Vol. 28 No. 22 - February 19, 2024

Tickets will be available starting Feb. 21 in the Union & Involvement Office in the Student Union Building, the Advancement Office in McClain Hall 205 or the Admissions Office in the Ruth W. Towne Museum and Visitors Center. Tickets will also be available downtown at the Kirksville Arts Association. Any remaining tickets will be available at the window starting 30 minutes before the show.

This season all Kohlenberg Lyceum Series events are provided free of charge thanks to the generous support of local sponsors, the Friends of the Lyceum program and the Truman State University Foundation. Friends of the Lyceum receive exclusive benefits including reserved seating, special parking and a commemorative gift of the season based on the level of their donation.

For more information, visit lyceum.truman.edu or call 660.785.4133.

Truman’s Theatre Department will perform “Dancing at Lughnasa” by Brian Friel at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22-24 and 2 p.m. Feb. 25 in the James Severns Theatre.

“Dancing at Lughnasa” is set in 1936 rural Ireland and follows the lives of five unmarried sisters trying to make ends meet. During the festival of Lughnasa, an ancient Celtic harvest celebration, the family’s struggles are interrupted by colorful bursts of music from the radio, their only link to the larger world. This memory play, told from the perspective of one of the sister’s seven-year-old son, reveals the family’s resilience in the face of change. Widely regarded as Friel’s masterpiece, this haunting play is his tribute to the spirit and valor of the past.

This play is directed by Randall Bame, lecturer in theatre. Bame has worked on many shows at Truman, including last spring’s performance of “The Mousetrap,” which received two awards at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in January.

The five Mundy sisters are played by five actors in the Theatre Department. The oldest sister, Kate, is played by Molly Laiben, sophomore French major. The show has two actual sisters playing the role of two of the Mundy sisters. Caroline Million, senior theatre major, plays the role of Maggie, and Anna Million, English pre-MAE sophomore, plays Agnes. The next sister, Rose, is played by Savannah Carmichael, senior creative writing and theatre major. Lastly, the youngest sister, Christ, is played by Anna Markewicz, senior theatre major.

In addition to the five sisters, there are three more integral members of the cast. Aidan Grantham, senior sociology major and theatre minor, plays Jack, the brother of the Mundy sisters and the uncle to Michael. Michael is Chris Mundy’s son, and is played by Patrick Vincent, senior theatre major. Lastly, Gerry Evans, Michael’s father, is played by Parker Shinn, sophomore English and theatre major.

This play is directed by Randall Bame. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at boxoffice.truman.edu. For more information, contact the Truman Theatre Box Office at 660.785.4515 between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The spring Career and Graduate School Expo will take place the week of Feb. 26.

The expo is open to students of all majors and academic levels. This event is hosted by the Career Center twice a year as a way to help students prepare for graduate school, internships and job searches. The expo provides a chance for students to meet with a large number of representatives from businesses, non-profits, government, and graduate and professional schools.

The week will begin Feb. 26 with the chance for students to have their professional documents critiqued from 5-6 p.m. in the Student Union Building Alumni Room. A personal statement workshop, hosted by Dave Lusk, associate vice president for career development, will take place from 5-6 p.m. Feb. 27 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. Students will gain a clear sense of how to structure their statement and tips on how to begin the writing process, as well as what type of information to include.

From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 28 the Graduate School Expo will take place. This is an opportunity for those thinking of pursing graduate studies to connect with their future school. The Career and Internship Expo will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 29. There students will get to talk to several employers visiting campus. Both expo events will take place in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms. Students will also have the opportunity to have professional pictures taken by Tim Barcus, campus photographer, from 11 a.m.-3p.m. in the Student Union Building Alumni Room both expo days.

To learn more, or to register for these events, go to hiretruman.truman.edu then to Student/Alumni Login followed by Events, Career Fairs and select career fair of choice. Click on attend in the upper right corner of the page to formally register. With any questions regarding times or function of the event, go to career.truman.edu/career-grad-school-week/schedule-of-events or email the Career Center at ucc3@truman.edu. These events will be accessed from #HireTruman.

Professional Document Critique
5-6 p.m.
Feb. 26
Student Union Building Alumni Room

Personal Statement Workshop with Dave Lusk
5-6 p.m.
Feb. 27
Student Union Building Activities Room

Graduate School Expo
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Feb. 28
Student Union Building Georgian Rooms

Career and Internship Expo
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Feb. 29
Student Union Building Georgian Rooms

An information session focused on Truman’s online Master of Science in Data Science and Analytic Storytelling will take place at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Doug and Diane Villhard Innovation Lab in the Pickler Memorial Library and via Zoom.

Students in this graduate program gain knowledge of efficient data collection and interpretation techniques. They also develop the skills needed to communicate the data through evocative and easy-to-understand visuals. A tech-related undergraduate degree is not required to pursue this program, all majors are welcome.

During this info session, Omar Gasmann, a current graduate student, will share insights about his experience in the data science program and career opportunities. Hyun-Joo Kim, director of data science, will discuss the program and help students decide if it is the right fit for them. Stephanie Wilson, graduate admissions counselor, will provide information regarding the application for admission process.

Students interested in attending can register here. Drink coupons to be used at Starbucks or Einstein Bros. Bagels will be distributed to those that attend in person.

The Truman School of Business had its accreditation extended for both business and accounting by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).

Achieving AACSB accreditation is a mission-driven, rigorous process that includes an in-depth assessment of internal activities, mentorship with an AACSB advisor, and a peer evaluation focused on continuous improvement. During this multiyear path, schools focus on developing and implementing a plan to achieve their mission and align with AACSB’s accreditation standards. These principles-based standards require excellence in areas relating to strategic management and innovation, research and teaching and learning.

Established in 1916, AACSB is the world’s largest business education alliance, connecting educators, learners and businesses to create the next generation of great leaders. With members in more than 100 countries and territories, AACSB fosters engagement, accelerates innovation and amplifies impact in business education.

The Children’s Literature Festival will return to Truman’s campus April 12.

The event will feature 10 authors and one illustrator to share their books with fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students. More information about them can be found on the CLF website. In addition to the traditional CLF activities, the Truman Theatre Department will perform a free live theatre production of “Charlotte’s Web” at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. This classic tale is suitable for all ages and tells the story of how an innocent young pig and a smart spider charmed and amazed the humans around them.

Those attending the Literature Festival in the morning could eat lunch and attend the 12:30 p.m. performance of “Charlotte’s Web.” Those attending in the afternoon could arrive early for the 10 a.m. “Charlotte’s Web” performance, eat lunch and then attend the Literature Festival.

One person from each school should be designated as the school’s CLF contact person. The contact person should use this Google Form to register all classes from their school that will be attending, no later than March 1. A registration fee of $4 per student is due by April 1. There is no charge for adults attending as chaperones for school groups. An invoice will be emailed to the contact person after registration. Those interested in attending the “Charlotte’s Web” performance must fill out this form.

The Department of Music will host international marimba artists, Katarzyna Mycka and Conrado Moya.

The Russian-born Polish marimba player and percussionist Mycka was born in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, and grew up in Danzig/Gdansk. Having advanced degrees from the Staatliche Hochschule fur Musik, Darstellende Kunst Stuttgart and the Mozarteum in Salzburg, she currently serves as director of percussion at the Folkwang University of Arts in Essen, Germany.

Moya is one of the most relevant interpreters of the instrument in the world today. He has been acclaimed for his extraordinary technique and expressive power, as well as for his total commitment on stage. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of the International Prize at the Mercedes-Benz Music Festival in Shanghai and the Chiapas and Guatemala International Festivals for the marimba.  

The two soloists come together for one of the most ambitious projects in the baroque repertoire: a marimba duo transcription of Johann Sebastian Bach’s masterpiece, the “Golberg Variations, BMV988.” Their reinterpretation of this work has been hailed by critics and audiences the world over, and is presented to Truman’s campus as part of their limited 2024 U.S. tour.

The duo will present a performance masterclass with students of the Truman Percussion Studio at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 19, followed by an evening concert at 7:30 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.    

For more information contact Michael Bump, professor/director of percussion studies. This event is sponsored by the University Funds Allotment Council, University Percussion Society and the Department of Music’s Visiting Artists Grant Program.

When starting the online application process, students will automatically be considered for all Foundation scholarships for which they qualify. While some scholarships are limited by major, many general awards exist.

These scholarships are available thanks to the private gifts of alumni and friends of the University.

“Into the Laughing Gas World”: A Reading of New Fabulist and Speculative Fiction by Rin Kelly, will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 20 in Ophelia Parrish 2210.

Author Rin Kelly died in 2020, but her New Fabulist and speculative fiction lives on in her newly released short story collection, “Into the Laughing Gas World.”  

Sarah Mohler, associate professor of English, will read excerpts from her afterword to the collection. Jamie D’Agostino, associate professor of creative writing, and Sarah White, editorial assistant for the Green Hills Literary Lantern, along with Kelly’s mother, Judith Reese, and her sister, Carrie Kelly, will read stories from the collection.

The Office of Student Research is accepting TruScholars proposals for research and creative scholarship conducted over the eight-week summer term, June 3 through July 26.

The purpose of this grant is to promote intensive, faculty-student collaborative research to enhance student learning and promote a culture of research, scholarship and creative activities at Truman. Projects supported by this program should exhibit the potential for scholarly publication, presentation at a regional or national conference, public performance or a gallery exhibit.

Grant applications may request up to $5,750 and can include a $3,500 max student stipend and a $1,750 max mentor stipend.

More information about the TruScholars program is available on the Office of Student Research website. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 22.

Any additional questions about TruScholars can be directed to osr@truman.edu.

TruOutdoors is planning a spring break backpacking trip to various areas in Kentucky and Virginia.


TruOutdoors backpacking trips are open to people of all experience levels. For more information visit the trip website or email Celia Barbieri, TruOutdoors president, at ie88642@truman.edu.

Beta Alpha Psi will host Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) sessions from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 24 and March 23 in Violette Hall 1424.

Clients who come to VITA should bring: social security cards for spouses and dependents; bank routing numbers and bank account numbers for direct deposit; wage and earnings statements such as W-2, 1098T and 1099; and a copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns if available. VITA services will be completed by IRS-certified volunteers and will also offer free electronic filing to receive a faster return.

Appointments are required. Truman students can make appointments online. Truman staff and community members must call 660.785.6064 to schedule. For more information, visit bap.truman.edu/vita.

The annual Big Event service project will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 6.

The Big Event allows students to display their gratitude to the Kirksville community for their continued support and contributions to the University by performing tasks such as raking leaves, trimming bushes, washing windows and painting. Larger scale community projects with area organizations are also part of the annual event.

Students who would like to volunteer can sign up here. Members of the community who would like to request the services of student volunteers can do so here.

For more information, contact the SERVE Center at trumanserve@gmail.com or 660.785.7222.

Both undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit abstracts for the 2024 Student Research Conference that will take place April 18.

Abstract submissions are welcome for oral, poster, performance art, studio art and asynchronous virtual presentations. 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 20.

Details for this year’s event are still in progress and the website will be updated as finalized. Complete abstract guidelines are posted on the Office of Student Research website. Inquiries about the Student Research Conference can be directed to the Office of Student Research at osr@truman.edu.

The Institute for Academic Outreach is accepting applications for summer employment with Joseph Baldwin Academy, JBA Junior and the ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy.

Each academy is in search of preceptors and a night monitor for JBA. In order to be a preceptor, applicants must currently be a full-time student at Truman or have graduated in December and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application. Preceptors are expected to be supportive of the University goals, responsible, enjoy working with high-ability teenage students and be high-energy individuals.
 
Applicants should prepare a letter of interest which should include: the skills they possess that will assist them when working with high-ability teenage students; related work experiences; and why they are interested in the summer academy for which they apply. Applicants will also need to complete the online application and provide a current resume.
 
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all positions have been filled with qualified candidates. Information about each available position and the online application can be accessed at Summer Academy Employment.

The Women’s Resource Center is collaborating with TruSisters and Delta Sigma Theta for an awareness event and fundraiser in support of the V-Day Movement which is a global activist effort that seeks to protect and empower women and women’s rights.

The fundraiser is a t-shirt sale that will run until International Women’s Day, March 8. The shirts are $20 each, however donations of any size can be made as well. All of the proceeds will be donated in support of MPACC House, a transition home for displaced women and children based in St. Louis.

Those interested in supporting the cause can use this link to donate or place a t-shirt order. After the order window closes, shirts will be shipped and made available for pick-up on campus unless a different delivery method is picked.

Truman’s literary magazine, Windfall, is accepting submissions of poetry, prose and art from currently enrolled students. Submissions should be sent to windfallmagazine@gmail.com.

Truman’s Upward Bound program is currently seeking residential mentors and a night supervisor for summer academy.

Upward Bound participants are income-eligible students from northeast Missouri high schools. The academy is designed to help prepare underrepresented students for success in college.

Applicants must be juniors, seniors or graduate students. Dates of employment are May 29-July 3 with most weekends free. Successful applicants are responsible, high-energy, interested in working with adolescents and possess an understanding of educational barriers experienced by low-income/first-generation college applicants.

Applications are available online and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions have been filled. For more information visit the Upward Bound website.

Nominations are currently being accepted for this year’s Leadership Recognition Program.

The LRP is designed to honor Truman students, organizations and advisors for their dedication to their peers, organizations, campus and the Kirksville community through various leadership roles during the academic year.

Submissions for the LRP are taken online only. A link to the nomination form can be found at involvement.truman.edu/leadership-recognition-program. Multiple nominations for individuals or organizations are welcome. Details about all of the awards can be found in the nomination packet available here. Nominations will close at 11:59 p.m. March 20.

Questions about the LRP can be directed to the program coordinator at lrp@truman.edu or orgs@truman.edu. Union & Involvement services will host the Leadership Recognition Program ceremony April 23.

The Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation will offer the Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship, named in honor of Allan Walker Purdy. Born in 1914 on a farm near Macon, Purdy 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’s first director of scholarships and student financial aid.

This program supports candidates who demonstrate leadership, character and academic performance. It is open to students who started higher education right after high school, as well as adult learners who are now pursuing or returning to complete a degree. Additionally, these students have a vision, are eager to make their contribution to the world and have the work ethic to bring their dreams to fruition.

The scholarship application period runs through April 15. More information, including details on how to apply, can be found here. The scholarship amount can vary based on an applicant’s circumstances. The general range will be $2,000-$5,000 based on expected family contribution (EFC), unmet need and other factors.

Applicants must: be a Missouri resident; be an undergraduate second-, third- or fourth-year student for the 2024-25 academic year; enrolled full-time and making satisfactory academic progress; and have a cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or higher. Recommendation from an instructor, counselor, advisor, current or recent supervisor, community leader or other similarly qualified individual is required.

The Career Center is hosting its Student Worker Fair from 1-4 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Student Union Georgian Rooms. At this event, students will have the opportunity to meet Truman departments and local organizations that employ or provide scholarship and work-study hours.

Departments or organizations interested in participating can sign up through #HireTruman by Feb. 20. Departments that do not have an account will need to create one. For more information contact the Joel Brumfield, career services coordinator, or call 660.785.4237.

All students in need of financial assistance are encouraged to complete the FAFSA. Federal Student Aid is the largest provider of financial aid for college students in the United States. Even though a student may not qualify for grants or work-study, all students are considered for the Federal Direct Loan (no co-signer required). Filing the FAFSA does not commit students to taking a loan, but it does allow for more options.

The 2024-25 FAFSA will use 2022 tax year information with a priority deadline of April 1, 2024 for Missouri residents. It is strongly recommended to apply or renew before April 1 Details about the FAFSA can be found online at studentaid.gov.

Truman’s Financial Aid Office is currently working on details of when aid offers will be available for new incoming students as well as current students. This year it will most likely be later this spring.
In celebration of Financial Aid Awareness Month, the Financial Aid Office in McClain Hall 103 will have free candy available. Students are encouraged to visit the office and discuss any questions they may have about financial aid. Along with processing the FAFSA to determine federal, state and some University funds, the office provides information about scholarship service and renewal for returning students. They can also help with private scholarship check processing, funding for study abroad or summer school, budgeting, financial literacy or loan counseling.

For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 660.785.4130 or finaid@truman.edu. The Financial Aid Office website also has a variety of helpful resources for students and their families.

Truman utilizes a layered approach to help fight off viruses and malicious software that tries to disrupt University-owned workstations on campus. This is done, in part, by using anti-virus and anti-malware software.

What is the difference between anti-virus and anti-malware?

A virus is code that is capable of copying itself in order to damage computers and other systems, including corrupting systems or destroying data. Malware is a term used to cover malicious software, trojans, worms, adware, ransomware, spyware, other modern exploits and sometimes even viruses. To date, Truman has utilized both of these tools to help secure systems. However, with advances in the use of artificial intelligence to help fight security threats, some changes are being made to better protect workstations on campus.  

The first step in this change is to consolidate the anti-virus and anti-malware software running on Windows workstations. The SentinelOne software installed on Windows systems last year can now handle both anti-virus and anti-malware threats, so MalwareBytes will be removed from all Windows systems. As a side benefit, this should result in better system performance.

Once the change to MalwareBytes is complete, the next step will be to update/enhance the software used to protect MacOS workstations. More information will be provided to those running MacOS workstations in the near future.