Vol. 18 No. 20 - Feb. 10, 2014

The 31st Annual Truman Piano Festival will take place Feb. 14-15 in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.

This year’s featured guest artist is Dr. Brian Hsu who will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 in a solo recital that features the four ballades of Chopin as well as works by Liszt and Debussy. The following morning at 9:30 a.m. he will conduct a master class featuring four Truman piano majors, followed at 1:30 p.m. by the competition that determines the recipient of the Truman Piano Fellowship Award, a four-year full-ride scholarship to an incoming Truman piano major. All events are open to the public, free of charge.


Since his debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra as a teenager, Hsu has gone on to establish himself as a pianist of great energy and unusual communicative ability. Critics have described his performances in superlatives, noting his “breadth of expression and technical ability.” He has won awards in numerous competitions, both in the U.S. and Asia, including the Wideman Competition, Corpus Christi International Young Artists’ Competition, Isabel Scionti International, Juilliard’s Gina Bachauer and the National Piano Competition in Taiwan, as well as concerto competitions both at the University of Michigan and Juilliard. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Juilliard School, artist diploma from Yale University and his doctoral of musical arts degree from the University of Michigan. Hsu is currently assistant professor of piano at Loyola University in New Orleans.

Due to the weather, the information meeting for the TruAdventure Grand Canyon trip has been rescheduled for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 in Pershing Building 232.

This introductory backpacking trip will take place May 29-June 3 and is designed for people with little to no backpacking experience. This trip will help participants take their outdoor skills to a new level as they backpack from rim to rim in the Grand Canyon. Participants will hike down from the north rim of the Grand Canyon and back up to the south rim over a three-day period, essentially ascending a 6000-foot mountain in reverse. One percent of all people who visit Grand Canyon National Park ever make it to the bottom of the canyon, and even fewer have hiked the canyon rim to rim, so this will be a unique and special experience.

The focus of the trip will be on learning the basic skills for self-supported backpacking trips, as well as information on the geology, biology and anthropology of the Grand Canyon. The cost of the trip is $400 and the program will be providing use of the necessary backpacking gear for free. In addition, two $250 scholarships are available to current Truman students based upon need.

Spots for this trip are going fast so interested people are encouraged to check out information online at institute.truman.edu/truadvgrandcanyon.asp and submit a deposit and registration materials before all the spots are filled. Anyone wanting more details, but not available to attend the Feb. 11 informational meeting, can visit the website or contact Jennifer Hurst at jhurst@truman.edu or 660.785.4464.The trip is open to anyone over the age of 18 whether they are members of the Truman community or not. Friends and family are welcome.

Truman’s 2014 Lincoln Contest focuses on the topic of “Bus Ride to Justice” and the notion of slavery in today’s society.

Submissions for the contest are due by Feb. 28 and can be in art, essay or oratorical form.

For the art contest, entries should be submitted to Rusty Nelson in Ophelia Parrish 1221 and observe the following criteria: artwork of any media is acceptable, traditional or digital output/projection – two-dimensional and three-dimensional. No larger than 18 x 24” for two-dimensional work and three feet in the round for three-dimensional work. Projected work should be formatted for a 16:9 screen ratio. Winning art will be added to the Schwengel Lincoln Collection in Special Collections at Pickler Memorial Library. Art prizes for first and second places will be $200 and $100, respectively.

Essays and oratorical essays can be submitted to Barry Poyner in Barnett Hall 1110. The essays must observe the following criteria: 1,000-1,500 words, three to five page essay and provide a list of works cited as appropriate. On a cover sheet, provide contact information and clearly indicate if entering the essay or oratorical contest, or both.

Finalists in the oratorical contest will deliver their speeches before the National Communication Association Student Club later in the semester. Communication Club members will assist Poyner in judging. Essay and oratory prizes for first and second places will be $200 and $100, respectively.

The prompt for this year’s contest is as follows: “While it is true that institutional slavery was ended in the United States during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln in 1865, civil rights for all Americans has been a long time coming. Fred Gray was only 24 years old when he defended Rosa Parks in Montgomery, Ala. According to this website, endslaverynow.com, worldwide estimates suggest that as many as 27 million people are now enslaved today! Taking Mr. Gray’s, Mrs. Parks’ and Dr. King’s example of civil disobedience as your inspiration, depict a contemporary violation of human rights and present your campaign for its abolition.”

Fred and Ethel Schwengel established the Lincoln Contests in art, essay and oratory to pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln. For more information, contact Poyner at bpoyner@truman.edu.

Six Truman students, members of Students for Middle East Peace, were the featured presenters in the first Global Issues Colloquium of the semester, which took place Jan. 30.

Based on their research and personal experiences traveling this past summer through Israel and the West Bank as part of a Middle East Study Abroad course, they shared perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one of the longest ongoing international controversies. The panel’s topics included the Separation Wall, U.S. involvement in the conflict and peace negotiations, Israel’s Settlers Movement, U.N. Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, the Gaza Strip, and Israeli-Iranian relations.

In the subsequent question and answer session, Mark Appold, SMEP faculty advisor and Study Abroad director, served as the moderator.

The Center for Academic Excellence, formerly known as New Student Programs, has established an Advising Helpline to assist faculty advisors.

Full-time academic advisors answer the Advising Helpline. Faculty advisors in need may call 660.988.5753 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, when classes are in session. Callers with questions outside of operating hours are invited to leave a voicemail message or email the Advising Helpline at advise@truman.edu.

Truman’s Advising Helpline was established to give faculty members one number to contact for answers to quick advising questions. Topics appropriate for helpline calls could include (but are not limited to): liberal studies program requirements and course options; the TruView advisee tracking menu; any-time any-student warnings; early progress reports; students of concern referrals; interpreting DegreeWorks; course recommendations to bring a student’s schedule to full-time; transfer credit and substitution questions; credit/no credit rules; academic probation standards; JINS bidding procedures; and what is and is not waived with an Associate of Arts degree.

“The ongoing concerns with student success, retention and graduation rates across higher education mean that academic advising is more important than ever before,” said Jack Holcomb, director for the Center for Academic Excellence. “We want to offer this service because we think advising is a crucial part of college education, and we hope we can help Truman’s faculty navigate some of the frustrating and flummoxing parts of the advising role.”

During this pilot phase, the Advising Helpline is designed for use by faculty and staff. If successful, the program will be expanded to serve students, parents, alumni and outside constituencies.

Six Truman alumni will be visiting campus Feb. 28 to share their experiences after graduating and discuss how their education and choices propelled their careers. This program, entitled “Don’t Follow. Pursue: Embracing Risk within Your Pursuit,” will feature the following speakers:

Les Dunseith ’80
Communication
Former Graphics Editor,
Los Angeles Times

Pamela Popp ’83 (keynote speaker)
Business Administration
Executive Vice President/Chief Risk Officer,
Western Litigation, Inc.

Denise Rendina ’88
Political Science
Communication Director,
City of Lenexa, Kansas

Theresa Roark ’81
Math and Computer Science
Senior Vice President of Data and Information Services,
Missouri Hospital Association

Scott Sifton ’96
Political Science
Missouri State Senator

Dr. Dawn Tartaglione ’90
Biology
Neurosurgeon,
Integris

This event will begin with brief introductions, keynote address and discussion at 2:30 p.m. in the Student Union Building Alumni Room followed by breakout sessions at 3:30 p.m. where students are encouraged to get a more in-depth look at the professional career of one of the speakers. The day will conclude with a social hour in the Alumni Room at 4:30 p.m., giving faculty, staff and students the opportunity to informally visit with the speakers over light refreshments. This program is sponsored by the Office of Advancement and the Career Center.

Truman’s speech and debate team brought back 16 trophies at the semester kick-off at Webster University.

The team entered all six Lincoln-Douglas debaters in open, a field that included 51 competitors from places such as Lafayette University and Western Kentucky University—some of the top debate programs in the nation. Senior Maddie Ebert led the squad with a final round finish. Ebert took home the second place trophy and earned a sixth place speaker award. Senior Myra Milam and freshman Donny Richardson both made it to the quarterfinal round of elimination and Milam also earned a third place speaker award. Senior Nick Gorman made it to octofinals.

The team also had success on the individual events side. Leading the team on the speech side of things was senior Kristen Wright who placed fourth in extemporaneous speaking, fifth in rhetorical criticism and sixth in impromptu speaking. Freshman Anson Long-Seabra placed third in a field of 50 prose competitors, while sibling and senior Arielle Long-Seabra was awarded Excellence in Prose, an award that recognizes the top 20 percent of the field. Freshman Maple Atkins-Threats was awarded Excellence in Poetry and also placed fifth in after dinner speaking. Sophomore Dillon Laaker made it to semifinals in both extemporaneous speaking and impromptu speaking, events that also had more than 50 competitors entered.

“It was a great way to start the semester,” Kristi Scholten, team director, commented. “As we enter the final stretch towards the national championship, it is good to have a tournament that reaffirms our talent…but also lets us know that we can’t get lazy. I think we are starting to build good momentum to finish out the season strong.”

The team travels to UCM Valentine’s Day weekend to compete at the state championship tournament. Questions about speech and debate participation can be directed to Kristi Scholten at kscholten@truman.edu.

“I’m Black &....”
(Sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.)
6:13-8 p.m.
Feb. 12
MAC
A discussion of the importance and origin of Black History Month and important contributors. Participants will explore the impact of historical Black leaders such as Rosa Parks and W.E.B. DuBois. They will also engage in interactive experiences-using Black silhouettes to discover and discuss what it means to be Black. With permission, silhouettes will be mounted and will hang in the MAC for the duration of Black History Month.
 
Soulful Sunday Dinner
5-6 p.m.
Feb. 16
Ryle Hall Main Lounge
Food is limited.
 
Documentary: “Inequality for All”
7-9 p.m.
Feb. 19
Student Union Building Alumni Room 2105
A passionate argument on behalf of the middle class, “Inequality for All” demonstrates how the widening income gap has a devastating impact on the American economy. At the conclusion of the film, Paul Parker, professor of political science, will lead a short, moderated discussion. Pickler Memorial Library is credited for purchasing the film as well as the rights to show it campus wide.
 
Post-screening live webcast with Robert Reich
5-7 p.m.
Feb. 20
Violette Hall 1236
A 30-minute post-screening live webcast with Robert Reich from the documentary “Inequality for All” followed by group discussion. Snacks will be provided.
           
Jazz Festival
(Sponsored By Phi Mu Alpha)
8 p.m.
Feb. 22

Sights and Sounds of Africa
(Sponsored By African Students Association)
6 p.m.
Feb. 23
Student Union Building Georgian Rooms
Africa 360: Faces of Africa         

Fact Sheet Handout
Feb. 17
Student Union Building, McClain Hall, Quad
 
Documentary Showing-“Nefarious: Merchant of Souls”
7 p.m.
Feb. 18
Baldwin Hall 176-Little Theater
This hard-hitting documentary exposes the disturbing trends of modern day sex slavery.
 
Statistic Displays around Campus
Feb. 19
 
Local Speaker
7 p.m.
Feb. 20
Baldwin Hall 176-Little Theater
Come hear a current and past Truman student speak about their experiences working with trafficking, and learn about what local organizations are doing to combat the issue.
 
Former Trafficking Victim Speaker
7:30 p.m.
Feb. 21
Baldwin Hall Auditorium
Keynote speaker Jenny Williamson, founder and CEO of a safe house for trafficked women in California, will end the events for the week. Her adopted daughter will also speak on her former life as a trafficking victim.

For more information, contact ncs6782@truman.edu.

Student Government invites students to nominate faculty for Educator of the Year, Department of the Year and Research Mentor of the Year. Faculty chosen for these awards will be honored at the annual Accolades of Academics banquet in April. Nominations can be made online at senate.truman.edu until Feb. 22.

Beta Alpha Psi is sponsoring Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, a free tax return preparation and electronic filing program. Assistance will be available from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. in Violette Hall 1424 on the following dates:


Taxpayers should be sure to bring proof of identity; copies of all W-2, 1098, 1099 forms and any other tax forms received in the mail; social security cards for all individuals listed on the tax return; and banking information if a direct deposit is desired. For more information, call 660.785.4378.

Detours Magazine is now accepting entries for its Summer 2014 photo contest. This semester’s theme is “Catching Light,” and anyone may submit work. There is no limit to the number of photos an individual can send and interpretation of the theme is up to the photographer.

Submissions are due to Elizabeth McBride (egm2327@truman.edu) and Gennie Avellino (gra8275@truman.edu) by Feb. 14, after which two winners will be chosen—a Facebook fan favorite and an editor’s pick. Both photographers will receive a free, two-year subscription to Detours and have their winning images featured in the Summer 2014 issue. There will also be at least four honorable mentions.

Detours Magazine is an award-winning Midwest travel publication produced biannually at Truman.

The Department of Public Safety is offering several free self-defense demonstrations this semester to students. The program combines a hands-on approach to learning effective techniques with information about crime prevention. Designed for both female and male audiences, the class incorporates simple strategies for escaping potentially dangerous situations.

The first demonstration will take place from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Student Recreation Center. The class can accommodate 30 students. Those who complete the class will receive a specially designed safety whistle. To sign up, email pr@truman.edu with your name and cell phone number. Members of Alpha Phi Omega will also be assisting with registration to fill the first class. Dates for the additional demonstrations will be announced in a future Truman Today.

Students interested in additional self-defense instruction should also consider taking ES 199 RAD: Rape Aggression Defense in the fall.

The Truman State University Foundation is pleased to announce that scholarships applications for Truman students in 2014-2015 are available now. This is the largest Foundation scholarship application period of the year. Applications are due by midnight, March 6. To apply, log into TruView and go to the Student tab, Student Finances channel. These scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends of the University.

The Center for Student Involvement is accepting Leadership Recognition Program nominations through March 18. They can be made online or by picking up a nomination packet in the CSI Office located in the Student Union Building 2000.

The Funds Allotment Council (FAC) is now accepting funding applications for the fall 2014 semester. Both student organizations and ICA teams may apply for funding. Applications can be found and completed online at fac.truman.edu. They are due by 5 p.m. March 5. For questions, stop by the FAC Office, Student Union Building 1109 A, during office hours (Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Questinos can also be emailed to tsufundsallotmentcouncil@gmail.com.

FAC dedicated to the intellectual and social development of students and to enhancing their entertainment opportunities. FAC expresses this commitment through the financial support of activities that are organized and sponsored by chartered student organizations. The council will strive to fund a variety of activities sponsored by a variety of organizations that will provide potential benefit to all members of the student association and the larger University community.

These Basic Life Support (BLS) courses, taught by Liz Jorn and Jana Arabas of the Department of Health and Exercise Sciences, are designed to help people recognize and respond to several life-threatening emergencies, provide CPR, use an AED and relieve choking in a safe, timely and effective manner.

The course includes the following for an adult, child and infant:

* Critical concepts of high-quality CPR
* The American Heart Association Chain of Survival
* Differences between rescue techniques
* 1-Rescuer CPR and AED
* 2-Rescuer CPR and AED
* Bag-mask techniques
* Rescue breathing
* Relief of choking

Cost: $60 – Includes all instruction, materials and 2-year certification with the American Heart Association

Payment: Participants can pay their registration fee with a check (made out to Truman State University) or cash at the Truman State University Cashiers window on the first floor of McClain Hall.

Upcoming Session Dates:
March 30
1-6 p.m.

April 7
5-10 p.m.

April 14
5-10 p.m.

April 15
5-10 p.m.

April 24
5-10 p.m.

For more information contact institute@truman.edu or call 660.785.5384.

5:30 p.m.
Thursdays
Tune in to campus channel 36 for a live news broadcast from the Truman Media Network Television staff, featuring in-depth coverage of Truman and Kirksville news. Following the broadcast is “Screenshot,” a weekly dose of film and culture.

7 p.m.
Sundays
Tune in to campus channel 36 for news updates from the Truman Media Network Television staff. Following the broadcast is “Yoo and Me Tonight,” a talk show featuring notable leaders in the Truman community who celebrate diversity through unique lifestyles.

In honor of President’s Day, NerdScholar compiled a list of their favorite personable presidents. Troy Paino was recognized as the “most devoted” university president. Other presidents recognized include: Gordon Gee, West Virginia University; Brian Rosenberg, Macalester College; Kenneth Garren, Lynchburg College; and Peyton Helm, Muhlenberg College. The website, which is dedicated to helping students find the right school for them, released the list Feb. 5.

Student Geoffrey Woehlk was a guest author on the blog LoHud. His article on Alex Rodriguez and doping in general in Major League Baseball was posted to the site Jan. 29 and can be viewed here.

Truman’s MLK Day of Service was recognized in the January edition of Missouri Campus Compact (Vol. 5, No. 2).

Healthcare Exchange Enrollment will be available 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 10 in Violette Hall 1232. This is the final chance for individuals to get help signing up for healthcare through the Affordable Care Act.

The APO Blood Drive will take place 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Feb. 11-12 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms.

Wayne Bell, founder and CEO of Really Big Coloring Books, will give a campus-wide talk at 3 p.m. Feb. 11 in Violette Hall 1000. He will discuss becoming an entrepreneur and creative thinking. Bell is serving as the Bentele-Mallinckrodt Executive in Residence.

The Spring 2014 edition of the Mostly Live Composers Society Concert Showcase will take place at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 11 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall. Come and experience live performances of newly-composed music for various instrumental and vocal combinations—along with a possible surprise or two. The 50-minute concert is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

A stress management workshop will take place at 8 p.m. Feb. 11 in Violette Hall 1144.

A physics colloquium event, “The End of Miniaturization: Electronic Nanostructures,” will take place at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 12 in Magruder Hall 1096. Craig Pryor, Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Iowa, will discuss how realistic calculations of electronic nanostructures are done, and how the results point the way towards new electronic devices operating with single electrons.

Applications for the 2014 Homecoming Committee are due Feb. 12. They are available online at homecoming.truman.edu. For more information, contact Shelby Sims at ssims@truman.edu.

The Global Issues Colloquium presents “War: What’s It Good For? Absolutely Something” at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 in Magruder Hall 2001. Michael Rudy, assistant professor of political science, will present a quantitative database that documents more than 700 cases of violent force used from 1970-2000.

Alumna Marjorie Maas will return to campus Feb. 13-14 to talk with current students about College Possible, an AmeriCorps program with the mission of making college admission and success possible for low-income students through an intensive curriculum of coaching and support. More information about the program is available at collegepossible.org.

Rock the Town Red Day will be Feb. 14. Community members are encouraged to wear red to raise heart health awareness. Sponsored by NEMO Heart Health and HLTH 440.

Applications for new membership for the Funds Allotment Council (FAC) are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 14. They can be found and completed online at fac.truman.edu. For additional questions, email tsufundsallotmentcouncil@gmail.com or stop by Student Union Building 1109 A during office hours, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Vagina Monologues will take place at 8 p.m. Feb. 14-15 in Baldwin Auditorium. Presented by the Women’s Resource Center.

The SERVE Center is now accepting applications for an event/PR internship and a community engagement internship for the 2014-2015 academic year. These positions will implement the development of service opportunities on and off campus for students, faculty and staff at the University in accordance with the SERVE Center mission. Applicants should have a strong passion for service. Applications can be found at trupositions.truman.edu and will be due Feb 18. For more information, contact Shelby Sims at ssims@truman.edu.

Heads VS Feds, an interactive debate on the legalization of marijuana, will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 in Baldwin Hall Auditorium. Sponsored by the Student Activities Board (SAB), Heads VS Feds places Bob Stutman, a retired DEA agent, against Steve Hager, former editor-in-chief and creative director of High Times, the largest marijuana-related magazine in the world.

The Truman Theatre Department presents “Twelfth Night” at 8 p.m. Feb. 19-22 in the James G. Severns Theatre in Ophelia Parrish. Tickets will be sold at the Theatre Box Office in the Ophelia Parrish lobby beginning one week before the show. Admission cost is $3.

The Study Abroad Fair will take place from 1-5 p.m. Feb. 20 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms A and B. Students will have the opportunity to speak to other students who have studied abroad in different parts of the world. Refreshments will be provided.

The Tunnel of Oppression: Uproot Oppression will take place from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 20-22 in the Student Union Building Down Under. Sponsored by Residence Life.

The 4th Annual Kansas-Missouri Renaissance Symposium will run from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 24 in Ophelia Parrish 2210. It will feature talks about exciting new research by four leading specialists on Italian Renaissance art, architecture and visual culture.

A guest recital will take place at 8 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall, featuring Daniel Sheridan, clarinet, Wobin Park, piano, and David Leung, viola.

Chris Strelluf, lecturer in linguistics, will present “The Dialect of Kansas City: Language Change in the Heart of America,” at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Student Union Building Conference Room. The event, which is free and open to the public, is part of the ongoing lecture series “For Words” sponsored by the Department of English and Linguistics.

Truman is a partner agency for the Regional STEM Education Summit taking place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 4. Location is TBA. Carol J. Valenta, recently retired chief scientific officer from the St. Louis Science Center, will speak at lunch. Panels will include business leaders, educators and women working in STEM fields. For more information, call 660.665.3766.

College Possible Info Table
Feb. 13-14
Student Union Building

Career Center Staff Hiring Presentation
5 p.m.
Feb. 24-25
Career Center

Missouri Rural Enterprise & Innovation Center Information Table
Feb. 25
Student Union Building

Missouri Rural Enterprise & Innovation Center Information Table
Feb. 26
Violette Hall

University Conference Day
Feb. 27

Career Successes-Inspiring Alumni Stories
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Feb. 28
Student Union Building

Career Week
March 3-6

PwC Elevate Program On-Campus Interviews
March 6
Career Center

Deloitte On-Campus Interviews
March 17
Career Center

Peace Corps Information Table
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
March 19
Student Union Building

Peace Corps Presentation
3 p.m.
March 19
Student Union Building Georgian Room C

Entrepreneur Idea Pitch Information Session
4-6 p.m.
March 19
Student Union Building 3201

Edward Jones Mocktail Reception
7-8:30 p.m.
March 19
Student Union Building Alumni Room

Edward Jones Information Table
March 20
Student Union Building

Ernst & Young On-Campus Interviews
March 26
Career Center

KPMG Summer Leadership Program On-Campus Interviews
March 27
Career Center

Nonprofit Conference
April 9

Alumni Mock Interview Day
9-11 a.m.
April 11
Career Center

Student Research Conference
April 15

TrumaCare: Is Your Heart in Healthcare?
April 22

Brewer Science
1-3 p.m.
April 22
Magruder Hall

Applications for Hy-Vee Foundation Scholarships are now available at hy-vee.com under company info. Forty $1,000 scholarships will be given out to high school seniors and an additional 40 scholarships worth $1,000 will be given to college students for the 2014-2015 academic year. These scholarships are limited to employees of Hy-Vee (student employees or parents who are employed by Hy-Vee). For more information on qualifications and how to apply, go to hy-vee.com. Applications must be postmarked on or before Feb. 10.

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 a Missouri college or university. In addition to the Leggett Scholarship the foundation has made an additional scholarship available in the amount of $2,000. Application forms are available at www.mief.org and are due by March 31.

Marketing EDGE is offering nine different marketing scholarships for the 2014 academic year. For more information or to apply, visit marketingedge.org/students/marketing-scholarships. Deadline for application is May 9.

The Jack J. Isgur Foundation will award 15–30 scholarships to students majoring in education at four-year colleges who have indicated a desire to teach humanities at the elementary and middle school levels, particularly in a rural district in Missouri. Scholarships can be as much as $2,000 and are available to juniors and seniors in undergraduate college, as well as to graduate students. For more information and to obtain an application for this scholarship, go to www.isgur.org. Deadline is May 15.
 
The Rural Students Scholarship Essay Contest is now available to all high school seniors and full-time college students in the U.S. with a 3.0 grade point average. Sponsored by Blaze Wifi, this scholarship worth $500 is designed to promote digital literacy and higher education in underdeveloped and potentially at-risk rural areas of the U.S. Full scholarship guidelines are available at blazewifi.com/scholarship. Deadline to apply is May 30.

The BigSun Organization is offering a $500 scholarship to help a student athlete succeed in academic pursuits. All student athletes are eligible, regardless of which sport they are participating in. Visit www.bigsunathletics.com to learn how to apply. Deadline for submission is June 20.

AES Engineers is offering $500 scholarships to students on the basis of character across a wide spectrum of fields of study. Students are not required to be taking Engineering courses. This award is available to high school seniors and all students attending a post secondary education facility. To be eligible, students must answer the essay question at aesengineers.com. Deadline to apply is Oct. 6.