Vol. 30 No. 7 - September 29, 2025

 
Truman Theatre’s first production of the year, “The 39 Steps,” will run Oct. 2-5 in the James G. Severns Theatre in Ophelia Parrish. 
 
“The 39 Steps” is a fast-paced spoof that is equal parts slapstick comedy and film noir thriller. Students Tommy Byrne, Anna Million, Elias Tucker and Ellen Sheely breathe life into this comedic adaptation of the Hitchcock suspenseful 1935 film by playing more than 20 characters in 15 locations, including a plane crash à la North by Northwest. Cat Gleason, assistant professor of theatre, directs with a creative team featuring student designers including Lauren Cavanah on costumes, Wendy Crum on lights and Kendall Morris on sound.

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2-4 and 2 p.m. Oct. 5. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at boxoffice.truman.edu or at the theatre prior to each performance. For more information, contact boxoffice@truman.edu.

Dane Winterboer (middle) accepts the prize for first place in the 2024 Bulldog B.I.T.E. competition from University President Sue Thomas and Charles Hunsaker, associate vice president for University advancement.Students with an affinity for business can now submit their ideas for the annual Bulldog B.I.T.E. elevator pitch contest.

An elevator pitch outlines the concept or idea for a product, service or project in a short period of time, typically from 30 seconds to three minutes. The length of the pitch mirrors the time spent waiting for and riding an elevator in a high-rise building. The purpose of the pitch is to spur the interest of a potential investor or financial backer.

Bulldog B.I.T.E., which stands for Business Innovation by Truman Entrepreneurs, is open to any Truman student, or team of students up to three members, enrolled during the fall semester. Additionally, students enrolled in the fall semester at Moberly Area Community College are eligible to participate. Six teams will be selected to attend a live pitch competition Nov. 13 to present their concept to a panel of alumni judges. Submissions can be made here until 10 p.m. Oct. 24.

In conjunction with Bulldog B.I.T.E., an elevator pitch contest for area high school students will take place the same day. Bulldog Pitch Day is open to any high school student or team of students up to three members. The first round is scheduled for the morning of Nov. 13, with the finals taking place later in the day in the Student Union Building.

The top three finalists for Bulldog B.I.T.E. will receive financial awards: first place will receive $3,000, second place will receive $2,000 and third place will receive $1,000. The top three finalists for Bulldog Pitch Day will also receive financial awards: first place will receive $500, second place will receive $300 and third place will receive $200. More information about the competition can be found here.

Truman has again been ranked as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest region by U.S. News & World Report, extending its streak at the top to 29 years in a row.

Truman fared well in the 2026 Best Colleges Rankings. In addition to the No. 1 public ranking, the University came in tied at No. 7 overall for the Midwest region. Truman was the only public institution in the state to be listed in the top 50. 

“Year after year, Truman is recognized for the enormous impact and value of our education,” said University President Sue Thomas. “Designed to meet the demands of today’s world, a Truman education provides our students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful now and in the future. Truman provides a great return on our students’ investment.”

Among the supplemental rankings that accompany the annual report, Truman again scored notable recognitions. The University came in at No. 13 on the list of Best Value Schools in the Midwest region. Truman was the only Missouri school to make the top 15 on this list, and the only public college or university from the Show-Me-State to be included in the top 35 spots. The Best Value rankings are determined by examining key indicators such as: academic quality; the percentage of full-time students receiving need-based scholarships or grants; and the average discount from a school’s sticker price for full-time undergraduates receiving the average need-based grant.

Faculty members’ commitment to students helped the University earn a top five spot on another list. A fixture on the Undergraduate Teaching Programs list, Truman came in tied at No. 4 this year in the Midwest region. This subcategory, compiled from peer assessment, highlights schools that emphasize providing high-quality instruction to undergraduates. Schools are ranked in descending order based on the number of nominations they received. Of the 12 institutions to make this list, Truman was the highest rated of the three public schools to be included.

Truman also came in tied for No. 4 on the list of Most Innovative Schools in the Midwest region. Only eight institutions made this exclusive list, and Truman was the sole public school to earn this distinction. U.S. News asked top college officials to identify institutions in their Best Colleges ranking category that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.

U.S. News & World Report also recognized Truman on its list of Top Performers on Social Mobility, and four of the University’s academic programs – business, computer science, nursing and psychology – again earned inclusion on rankings of their respective disciplines. The entire Best Colleges rankings can be found online at usnews.com/best-colleges.

 
The Truman Experience Weekend offers multiple opportunities for future students and their families to discover what Truman has to offer. Flexible scheduling allows for guests to personalize their visit and make the most of their time on campus through tailored presentations, special events and personal interactions. 
 
 
On Saturday, dining halls will be open for breakfast and lunch. President Thomas will kick off the day with a welcome address in Baldwin Hall Auditorium, followed by panel presentations specifically for students and parents. 
 
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about many aspects of Truman throughout the day with presentations from academic programs, study abroad, Athletics, Residence Life, the Office of Community Engagement and Financial Aid, among others. 
 
Tours will be available of the entire campus, as well as residence halls and the Student Recreation Center. Visitors should also keep an eye out for Spike, the University mascot, and a vintage Oscar Mayer Weinermobile. 
 
“We have created an environment where prospective students can be active participants,” said Allison Schweizer, director of admissions. “The goal is to show our amazing students and campus in an energetic and fun way so prospective students can picture themselves at Truman.”
 
The Truman Experience Weekend is one of a variety of visit options for prospective students. The University continues to conduct individual in-person visits – complete with campus tours – every weekday. Other arrangements can be made for special circumstances.

Prospective students and their families interested in attending the Truman Experience Weekend can find more information at truman.edu/experience. Details about specific events will be posted to the site as they become available. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at 660.785.4114 or admissions@truman.edu.

Recipients must be enrolled full-time during the term of the scholarship to receive scholarship funds. Applications can be submitted and revised at any time prior to the Oct. 19 deadline. To apply, log in to TruView, go to the Student Tab, Scholarships, Financial Aid & Loans then Foundation Scholarship Application. 

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

 
As part of Homecoming festivities, Truman will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Kirk Building, housing the Senator Roy and Abby Blunt SKILLS Center and the Student Success Center.
 
The ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 18 at the north entrance of the Kirk Building. It will be followed by an opportunity to tour the facility. 
 
The newly remodeled building houses the Student Success Center, comprised of the Career Center, Tutoring Services, Student Health Center, Counseling Services, Student Access and Disability Services, the Center for Academic Excellence, the Communication Lab and the Writing Center. The Senator Roy and Abby Blunt SKILLS Center will build upon the resources of the departments in the Student Success Center, making key services available to the local community.
 
Much of the funding for the $21 million project came from the state of Missouri at the recommendation of Gov. Mike Parson through the American Rescue Plan Act. Sen. Blunt also recommended a $6 million congressionally directed spending grant to bring the SKILLS Center to fruition.
 
Constructed in 1923, the Kirk Building is named in honor of John R. Kirk, an alumnus and the second-longest tenured president in University history. For generations of alumni, it is remembered as the social hub of campus, as it was the site of games, assemblies and various events.
 
For a complete schedule of all Truman Homecoming activities, visit truman.edu/alumni-donors/events/homecoming.

The next food truck event of the semester will take place from 4-7 p.m. Oct. 3.

Visiting trucks include: Good Food Good Eats, food truck staples from burgers to Mexican; The Peppered Heifer, specializing in smash burgers with fried cheese; Frosted Flamingo, a mobile ice cream service; Nolia Jeans, which serves Cajun-seasoned foods; La Pa, which features street tacos; and The Big Cheez, which serves gourmet grilled cheese.

The parking lot between the Student Union Building and McClain Hall will be blocked off to accommodate the trucks and to set up tables and chairs for diners.

Students and employees who may have received vouchers during move-in and Truman Week activities can redeem them at any of the food trucks. The $5 vouchers can be stacked up to $10 to apply toward the cost of a meal. Cash and card will also be accepted methods of payment. Meal swipes and Bonus Bucks cannot be used at the food trucks.

The students will be tabling between Sept. 29 and Oct. 17 in Violette Hall, Magruder Hall and the Student Union Building. Free stickers, magnets, pens and pop sockets will be available.

Short sleeve shirts are $10 ($13 for 2X and 3X)
Long sleeve shirts are $15 ($18 for $2X and $3X)


Any questions should be directed to homecoming@truman.edu.

The 35th Annual Philosophy and Religion Conference will take place Nov. 15.

Students can now submit papers to be featured at the conference. The submission deadline is Oct. 1. Papers from any area of philosophy and/or religious studies are welcome. This may include fields such as classics, anthropology and others. Papers should be no longer than 20 minutes reading time (approximately 2,000 to 2,500 pages). A review panel of Truman undergraduates will select the program. If a paper is selected, the author will be asked to provide a 100-word abstract upon acceptance of the invitation to present.

Papers should be submitted to Dereck Daschke, professor of philosophy and religion, with the subject line: Undergraduate Philosophy and Religion Conference. Students should separate all identifying information, including name and school, from the body of the paper in either format – include this information only in the body of the email. The title of the paper should be listed in both documents.

Laura Brooks (’09), co-founder and managing partner of the marketing agency Foundation Collective, will speak at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 1 in the Doug & Diane Villhard Innovation Lab located in the Pickler Memorial Library as part of the TRU-Entrepreneur Speaker Series.

Foundation Collective specializes in developing actionable go-to-market and brand strategies. In her capacity at the agency, Brooks serves as a fractional chief marketing officer for a diverse range of clients, and she is an advisor and investor to early-stage consumer packaged goods companies.  

As a seasoned marketing professional in the consumer-packaged goods industry, Brooks’ expertise spans a wide array of leadership, marketing, e-commerce and insights roles, solidifying her reputation as a classically trained marketer. Her career took root at The Clorox Company where her tenure in a Fortune 500’s brand management department laid the groundwork for her subsequent accomplishments with venture-backed companies.

Brooks’ passion for working with small, mission-driven companies ignited during her role as director of marketing at Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP where she spearheaded the brand’s inaugural national TV advertising campaign. In part to her work, the company was acquired by ConAgra for $250 million in 2018. Brooks’ track record continued to flourish when she assumed the role of vice president of marketing and e-commerce at Solid Gold Pet. Her strategic vision repositioned the brand, sparking a remarkable business turnaround that culminated in the company’s sale to H&H Group in 2020 for $163 million.

This background ultimately led Brooks to embark on the journey of entrepreneurship as co-founder and CEO of Dojo Labs supplements, achieving national distribution with GNC upon launch.

The Missouri Government Internship Program is open to all majors and provides students with the opportunity to gain meaningful experience in the fast-paced world of state politics. Selected interns will work as full-time staff assistants with a legislator or state public official. By interning at the Missouri Capitol, students will expand their knowledge of state government, build a diversified professional network and establish a basis for future professional positions.

Many former interns have gone on to serve as legislative directors, chiefs of staff, judicial clerks, policy analysts, lobbyists and public officials as a direct result of what they learned and the connections they made as interns. The varying daily tasks throughout each office could include attending public hearings, completing legislative research, writing and editing published materials, constituent relations or assisting with basic office work.

Interns will receive a monthly stipend to help pay expenses and 15 hours of Truman credit. Interested students can click here for more information. Additional information will be presented at an informational meeting at 5 p.m. Oct. 1 in McClain Hall 208.

 
Kellie Gerardi will be the next guest in the Holman Family Distinguished Speakers Series at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 in Baldwin Hall Auditorium.
 
An astronaut, author and inspiration to millions of fans on social media, Gerardi is one of the first 100 women to fly in space and one of the world’s first payload specialists to fly on a commercial spacecraft. She was named a 2025 Woman of the Year by USA Today and to the inaugural 2025 TIME100 Creator list, and is the recipient of a 2025 People’s Voice Webby Award in recognition of her highly engaged and supportive social media following.
 
Gerardi has also served as an inspiration to many for her openness regarding her personal struggles with IVF and pregnancy loss. Additionally, she is the author of the children’s book series “Luna Muna,” which has been read from the International Space Station. 
 
Tickets are free and available now. They can be picked up on campus at any of three convenient locations: the Union and 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 are also available off campus at the Kirksville Arts Association in downtown Kirksville. Any remaining tickets will be available the day of the event at the Baldwin Auditorium ticket window 30 minutes before the event.
 
The Holman Family Distinguished Speaker Series is named in honor of Squire Paul and Meeda (Daniel) Holman by their children to honor their parents’ long association with Truman. It is funded through an endowment with the Truman State University Foundation.

Alumni, family and friends are invited to attend the Bulldog Forever Homecoming tailgate before the football game, Oct. 18. The tailgate will begin at 10:30 a.m. and end at 1:15 p.m.

People who reserve a tailgate spot in advance will be granted early access to the tailgate lot and admitted ahead of the post-parade crowd. Those who wish to reserve a spot can register here. All requests must be approved by Alumni Relations. Review the Homecoming Tailgate Policies prior to the event.

Spaces will be reserved for requests submitted by Oct. 3. Non-reserved space at the tailgate will be first-come, first-served at the event. For any questions email bulldogforever@truman.edu.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be filed as early as Oct. 1 for the 2026-2027 school year at studentaid.gov.

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 2026-2027 FAFSA will use 2024 tax year information with a priority deadline of Feb. 1, 2026 for Missouri residents. It is strongly recommended to apply or renew before Feb. 1 Details about the FAFSA can be found online at studentaid.gov.

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.

The Del and Norma Robison Planetarium will participate in a global short-film festival that will allow attendees to vote for their favorite picture.

Manhattan Short 2025 will run simultaneously across the world through Oct. 5. The planetarium is one of more than 500 locations around the world to participate in the screenings. The 10 films range in running time from seven to 18 minutes. There will be four opportunities to watch, with the planetarium hosting screenings at 7 p.m. Oct. 3-4. There is no cost to attend the festival.

All 10 films will be screened at every showing, and attendees will be allowed to vote for Best Film and Best Actor. By virtue of their selection by Manhattan Short each film is automatically Oscar-qualified. Works included in the Manhattan Short Film Festival are not rated and address heavy subject matters. They are intended for mature audiences.

“Em & Selma Go Griffin Hunting” 
United States of America
Mothers and daughters and the fantastical beasts they hunt.

“Al Fresco”
Spain
Dream apartment. Large space. Unbeatable location. Ready to move in. Plenty of light.

“Chasing the Party”
United States of America
Two teens fantasize about becoming New York celebrities but get a reality check.

“Paradise Man”
United States of America
Tragedy makes a golfer realize there’s more to life than a hole in one.

“We Have Sinned Before You”
Israel
A silly game reveals secrets and tensions that could rip a family apart.

“I Have My Reasons”
United Kingdom
Amanda is just 8 years old when a singular incident shapes the rest of her life.

“Ovary-Acting”
Norway, United Kingdom, Sweden
A 30-something woman must suddenly decide whether or not she wants to have children.

“Beyond Silence”
The Netherlands
Two women, two generations, one trauma. One retreats into silence. The other breaks it.

“Zodiac”
The Netherlands
Two old friends on a fishing trip encounter drifting refugees in distress at sea.

“Passarinho”
Mexico
Teenage girls scheme to meet their favorite soccer player but gets one red card.

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program helps first-generation and Pell-eligible students interested in graduate study learn about, apply for and get accepted into graduate school – usually with funding.  

The program organizes seminars describing graduate school, how to pay for it and how to apply. Students also receive paid summer research internships opportunities, funds for graduate school visits and conferences, and general academic counseling. These are just a few of the many benefits McNair has to offer. 

Applications are open now with reviews beginning in early November. Check eligibility here. For more information, visit mcnair.truman.edu or email Charlotte Klimovich at charlottek@truman.edu. 

Starting in late September, the McNair program will have open house events in the Adair Building located at 210 E. Patterson Street. Students can learn more about the program or get help filling out an application. 

Upcoming Open Houses
Oct. 8
2-5 p.m.

Oct. 9
1-4 p.m.

Oct. 22
2-5 p.m.

Oct. 23
1-4 p.m.

Nov. 5
2-5 p.m.

Nov. 6
1-4 p.m.

Truman students have the opportunity to earn one credit hour by teaching English to elementary and middle school students in Taiwan through Zoom.
 
The course, “CML 200: Taiwan Connect” (CRN: 6224), is a service-learning experience that begins in the second block of the semester. Classes will take place every Tuesday evening in Baldwin Hall 309, starting Oct. 14. Before Nov. 2, the class will meet from 6-7:30 p.m., and after Nov. 2, the time will change to 5-6:30 p.m. The only requirement for participation is that students must be native English speakers.
 
Students enrolled in 12-16 credit hours can take CML 200 at no additional cost. For more information or an override to enroll in this course, contact Zhijun “David” Wen, assistant professor of Chinese, at zwen@truman.edu or in McClain Hall 313.

Agricultural Science Practicum students, Kaitlyn Alexander and JT Gerdes, are exploring the possibility of growing flowers and vegetables to sell to fellow students on campus. To help guide their project, they have created a brief survey to collect input from the student body. All students are encouraged to complete the Google Form here.

Michael Bump, professor of music and director of percussion studies, is the recipient of the 2025 University of Memphis Rudy E. Scheidt Distinguished Alumnus Award.  

Bump was honored with the award in a ceremony on the University of Memphis campus, at the Plough Performance Hall at the Scheidt School of Music, Sept. 12. The honoree is nominated and selected annually by alumni, as well as former and current faculty and administrators. This recognition celebrates not only an exceptional career and contributions within the field of music, but also the impact the honoree continues to make as a distinguished representative of the alumni community.  

Bump received his bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Memphis in 1982.