarship applications are now available.

Approximately $250,000 is being advertised and will be awarded to current Truman students for the 2012-2013 academic year.

Applications are available online and are due by midnight March 14. To learn more, go to truman.edu and click on Student Life / Money / Foundation Scholarships or visit secure.truman.edu/isupport-s/.

Nominations for the Leadership Recognition Program are open now through March 14. The Center for Student Involvement is sponsoring this program to honor Truman students, advisors and organizations for their dedication to their peers, campus and Kirksville community through various leadership roles during the year. Nomination information can be obtained online at csi.truman.edu/lrp/. For more information on this event, contact the CSI by phone at 785.4222 or by email at csilrp@gmail.com.

Earn a discount at the Truman Bookstore on spirit wear this week, just in time for Saturday’s game. Take five free throw shots during store hours Feb. 16-18. Make one shot and choose any piece of Truman logo gear at 10 percent off the original price. Two successful shots earn a 20 percent discount; three earn a 30 percent discount; four equal a 40 percent discount; and five out of five score a 50 percent discount.

The U.K. Fulbright Commission announced the opening of an additional Summer Institute to take place at the King’s College London Summer School. This three-week program for U.S. undergraduates will center around the theme of the London 2012 Olympics Games.

All Summer Institutes will provide an immersive academic, cultural and social experience for freshman or sophomore American students who wish to deepen their knowledge of the U.K.  

The Commission is now offering a total of seven opportunities for U.S. undergraduates. The application deadline is March 16. For more information on each Institute and details on how to apply, visit www.fulbright.co.uk/fulbright-awards/for-us-citizens/summer-institutes.

Truman students can nominate an outstanding full-time faculty advisor for the William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award.

To nominate a faculty member, complete the online nomination form at newstudents.truman.edu/web/form_builder2/form_builder.asp?testId=356.

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. April 8. Academic Advisors are not eligible for the award.

Contact Marty Eisenberg at martye@truman.edu with questions.

Telecounselors call prospective students Monday through Thursday evenings to inform them about the Truman experience and answer questions about the admission process.

Scholarship, institutional, volunteer and work-study positions are available for the 2012-2013 school year.

Applications are available online at telecounseling.truman.edu, by emailing a request to Kara Humphrey at karah@truman.edu or by picking up a paper copy at the front desk in the Office of Admission (Ruth W. Towne Museum & Visitors Center on the corner of Franklin St. and Normal Ave.).

Applications are due at 5 p.m. Feb. 24.

The Joshua Pond Law scholarship is available. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, must presently have a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher and must be currently enrolled at an accredited two- or four-year college, trade school or university. Visit joshuapondlaw.com/scholarship to find out more information. Deadline for application is Feb. 29.

Scholarships are available through Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri, Inc., for the 2012-2013 academic year. Last year they awarded more than $13,000 in scholarships. Two students selected by the Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri will be submitted to Central Region as an applicant and to National Gardens Club Inc., as a Missouri applicant and will compete for a Central Region and National Scholarship. The application is available at www.gardenclub.org/Youth/Scholarships.aspx. The deadline to apply is March 1.

The J. R. Popalisky Scholarship Fund of the Missouri Section of the American Water Works Association is now available. This $1,000 scholarship is to encourage enrollment in educational studies related to career fields associated with water supply. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office in McClain Hall 103. Deadline for submission is March 21.

U.S. Bank is awarding 40 scholarships in the amount of $1,000 through a random drawing process. Undergraduate students attending an eligible four-year college or university participating in the U.S. Bank Student Loan Program are eligible to apply. More information about this scholarship opportunity can be found at usbank.com/studentloans. Deadline to apply is March 31.

The Missouri Insurance Education Foundation will award scholarships to deserving students attending Missouri colleges or universities in a program that could lead to positions in the insurance industry in Missouri. The C. Lawrence Leggett Scholarship, in the amount of $2,500, is to be awarded to a junior or senior Missouri resident majoring in insurance or a related area of study. In addition to the Leggett Scholarship, the foundation has made an additional scholarship available in the amount of $2,000. Application forms are available on their website at www.mief.org and are due by March 31.

The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis is a non-profit organization that provides access to higher education to St. Louis area students through interest-free loans. The program assists students with financial need. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative 2.0 grade point average, demonstrate good character and must be a permanent resident of St. Louis City, St. Louis County, the Missouri counties of Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles or Warren, or the Illinois counties of Clinton, Jersey, Madison, Monroe or St. Clair. Applications are due April 15. For more information, call 314.725.7990 or email info@sfstl.org.

SellUsedBooks.com is currently accepting applications for their Spring 2012, 500-word essay, “Why I Deserve to Win this Scholarship” contest. More information may be found at www.sellusedbooks.com/sell-used-books-college-essay.htm. Deadline for the $1,000 scholarship application is April 15.

The William M. Reiss Foundation is offering scholarships to graduates of publicly supported high schools located within the city limits of Belleville, Ill. Official college transcripts are required and a copy of the Student Aid Report from the FASFA is recommended. For more information, or to apply for this scholarship, visit the Financial Aid Office at McClain Hall 103. Deadline to apply is May 1.

The Press Club of Metropolitan St. Louis is inviting eligible media communication and journalism students to apply for scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic year. Students of journalism or related fields who are residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area (City of St. Louis, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles, St. Louis and Warren counties in Missouri; and Bond, Clinton, Jersey, Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties in Illinois) are eligible to receive these scholarships. Applications are available online at www.stlpressclub.org/scholarships.html. Deadline for applications is May 4.

The Jack J. Isgur Foundation awards scholarships to students studying at colleges and universities who indicate an interest in teaching courses in the humanities, such as literature, fine arts, music, art, poetry and dance in Missouri schools, preferably in rural school districts. It is available to those at the junior and senior levels of undergraduate college, as well as graduate students. For more information, please stop by the Financial Aid Office, McClain Hall 103. Applications must be submitted by May 15.

The creators of the “Student Award Search Aid” website are offering a $1,000 scholarship for 2012. To learn more, visit www.studentawardsearch.com/scholarships.htm. Deadline for application is May 28.

The BigSun Organization is offering a $500 scholarship. All student-athletes are eligible for this award, regardless of sport. Deadline for submission is June 22. To learn how to apply, visit www.bigsunathletics.com.

The GP LSAT Prep Scholarship is available to students interested in applying to law school. One or more grants of $1,000 are awarded twice yearly (Jan. 30 and June 30). To apply, use the “contact us” form at www.getprepped.com/net to request the application packet.

The James “Rhio” O’Connor Memorial Scholarship Fund is offering its scholarship again this year to all college students. The scholarship awards are based on an essay contest with the subject concerning cancer. The scholarships amounts are $5,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place and $1,000 for third place. Students can receive more information and request an application packet at www.cancermonthly.com/scholarship.asp.

AES Engineers is providing $500 scholarships to high school seniors or college students (regardless of courses being studied) who meet certain criteria. Scholarships are intended for future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study. Students must submit an essay in answer to one of the two questions that are posted online at www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm. Deadline for entry is Oct. 5.

The Foreclosure.com 2012 Scholarship Program is now available for currently enrolled undergraduate students. Students may go to www.foreclosure.com/scholarship to find out how to be entered to win one of five scholarships by writing an essay on stimulating the U.S. housing market. Top prize is $5,000, second through fifth place will receive $1,000 each. Deadline to enter is Dec. 1.

Wells Fargo is offering 40 $1,000 scholarships. Twenty will be awarded to high school students and 20 to college students through a random drawing throughout the year. Apply on line at wellsfargo.com/collegesteps for chance to win.

The Truman Institute is sponsoring a video contest promoting summer school at the University. First prize in an HD Flip Cam. For complete contest rules and guidelines visit summer.truman.edu/contest.asp.

Click here to see the most interesting student in the world.

Activity: Badminton-Singles
Division: Open
Deadline: Feb. 16
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: Feb. 18

Activity: Badminton-Doubles
Division: Open
Deadline: Feb. 23
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: Feb. 25

Activity: Volleyball
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: March 5
Captains’ Meeting: Feb. 29
Play Begins: March 12

Activity: Co-Rec Volleyball
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: March 5
Captains’ Meeting: Feb. 29
Play Begins: March 12

Activity: Outdoor Soccer
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: March 5
Captains’ Meeting: Feb. 29
Play Begins: March 12

Activity: Co-Rec Outdoor Soccer
Division: Open
Deadline: March 5
Captains’ Meeting: Feb. 29
Play Begins: March 12

Activity: NCAA March Madness
Division: Open
Deadline: March 14
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: March 15

Activity: Swim Meet
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: March 29
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: April 5

Activity: Co-Rec Ultimate Frisbee
Division: Open
Deadline: April 2
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: April 14-15

Activity: Golf Scramble
Division: Open/Greek/Org
Deadline: April 10
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: April 17

Activity: Punt Pass & Kick
Division: Open/Greek/Org
Deadline: April 10
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: April 17

Activity: Track Meet
Division: Open/Greek/Org
Deadline: April 12
Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: April 19

All information, rules and registration requirements are online at 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.

Need to find a “one-stop” directory to useful information sources in almost any discipline?

A good place to start is the library’s SubjectsPlus page where you can select from many major disciplines and interdisciplinary areas to locate good starting points for research.  

When you don’t know where to go, go to SubjectsPlus at library.truman.edu/subsplus/subjects.

Dereck Daschke, chair and professor of philosophy & religion, traveled to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah last month to review independent films for The Journal of Religion and Film. His reviews can be found at www.unomaha.edu/jrf/Vol16.no1/sundance_2012.html.

Roberta Donahue, associate professor of health science, was recognized by Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority as January’s professor of the month. Donahue is the first faculty member to be recognized by Alpha’s new program “Professor Payday” that will acknowledge one of Truman’s outstanding professors every month.

An original composition by Warren Gooch, professor of music, was performed in the 2012 Iowa Composers Forum New Music Festival, hosted by Luther College. “Through a Glass Darkly” for trombone and percussion was performed Feb. 4 by Michael Smith (trombone) and Lars-Erik Larson (percussion). The festival featured music by composers from across the country.

Antonio Scuderi, professor of Italian, had his book “Dario Fo: Framing, Festival, and the Folkloric Imagination” reviewed in the journal CHOICE (January 2012). Professor Steven Botterill of the University of California, Berkeley writes, “Scuderi’s relatively brief but well-informed and theoretically savvy contribution goes straight to the top of the list.”

The Mostly Live Composers Society will present a Valentine’s Day Composers’ Showcase at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall. The concert will premiere musical works written by 10 Truman student composers. The event is open to the public and admission is free.

“Brighton Beach Memoirs” will run at 8 p.m. Feb. 15-18 in the James G. Severns Theatre.

The University Conference will take place Feb. 16. Visit provost.truman.edu/University_Conference/conference_agenda.asp to view the complete schedule of sessions.

The Student Research Conference abstract deadline is Feb. 17. All abstracts can be submitted online at src.truman.edu.

The Missouri Association of Forensic Activities State Tournament will take place Feb. 17-18 in the Student Union Building. There will be competitors from numerous states competing in various events to win state titles and other awards.

The Quincy Symphony Orchestra will present “An English Garden” at 3 p.m. Feb. 19 in the Quincy Junior High School Morrison Theater. Admission is free for Truman students, faculty and staff with an ID.

The observatory will host an open house from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 21 at the University Farm.

Wind Symphony I will perform a concert at 8 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.

The Spring Global Issues Colloquium continues with “Y Ahora Aquí en el Norte” (“And Now Here in the North”) at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 in Violette Hall 1000.

Wind Symphony II and Concert Band will perform a concert at 8 p.m. Feb. 29 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.

Registration for the Big Event is open now through March 2. The Big Event will take place March 17. Register online at serve.truman.edu/bigevent.