Vol. 26 No. 25 - March 14, 2022

This year’s nationally competitive fellowship session is scheduled for 4:30-6 p.m. April 5 in Violette Hall 1000.

Summer is a great time for students to focus their attention on a challenging class, or work on boosting their GPA for scholarship renewal or graduate school applications. It is also an opportunity to make a lot of progress toward an additional major or minor without falling behind.
 
The open course list for summer is available in TruView with a variety of options for students, including online, hybrid and in-person delivery methods. The flexibility of summer courses provides students the opportunity to have a job, take a vacation or socialize with friends back home.
 
With six separate terms throughout the summer, students have a variety of options to fit their needs. Interim classes run May 7-28. The first round of five-week courses, as well as 10-week courses, begin May 31, while the second round of five-week courses begins July 5. An eight-week session begins June 6. The August interim runs from July 30-Aug. 13. For more information visit summer.truman.edu.

The cases being appealed are: a criminal case involving convictions for first-degree assault, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and armed criminal action; a civil case involving workplace injury and disability; a civil case involving trespass and damages against a tenant who allegedly used the property to manufacture and sell meth; and a civil case involving an alleged Sunshine Law violation. More information about the cases being appealed can be found here.

This event is open to the public, and students may come and go as their schedule permits. Enter and exit quietly if the court session is underway.

After the oral arguments, the judges will take time to discuss the court system, explain the proceedings and take questions from the audience.

Sodexo will offer free samples of the Nitro Cold Brew from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. March 16 in the library Starbucks.

Starbuck’s signature Cold Brew – steeped for 20 hours – is infused with nitrogen as it pours from the tap. This creates microbubbles, which gives the coffee a frothy texture and brings forward a subtle sweetness, as well as a rich, creamy head of foam. Due to this process, Nitro Cold Brew is best served black. Nitrogen can make a drink as strong as black coffee taste smooth and sweet. Adding sweeteners and creamers will disrupt the bubbles and foam head, however, flavoring like Starbuck’s house made vanilla sweet cream can be added without disrupting the flow of the brew.

Nitro Cold Brew can only be served in either tall or grande sizes in order to protect the integrity of the brew. If put into a venti or trenta, the brew would become too thin and not hold its signature creamy head of foam. It is also served without ice, mostly due to the fact the ice gets in the way of the coffee settling properly.

The goal of this program is to offer opportunities for students to practice and think about the benefits of self-care and the role it plays in academic success. Weekly drop-in events will take place on Saturdays from 3-5 p.m. and are open to all students, faculty and staff members. Oscar Marten, a health sciences major, helped create this idea while volunteering with the Office of Student life as part of his practicum experience.

The first event is at 3 p.m. March 19 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms A and B. Coloring, puzzles and hot cocoa will be available. People can also bring other non-digital activities such as board games or cards to help relax.

A calendar about future Self-Care Saturday events can be found here. Pop culture trivia, “Just Dance,” guided meditation, flower planting, beginners’ yoga and recess and yard games on the quad are among the events planned for the spring semester.
 
Self-Care Saturdays is a project underwritten by the Office of Student Life. Ideas for other types of events for the fall semester can be emailed to StuAff@truman.edu.

Throughout the school year, President Thomas will answer a handful of submitted questions during each monthly installment of the series. Submit questions at truman.edu/teatime for a chance to have them answered on a future episode.

With courses for the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, Praxis Core, SAT and ACT, Truman is northeast Missouri’s leading test prep solution. The University has partnered with Educational Testing Consultants to provide online exam preparation courses as well as free online test strategy sessions for major national graduate and professional school examinations.

“Truman partnered with ETC because of its established reputation for improving student performance on standardized exams,” said Kevin Minch, associate provost. “Many colleges and universities nationwide are using ETC, including some of our Missouri peers.”

Preparation courses are non-credit bearing and are offered at a range of lengths, at a variety of times and dates, and various points throughout the year. Students who register at least 10 business days in advance of the course can secure discounts of between $50-$100 per course. Courses are priced to be competitive with other national providers.

For high school students, preparation courses for the ACT and SAT are also available.

The test preparation classes were designed by a team of former standardized-test-item writers and test-preparation experts. All classes include: extensive instruction; experienced, dedicated instructors; comprehensive preparation materials, including actual questions and practice tests from the test-makers; thorough presentations and explanations; flexible schedule options; and access to online support resources.

For detailed descriptions of the available courses, and for more information on how to enroll, visit examprep.truman.edu.

What led you to teaching?
“I never wanted to do anything else but teach. I played ‘school’ with friends trading roles of teacher and students just for fun. I had a very supportive family that valued education.”  

What drew you to want to work at Truman?
“I worked in public school in the area for three decades and was impressed with Truman students who learned about teaching through the MAE program.”

What is your best advice to your students?
“Be kind to yourself. We are all a work in progress that is valuable.”

What do you like best about teaching?
“How my students teach me new things and make me think every day.”

What are your research interests?
“What motivates people to teach (recruiting) and what supports keep teachers (retention) in an ever challenging, changing profession.”

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
“Read, cook, swim, travel and spend time with family and friends.”

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
“I was an elementary principal, so I understand what schools are looking for when hiring teachers.”

If you weren’t teaching, what would you be doing?
“Playing with my granddaughters, taking them to see and do new things.”

If you had to delete all but three apps from your phone, which ones would you keep?
“Snapchat, Google Maps and Twitter.”

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
“Pizza, so I could switch toppings and have a variety.”

What superpower would you most like to have and why?
“Speed. I am slowing down with age and need to rest more which hinders getting things done.”

In addition to campus-wide recognition at the Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop in August, the awardee receives a $1,000 grant to be used for the enhancement of student advising.  

To make a nomination for the William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award, complete the online nomination form. Nomination deadline is 5 p.m. March 31.

Asynchronous virtual oral, poster, performance art and studio art presentations, as well as a limited number of face-to-face oral presentations, will be facilitated. This conference is a University-wide celebration of student research, scholarship and creative achievement. Both undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit abstracts.

Complete abstract guidelines can be found on the Office of Student Research website. All abstracts need to be sponsored by a Truman faculty or staff member. Students should work with their faculty mentor before submitting the abstract. Abstracts can be submitted until 5 p.m. March 15. For any questions about the Student Research Conference email osr@truman.edu.

The next Trek Talk lecture from 6-7 p.m. March 15 in the planetarium is “Utopia vs Dystopia: Trek’s Idea of the Future.” This talk will examine Star Trek’s unique look at humanity’s future as a successful space faring society free of war and poverty. Compared to the world today that may sound utopian, but a closer look at “Star Trek” may show how achievable that future may be. This is an in-person event, but those who wish to attend this event via Zoom should email Jared Young at jyoung@truman.edu.

The nomination form for the 2022 Leadership Recognition Program is open.

This program is designed to honor Truman students, advisors and organizations for their dedication to their peers, campus and Kirksville community through various leadership roles during the academic year. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate exceptional student leaders, advisors, organizations and events on campus, particularly candidates whose achievements stood out after a year of constant adaptation to change.

The access link to the nomination form and packet can be found online at involvement.truman.edu/lrp. Nomination forms are due by 5 p.m. March 15. The awards ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. April 12 in the Student Union Building.

The next event in the Women’s & Gender Studies Forum, “Gender: Past, Present and Future,” will take place 5-6 p.m. March 16 via Zoom. It will feature a guest talk by Dr. Kathleen Oriel, founder of Out Health.

As part of the Global Issues Colloquium series, Corey Hudson, manager at Sandia National Laboratories, will present a talk at 7 p.m. March 17 via Zoom.

In his talk Hudson will discuss the way his personal journey in science has developed in the context of doing high-consequence research for the U.S. Department of Energy. His work started as a postdoc involved in projects as disparate as identifying industrially relevant enzymes for biomanufacturing, sequencing and assembling the genomes of antibiotic resistant bacterial and studying their evolution and building databases of mobile genetic elements. As a staff member he had the opportunity to serve as lab coordinator and government liaison for the Sierra Leone Ebola response effort, help develop new software and algorithms for synthetic biology and help build a field called “Digital Biosecurity.”

Since becoming a manager, Hudson has built a research portfolio around modeling carbon capture by soils, protecting vaccine production facilities and using high performance computing for antibody design. In just over a decade, he has engaged in research spanning topics related to global issues in public health, climate change and biosecurity.

Sponsored by Truman’s Graduate Council, the competition highlights original graduate-level research, including a master’s thesis. Currently enrolled master’s students at Truman are eligible to participate, and the competition cultivates their academic, presentation and research communication skills by challenging them to explain the significance of their research projects to a general audience in three minutes or less.

Forbes, a Masters of Arts in Education in Spanish student, placed first with her “Electronic Portfolios in the Classroom” research. She was mentored by Stacy Davis, assistant professor of Spanish and Spanish MAE.

Kasper, Master of Arts in Music and Master of Arts in Education in Music Education student, placed second with “Radios, Television, and Boss Nova.” His mentor was Marc Rice, professor of music.

Guerrier, a Master of Athletic Training student, placed third with “The Effectiveness of Ankle Taping on Speed in Men’s Basketball.” She was mentored by Brandy Schneider, assistant professor of health and exercise sciences.

James Robilotta and Tina Van Steenbergen Robilotta will give a combined keynote address, “Owning Your Leadership: Using Confidence, Humility and Resilience to Crush This Year,” from 2-3 p.m. March 19 in the Student Union Building Alumni and Activities room. They will then go into separate breakout sessions from 3-5 p.m. James will speak to the men of campus in his breakout session entitled “Men: Work in Progress,” while Tina will speak to the women of campus in her breakout session entitled “The Audacity: Taking Up YOUR Space in the World.”

• Joseph Baldwin Academy (June 8-July 3 and/or July 6-31)
• JBA Junior (July 10-15)
• ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy (June 9-18)

The Institute for Academic Outreach is seeking applications for each academy for programs ranging from one to three weeks during June and July. Stipends vary based in the length of the program and nature of the work.

To be eligible as a preceptor, applicants must be a Truman student or a May 2022 graduate, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and not be enrolled in summer classes while working in the program. Individuals hired for these programs will also be required to complete a criminal background check, pre-academy trainings and pre-academy orientations.
 
Applications are currently being accepted and will continue until the positions are filled. Information about each available position can be accessed at tiacademies.truman.edu/employment or by emailing Michelle Wilson at mwwilson@truman.edu.

 
During the month of April students will be able to join Roberta Donahue, professor of health science, for Fresh Start Fridays. This TruSolutions initiative seeks to offer accessible yoga and stretching activities in Pickler Memorial Library to promote a balanced culture of wellness and academic focus. The sessions will occur from 9:30-10:20 a.m. every Friday in April in Pickler Memorial Library 308. Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat: a limited number of mats will be available for those without one. For questions, contact Donahue at rdonahue@truman.edu.

Los acentos diferentes
7 p.m.
March 21
Baldwin Hall 241

Los cantantes latinos
7 p.m.
March 29
Baldwin Hall 241

Las obras famosas
6 p.m.
April 12

In honor of the nearly 300 international students studying at Truman, Pickler Memorial Library and the Center for International Students will host an exhibition in the library from now until April 15. Located in the library gallery on the first floor, the exhibit is an opportunity to learn about the clothing, currency and culture of students from around the world. The library also has 47 international flags on display honor the home countries of current international students.

GIASR applications are for research and creative scholarship conducted in summer 2022. Grant applications may request up to $750 and can cover student stipends, supplies and travel to conduct research.
 
Conference Travel Scholarships are for students presenting the results of their research or creative scholarship at a conference between July and December 2022. Students must have completed or be currently involved in a faculty-mentored research experience and plan on presenting at the conference. Due COVID-19, the Conference Travel Scholarship will only cover student registration to attend a virtual conference.
 
Complete guidelines for the GIASR and Conference Travel Scholarship applications can be found at the Office of Student Research website. Applications for both opportunities are due by 11:59 p.m. March 28. Questions can be directed to osr@truman.edu.

The board term is one year, July 1-June 30, with possible renewal for a second consecutive term. To apply, submit an application along with a current resume to Charles Hunsaker, executive director for University Advancement, at hunsaker@truman.edu. The deadline is 12 p.m. April 8.

Summer jobs are available for a small contingent of student workers for the spring and/or summer to help with campus grounds. Duties will mainly be outdoors and include weeding, trash removal, trimming and painting. The position can be found on TruPositions. Contact Barb Newcomer in the Business Office at 660.785.4150 with any questions.

Students interested in health care can consider a career in athletic training, which encompasses injury evaluation, rehabilitation and treatment, as well as program administration. Athletic trainers work closely with medical professionals to provide overall care and treatment to a variety of physically active individuals.

Applications for the MAT program can be submitted here. Application deadline is April 1. For questions, contact Brandy Schneider at bschneider@truman.edu.

Priya Kambli, professor of art, has already earned several honors in 2022.

Junior Jacob Morris placed 10th in the Men’s Weight Throw at the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships, March 11. Morris topped 19 meters for the second time this season on his third and final throw before the top nine moved on to the finals with three additional tosses. Morris went 18.18 (59-7.75) on his first attempt, 18.52 (60-09.25) on his second and 19.01 (62-04.50) on his third try.

Cade McKnight and Masen Miller earned first-team honors to the Great Lakes Valley Conference with Elijah Hazekamp named second-team.

Miller was second on the Bulldogs in scoring with 14.4 points per game. He led the Bulldogs in minutes played and was one of the top three-point shooters in the GLVC with 3.4 made threes per game (best in the conference) and was third in shooting percentage at .457. He put up a career best 27 points this season at UMSL, Jan. 20.

Hannah Belanger and Ellie Weltha were unanimous first-team selections to the 2021-22 All-Great Lakes Valley Conference Team.
 
Belanger earned her second-straight unanimous first-team selection and is an overall three-time all-conference honoree. In 18 conference games this season, Belanger was fifth in the league in scoring at 16.1 points per game, tied for fourth in assist (3.28/g), fifth in free throw shooting (85.5%), sixth in three-pointers made (1.83/g), sixth in assist/turnover ratio (1.31) and the leader in minutes played (35.2/g). Overall, Belanger has averaged 16.7 points per game in 27 contest and has dished out 103 assists with a 4.7 rebounds per game mark.
 

The 12-credit summer program runs June 2 to July 22 and is open to students who have completed Spanish 202 prior to starting the program. All applicants who meet scholarship criteria will be automatically considered for funding. The priority deadline to apply for scholarship consideration is March 18. Scholarships will be awarded on a rolling first-come, first-served basis.

Details about the program are available here. Students can apply through TruView: Tools > Student > Student Tools > Registration > Apply to Study Abroad.

Purdy was born in 1914 on a farm near Macon and was the first in his family to attend a four-year college. He worked in the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture before becoming the campus first director of scholarships and student financial aid.

The scholarship is designed to provide merit-based scholarships to emerging leaders who are outstanding students and have a need for additional resources for higher education. The scholarship amount can vary based on an applicant’s circumstances. The general range will be $1,000-$5,000 based on expected family contribution (EFC), unmet need and other factors.

Applicants must be a Missouri resident, typically a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA, a U.S. citizen, and a sophomore, junior or senior attending a Missouri public four-year university or the State Technical College of Missouri. Applications should be submitted online through Scholarship Central at moslf.org. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 660.785.4130 for more information.