Vol. 18 No. 11 - Nov. 4, 2013

When Sarah Seberger (‘10) and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) had a meeting with then Truman President Darrell Krueger in the fall of 2009, the topic of discussion was school spirit and how to increase spirit across campus.  

Seberger, who was serving as the vice president of SAAC, proposed to the committee that they have a designated day of the week for wearing Truman apparel. The committee thought it was a great idea as most of them had spirit days in high school. Once she got the approval of Linda Anderson, Truman’s associate athletic director and SAAC advisor, she reached out to Laura Bates, Center for Student Involvement director, Liz Jorn, instructor in exercise science, and the members of Student Senate.

This informal group brainstormed and ended up with the foundation for Truman’s Purple Fridays with the ultimate goal to encourage pride in being a member of the University and being a Bulldog. Student Senate voted on a resolution deeming the first Purple Friday as Dec. 11, 2009.

The group worked hard to encourage students, faculty and staff to wear purple every Friday to show their Truman spirit. A more formal Purple Friday committee was formed in the fall of 2010 and additional activities were added that included student gatherings in the Student Union Building and music on the Mall, as well as giving out prizes every Friday to reward those who were found showing their purple Truman spirit.  

The Purple Friday Committee is now under the umbrella of Truman's Student Government, but continues to have involvement from Residence Life, CSI, SAAC, along with other students dedicated to showing their support and pride for Truman by wearing purple every Friday.

The 2013-2014 Kohlenberg Lyceum Series presents the Liverpool Legends Beatles Tribute Band at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7 in Baldwin Auditorium.


The Liverpool Legends, hand-picked by Louise Harrison, the sister of the late George Harrison, have been headlining their own production in Branson, Mo., since 2006. They perform songs spanning the entire career of the Beatles and on through the solo years, and use vintage instruments and outfit changes for an authentic feel.

The Liverpool Legends have been voted best new show, best band, best show, and they have received the visitors’ choice award for best show. Liverpool Legends received national attention as they re-created the Beatles famed 1966 concert at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. In 2012, Liverpool Legends, along with Louise Harrison, were nominated for a Grammy Award for their work on “Fab Fan Memories: The Beatles Bond.” The band has traveled and performed in venues such as Carnegie Hall and The Cavern Club in Liverpool, among many others.

Tickets are free of charge for students, faculty and staff. Students may pick up their tickets at the Student Activities Board Office in the Student Union Building. Faculty and staff may get their tickets at the information desk in the Student Union Building. General admission tickets for each performance are $7 per person and can be purchased approximately one week before the presentation at Edna Campbells or the Truman cashier window in McClain Hall.

After the Liverpool Legends, the Lyceum series will continue at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 in Baldwin Auditorium with the Kansas City Chorale Holiday Concert.

For more information, call 660.785.4016.

Judicial archive interns visited Jefferson City, Mo., Oct. 28 to tour the state archives and deliver boxes of completed 19th century court cases.

The interns also met with Jason Kander, Secretary of State, during their tour Oct. 28. Judicial archive interns receive training in archival work, hear lectures by state archivists, tour state facilities, and do hands-on cleaning, preparing, processing and indexing of court records. This internship is part of a preservation project, which started at Truman in September 2011.

For more information on the internship, contact jgall@truman.edu.

Truman’s debate team placed second in the University of Central Missouri tournament Oct. 26-27.

On Oct. 26 the debate team placed second overall in debate sweepstakes. Maddie Ebert placed first in the Lincoln-Douglas debate and earned the third place speaker award. Nick Gorman made it to quarterfinals and earned the first place speaker award. Donny Richardson, Mackenzie Barnes, Myra Milam and John Carney competed in octofinals. Kristen Wright placed fourth in rhetorical criticism and Maple Adkins-Threats placed fifth in after-dinner speaking.

On Oct. 27 Richardson competed in semifinals. Gorman also competed in quarterfinals, and Milam and Ebert competed in octofinals in debate. Ebert, Milam and Gorman took first, second and third place in the speaker awards, respectively. Wright placed third in rhetorical criticism and fifth in extemporaneous speaking. Atkins-Threat placed fourth in after-dinner speaking, and Max Highsmith placed sixth.

For more information or questions about the speech and debate team, contact the director Kristi Scholten at kscholten@truman.edu.

Current Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast member Vanessa Bayer will perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 in Baldwin Hall Auditorium.

Bayer started her SNL career in 2010 and has portrayed many celebrities including Kourtney Kardashian, Miley Cyrus and Hillary Clinton. She became Truman students’ number one choice last spring on SAB’s Big Entertainment Survey.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The event is free for students with a Truman ID and $5 for general admission. Tickets are available in the SAB Office, located on the lower level of the Student Union Building.

The Student Activities Board will also host singer-songwriter Philip Phillips at 9 p.m. Nov. 16 in Pershing Arena. Tickets are $5 for students with a Truman ID and $15 for general admission.

For more information regarding upcoming SAB events, visit sab.truman.edu or call 660.785.4722.

Traditional Indian Dance
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Nov. 4
Student Union Building Mall
The Truman community is invited to honor Native American/First Nations culture through a traditional Indian potlatch-style dance.

Book Launch
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Nov. 7
Ophelia Parrish Art Gallery
The art department and multicultural affairs center are sponsoring a book-signing event for John Smelcer’s novel “Lone Wolves.” Refreshments will be served.

World Language Conservation Luncheon
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Nov. 18
Ryle Hall Room 1302B
John Smelcer will be speaking about how he is one of the last speakers of the Ahtna Athabaskan language, and what he is doing to conserve the language. Limited seats are available. RSVP to emmanuelc@truman.edu.

The Office of Advancement is now accepting applications for the spring 2014 Annual Fund Internship. The annual fund intern works extensively with the student phonathon and assists in the planning and publicity for the senior giving campaign. Public speaking is a critical component of this position, as is the ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds. Communications majors are encouraged to apply.
 
To apply, send transcripts, resume and a written statement addressing the following question: Why should people give to the University? Specifically, what about your Truman experience has been made possible by donations to Truman? How would you articulate the impact of private support and the need for future donations to current students?

Applications materials are due to the Office of Advancement, McClain 205, by Nov. 6.

The Student Union Reservation Office will accept reservation requests for the spring semester from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. now through Nov. 7 in the Student Union Building Administrative Office, Suite 2000. Only paper requests will be accepted. Paper lottery forms can be found at studentunion.truman.edu/lottery. Early requests will not be accepted, and late requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis after other requests have been processed.

Alpha Phi Omega and the Red Cross are sponsoring a blood drive from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Nov. 5-6 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms.

During the conference, undergraduate students from throughout the Midwest will present papers in many areas of philosophy and religion. Refreshments will be provided during the conference. Keynote speaker Dr. Evan Williams will present on the topic, “Can Environmental Damage be Both Morally Permissible, and Morally Bad?” This presentation will take place at 12:30 p.m. in the Student Union Building Georgian Room B and lunch will be provided. For more information, contact Kara Boschert at kbd2635@truman.edu or David Murphy at 660.785.7246 or dgmurphy@truman.edu.


9:05 a.m.
Welcome to the conference

9:10 a.m.
Ni Addo Abrahams, Missouri State University, “A Fool’s Wisdom (1st Corinthians 1:18-25)”
Abstract: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 is an intriguing discourse by Paul on the wisdom of the world versus the wisdom of God. On the surface, it appears to be a rhetorically beautiful argument for the power of the Christian cross. However, Paul hides within this passage an attempt to undermine the authority of Apollos, a fellow apostle. This paper seeks to draw out both of these themes, as well as offer an explanation as to why Paul goes to such lengths to assert his authority as the head of the Corinthian church.

9:45 a.m.
Adam Stroud, Lindenwood University, “Moral Philosophy in Giordano Bruno’s The Expulsion of the Triumphant Beast”
Abstract: The Expulsion of the Triumphant Beast, written by Giordano Bruno in 1584, is a complex philosophical dialogue that contains many thematic layers. In the outermost layer, it tells the story of Jove and his heavenly council expelling beasts (vices) and replacing them with virtuous deities (virtues). More importantly, the deeper philosophical layers are numerous, clandestine, and their meanings are highly contested among Brunian scholars. This study argues that Bruno’s piece is an allegorical dialogue that presents a particular moral philosophy and several commentaries on religious beliefs, cultures and individuals. The opinions of the current leading Brunian scholars are dissected and compared.

10:20 a.m.
Emma Prendergast, Millikin University, “Mo Tzu’s Law of Universal Mutual Love and the Prisoner’s Dilemma”
Abstract: Ancient Chinese philosopher Mo Tzu endorsed a moral theory in Universal Love requiring universal and impartial love for all persons. Aspects of universal love compare with ethical theories in the western tradition, including utilitarianism and Kantian ethics. This paper will address a common objection to universal love and to impartiality in ethics generally, which is that it is too difficult for moral agents to follow. Drawing from game theory, I aim to show that universal love presents rational, self-interested agents with a version of the prisoner’s dilemma. I will argue that the impartiality required by universal love and comparative ethical theories cannot be justified on the grounds of rational self-interest.

10:55 a.m.
Kenny L. Maese, University of Nebraska at Omaha, “A Truth Carried by the Wave: Curving the Perception of Traditional Western Religion”
Abstract: In western culture traditional religion is not only defined, but accepted through its ritualizing, ethics, morals, beliefs and history. Keeping with this understanding, there is a legitimate spiritual movement being embraced within surfing culture in America. Both non-surfers and surfers alike inherently recognize surfing as a legitimate spiritual path. The purpose of this paper assumes this otherwise, unorthodox adaptation from hobby to spiritual/ritual observance, largely resemblance’s traditional western religion within today’s society. In support of this theses attention will be lent to the environmentalism, history, modern rituals, observance, discourse, sacraments, and healing associated with the culture of surfing in the west.

11:30 a.m.
Ben Conover, Saint Louis University, “The Spooky Metaphysics of Causal Powers”
Abstract: Contemporary metaphysicians such as Stephen Mumford have been defending an ontology of powers which “accepts necessary connections in nature, in which causal interactions of a thing, in virtue of its properties, can be essential to it…we have power and its manifestation, which remain distinct existences but with a necessary connection between” (2009, 266). This ontology takes dispositions or powers to be fundamental to the things in the world and the basis for causal interaction. This paper explores the notion of causal powers using both philosophical literature and relevant real-life examples to illustrate the appeal and ultimately rejection of this ontology.

12:05 p.m.
Lunch
Student Union Building, Georgian Room B

12:30 p.m.
Keynote Talk
Dr. Evan Williams, Truman State University, "Can Environmental Damage Be Both Morally Permissible and Morally Bad?"
Abstract: Much as some actions—e.g. risking one’s life for a total stranger—are morally good but not morally required, there is conceptual space for other actions to be morally bad but not morally forbidden. I propose that environmentally harmful actions could usefully be viewed as falling within this category; morality cannot credibly forbid us from engaging in any polluting activity, but it can encourage us to avoid or offset pollution when possible.

2 p.m.
Anson Tullis, Washburn University, “Fictional Characters and Meinongian Theory of Objects”
Abstract: This paper provides a characterization of Meinong’s Theory of Objects and contrasts its capacity to recognize fictional objects and truthfully predicate something of them with two ontological systems of Quine and Thomasson. To address criticisms of Meinong’s explanation of being-less objects, a key conceptual distinction is made to clarify the difference between the fictional character of x and the mere object x itself. This defense allows for the conclusion that Meinong’s theory has greater explanatory value and is more closely aligned with normal discourse than Quine or Thomasson’s theories because of its modes of existence and its accommodations for scientific, literary, and religious discourse.

2:35 p.m.
Sean Marren, Drury University, “Heraclitus’ Stratified Ontology alongside Nietzsche’s Neutral Ontology”
Abstract: In Part I, I will elucidate Heraclitus’ stratified cosmos, showing how it is a natural order and that ascent in this order is superior to descent. In Part II, I will take a look at Nietzsche’s neutral ontology and the extent to which it contradicts his ideas of higher living. Based on
my findings, I will proceed to advocate that reading Heraclitus in supplement to Nietzsche contributes a solution to the apparent contradiction without dependence on otherworldly idealism.

3:10 p.m.
Summer Jensen, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, “Globalization and Islam: A Look at ART Integration in the Muslim Middle East”
Abstract: Although Islam and globalization are often portrayed as opposing forces, they are actually complexly intertwined especially in the field of biomedicine. Today Muslim communities all over the world are embracing modernity within the context of Islam. Many religious leaders are leading the way in promoting the integration of hi-tech biomedical services to address issues like morbidity, mortality infertility. This paper explores how Islam as a religion is deeply influenced by culture and technology and how Islamic scholars use processes within Islamic jurisprudence to legislate biomedical fertility technologies like Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) within a culturally and religiously appropriate Islamic legal framework.

3:45 p.m.
Ian Jones, University of Nebraska at Omaha, “From Asteroids to Skyrim: Ritual Practice and the Gaming Community”
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is dual-natured. One of the primary goals to show a link between what is traditionally known as ritual practice and the act of playing video games. The second, grander goal is to reveal how video games can show one of the most dominant aspects of human experience – our capacity to create and destroy. To accomplish this, similarities between ritual practice and playing will be addressed, followed by a brief account of how the worlds inside video games have changed over the years. Finally, the creative and destructive aspects of human experience will be revealed by observing the relationships between gamers and game designers, and how they work in tandem to create newer and better video games to make the experience of playing them more immersive and satisfying.

4:20 p.m.
Elisabeth Bancroft Wessel Meindl, Principia College, “Redefining History, Redefining God”
Abstract: Through the redefinition of history and infinity as applied to God—from the 4thcentury into the 19th— man unintentionally separates himself from his faith by trying to define these concepts as manmade. This paper explores the roots of the Dispensationalist Movement, based in the Scientific Revolution, through an analysis of linguistic constructs of history and infinity and how the shift in thought changed man’s understanding of God. Man applied finite terms to infinite concepts and began to explain God as existing in a “spiritual” time but under the limitations of man, placing God, the infinite, within history, the finite.

 
After completing a bachelor’s degree and the specified prerequisite courses, admitted students may finish a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree in 15 months of study. For additional information, email nursing@truman.edu or call 660.785.4557. The nursing website includes information about the curriculum at nursing.truman.edu.

There will be tags around campus Nov. 15 that signify items that alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the University have donated. There will be a table from 12-4 p.m. in the Student Union Building where people can show their appreciation by signing a thank you note to a Truman donor.

Winner of American Idol’s 11th season, Phillip Phillips’ blend of rare authenticity and massive pop appeal has pushed him into stardom. Some of his biggest singles include “Home” and “Gone, Gone, Gone.” Tickets are $5 for students and $15 for general admission, and are available in the Student Activities Board Office in the lower level of the Student Union Building.

Two summer internships are available for Truman students during the summer of 2014 at the Truman Presidential Museum and Library in Independence, Mo. The position is an eight-week, 40-hour per week internship, coinciding with the University’s summer break. Each student will receive a scholarship to cover five hours of internship credit, and the position is unpaid. Applications are due Dec. 6. For more information, contact Jeff Gall at jgall@truman.edu or 660.785.7747.

As a collegiate correspondent, students will write one article per week for USA Today College, providing a unique angle on current news. Collegiate correspondents are able to choose their topics as long as they are newsworthy and current. Correspondents will have the opportunity to work with the USA Today College editorial staff for guidance and writing support, and a stipend of $350 will be awarded for successful completion of the program. The first round of applications will open Nov. 11-25. Selected students will move on to the second round of applications, which runs Dec. 6-9. Chosen applicants will be notified Dec. 16, and the spring 2014 term runs Jan. 13-May 9. For more information, visit usatodayeducate.com/correspondent.

The Academic Classroom VCR Support Plan will outline the process for phasing out and removing VCRs from all Truman classrooms. ITS will support the current classroom VCRs until December 2014, and over that winter break the classroom VCRs will be removed.

Pickler Memorial Library has been replacing many education and feature film VHS titles with DVD formats. Please contact Sharon Hackney at 660.785.7366 or shackney@truman.edu to make arrangements for the library to purchases DVDs or other media for classrooms. Replacing academic materials may take time, so it is recommended for professors to begin upgrading materials soon.

For questions, contact the ITS Help Desk at 660.785.4544.

James A. Harmon, professor emeritus of art history, delivered the keynote address “Life and Vocation of Brother Adrian Wewer (1836-1914): Sacred Heart Provincial Architect” at Quincy University. He also participated there in a panel discussion “The [19th century] German-Catholic & Contemporary [Hispanic] Immigration Experience in the United States.” This kickoff to a centennial-year celebrating the Franciscan Brother Adrian was accompanied by a traveling exhibit—earlier on display in the Kirksville Arts Association Gallery—designed in collaboration with Denise Thuston, Franciscan Provincial Archivist.

Liz Jorn, health and exercise science instructor, received one of the “5 under 40” awards, sponsored by Kirksville Young Professionals (KVYP) and KTVO. This award recognizes young professionals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated dedication, excellence and professional development within their career field while maintaining a strong commitment to the Kirksville community.

The Stargazers Astronomy Club will host an open house from 7-9 p.m. Nov. 5 at the University Farm observatory. For more information, email rah2737@truman.edu.

The Psychology Club is hosting a interactive meeting about body language from 7-9 p.m. Nov. 6 in Magruder Hall 1096. There will be pizza available free for members, and $2 for non-members.

French students will perform “La Grammaire,” a comedy by Eugène Labiche, at 8 p.m. Nov. 7-8 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. English “subtitles” will be provided. For more information, contact Patrick Lobert at plobert@truman.edu.

Fireside Friday will be from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Nov. 8 in the Student Union Building Hub. There will be live music and free food. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Sigma Delta Pi will show the award-winning film Pan’s Labyrinth at 9:30 p.m. Nov. 8 in Violette Hall 1000.

The Turkey Trot 5K will be at 9 a.m. Nov. 9 at the Adair County Family YMCA and proceeds will support the United Way. Pre-registration will be $18 or a $5 run-only donation. Strollers and children are welcome at this family event. Post-race beverages and snacks will be provided. For more information, call 660.665.1922.

The Gold Medal Competition will be 12 p.m. Nov. 9 in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall. The competition will feature performances by 15 students, of which the winners will performs as soloists with the University Orchestra in March.

Truman’s Got Talent will be from 7-9 p.m. Nov. 9 in Baldwin Auditorium. There will be a variety of talent throughout the evening, and all proceeds support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Pre-sale admission is $2, or $3 at the door. Sponsored by Delta Sigma Pi.

The Truman percussion program will present its annual “Fall Percussion Sampler” concert at 3 p.m. Nov. 10 in Baldwin Auditorium. The concert is under the direction of professor Michael R. Bump and features the Statesmen Marching Percussion Ensemble, as well as the Concert Percussion Ensemble I. Admission is free. For more information, contact Bump at 660.785.4052 or mbump@truman.edu.

Truman’s telecounseling program is hiring for the spring 2014 semester. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Nov. 11 in the admissions office. For more information or to turn in an application, email karah@truman.edu. Applications are available here.

An Academic Professional Development Club lunch will take place 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room A. Dana Vazzana will present “The Power of a Good Syllabus.” Lunch will be served - RSVP here by Nov. 8 to be included in the lunch order.

The 19th Annual Women and Gender Studies Conference is calling for papers on the topic “Gendered Space & Queer Alternatives.” Submissions are due 5 p.m. Nov. 15 to wgstconference@truman.edu in PDF or word document form.

The Muslim Students Association is hosting a Taste of Islam dinner from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 19 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms B and C. Discussion will include empowerment of women in Islam. In addition to a presentation, there will be a meal and performance by Muslim actress Rohina Malik. Sponsored by the FAC.

The Robert L. Gould Scholastic Award is an opportunity for students of all majors to submit a research paper on a specific topic for the chance to win up to $10,000. The deadline to submit a research paper is Dec. 2. For more information, contact Lana Dowell in the School of Business at ldowell@truman.edu.