Vol. 30 No. 8 - October 6, 2025

Truman will celebrate Homecoming on campus Oct. 13-18.

This year’s theme, “Truman! Where Bulldogs Come to Win,” highlights the pride, spirit and tradition that connects the Truman community. A Homecoming supply drive is currently underway and will run through Oct. 18. All items collected for the drive will be donated to CAPNEMO and the Kirksville R-III School District to support local families and students.

The week will start with a kick-off event from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 13 on the quad. The event will include introductions and a welcome speech from President Sue Thomas. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic style food or grab take-out from the dining hall. Throughout the event, giant games, card games and a photo station will be available for all to enjoy. The celebration will close with performances from the Showgirls and the Statesmen Marching Band starting at 5 p.m. followed by a speech from Kellen Nesbitt, head football coach.
“Life of a Bulldog,” a relay-race extravaganza, will take place from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Student Recreation Center field. While participation is limited to official Homecoming teams, everyone is welcome to come cheer them on and enjoy the action from the sidelines.

More information can be found at homecoming.truman.edu and truman.edu/alumni-donors/events/homecoming or by following @trumanstatehomecoming on Instagram.

Admission for the North Star Music Festival is free, and the event is open to the public. A livestream will be available at youtube.com/@trumanmusicconcerts/streams. For more information, visit nsmf.truman.edu.

This year’s Midwest Affiliate of College & University Residence Halls (MACURH) Regional Leadership Conference will take place on Truman’s campus, Oct. 24-26. Truman’s Residence Hall Association (RHA) and National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) will lead the event with the theme “Out of This World Leadership.” 

MACURH represents residence hall associations from seven states – Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. The Regional Leadership Conference serves as a platform to enhance student leadership and foster community among these associations. Institutions throughout these regions will send delegates from their own RHA’s and chapters of the NRHH to attend the conference. Delegations are typically made up of an advisor, RHA president, RHA national communications coordinator and NRHH president/representative, but many delegations will also bring general delegates as well.

Delegates will be housed in Centennial Hall, with opening ceremonies taking place in the newly renovated Kirk Building Forum. Throughout the weekend, attendees will participate in a variety of activities, including educational sessions, positional socials, philanthropy activity, a swap shop and more.

Hosting the conference has been a long-term effort for Truman students, that began planning nearly a year ago. From budgeting and housing to scheduling and programming, the conference is entirely student planned and run, with input from regional and national organizations and guidance from Residence Life professional staff as committee advisors. 

“Each of us has put a tremendous amount of time and effort into making this conference a success and there’s still a lot to be done over the next month,” said Hunter King, regional conference chair. “As the conference hosts, the regional focus is really on us to pull this off. This is the first time Truman has ever hosted MACURH’s Regional Leadership Conference, so we’re also excited to be making both regional and institutional history.”

While Truman has previously hosted MACURH’s Regional Business Conference, this will be the first time the organization’s Regional Leadership Conference will take place at the University. The business conference is a smaller event centered on legislation and awards discussions, while the leadership conference is larger in scale and emphasizes education and spirit through interactive workshops. Traditionally the leadership conference is hosted at institutions much larger than Truman.

“I hope the biggest takeaway is that small schools are able to do big things like this too,” said Cecilia Stokes, campus conference chair. “Truman is one of the smallest schools in MACURH, but by taking on this project we want to inspire other small institutions to see that they can make an impact as well.”

For more information about MACURH and the Regional Leadership Conference, visit macurh.nacurh.org/2025-regional-leadership-conf.

Brothers Tegan (left) and Truett (right) Haer.
 
At first glance, it might be easy to lump Tegan and Truett Haer together. The brothers from Maryville, Missouri, were just a year apart in school. They played on the same sports teams growing up, and after Truett followed Tegan to Truman, they ended up in many of the same organizations. Another surface-level similarity is they are both biology majors, but as with many of their other connections, a closer look reveals they are each their own man on their own path.
 
Tegan arrived at Truman first, referred as so many students are by teachers who knew the University would be a good fit. 
 
“A couple of high school teachers told me it was a strong academic school with a good reputation for producing well-rounded and successful students,” he said. 
 
His love of science classes originally drew Tegan to the biology program and a potential future career in the health care field. He also gravitated toward some campus organizations, including KLIFE, Blue Key and Campus Christian Fellowship. 
 
When it came time for Truett to make his college choice Truman was already on his radar. The idea of following in his brother’s footsteps was definitely a bonus.
 
“Knowing that my brother and best friend would be there with me provided peace with that decision,” Truett said. “It made Truman feel like home before I’d even gotten here.”
 
There was no inkling of sibling rivalry as Truett also joined KLIFE, Blue Key and CCF. If anything, their shared interests gave the brothers opportunities to strengthen their bonds.
 
“I love getting to go to college with Truett,” Tegan said. “Now that we are older, we get to push each other to become better men every day. Our relationship is really good, and I know if I need anything, he will 100% be there for me, and I would do the same for him. It is such an amazing blessing to have someone that you can share life with and know they always have your best interests in mind.”
 
The brothers each view the other as both funny and kind. Tegan describes Truett as dedicated and disciplined, always accomplishing what he sets out to do. Truett admires Tegan’s laid-back approach to life and his ability to be in the moment and enjoy life.
 
“His go-with-the-flow personality balances out my tendency to have everything planned out, and he helps me take a second to breathe and see what good things are around me,” Truett said. 
 
Although both men are biology majors, they have different goals for the future. Tegan originally planned for medical school and a career in the health care industry.
 
“I quickly I realized that was not for me,” he said. “In five or 10 years I am not sure what I’ll be doing, but I know whatever I do I will be living to serve and love others in the same way that I have been throughout my time here at Truman.”
 
With graduation coming up in May, Tegan is thinking he might use his biology degree in another field, potentially as a teacher. 
 
For Truett, his plan has not changed. He chose Truman in part because of its pre-medical reputation. His goal is to ultimately be a sports medicine physician, potentially in a rural community. While he will not graduate until May 2027, he has already been accepted into the University of Missouri’s Bryant Scholars Program, which specializes in training students from rural backgrounds to become rural physicians. 
 
Through a partnership with A.T. Still University, Truett has already gained research experience to add to his CV, as well as training that should prove useful when he starts his career. 
 
“It’s been a great learning experience,” he said. “I hope to apply what I’ve learned about the research process to future studies of injury prevention in athletes, specifically targeted at the recent increase of Achilles injuries in sports.”
 
With the exception of Tegan’s first year at Truman, the brothers have spent every year of their lives in close proximity. As their undergraduate careers come to an end, it appears they will be going their separate ways, at least for a while.
 
“Since Tegan and I are involved in so many similar activities, I know that his absence is going to be felt,” Truett said. 
 
“It makes me sad to think that I won’t be able to see him almost every day like I get to do now,” Tegan said. “Thankfully, I know that no matter where we end up, family is extremely important to us, and we will remain in each other’s lives. I will always be cheering him on and encouraging him when he needs it.”

A mid-term study break event featuring Bingo will take place from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 7 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms. The evening will include give-a-ways, snacks and guest “bingo callers.” Attendees are welcome to join for a single game or the entire event.

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.

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.

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.

The Fall 2025 Truman Healthcare Partners Nursing Fair will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 15 in the Nursing Department foyer of the Health Sciences Building, located across the bridge from the Pershing Building. This event will feature 12 healthcare facilities, providing attendees the opportunity to learn more about these organizations, network with professionals from across Missouri and explore different nursing internships and career paths. All nursing students are strongly encouraged to attend, and students from any major are welcome.

 
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.

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.

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. Oct. 20 in Violette Hall 1220 and via Zoom.

Students in this graduate program will gain knowledge of efficient data collection and interpretation techniques. They will 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.

Students interested in attending can register here. Snacks will be available for those that attend in person.

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.

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month in September, the Department of Public Safety and University Counseling Services partnered to create a Wall of HOPE to display in the UCS waiting area. Throughout the month, DPS and UCS hosted tabling events on campus asking students to write messages of encouragement on post-it notes for anyone struggling with their mental health. In some of the notes students mentioned their faith, others mentioned being here tomorrow and others wrote reminders about being loved and things getting better. Anyone that stopped and participated also received information about campus mental health resources and details about calling 988.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be filed 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.

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.

During fall break forensics will head to the University of Missouri. Students interested in joining the forensics union should contact Ben Davis at bdavis@truman.edu.

Nineteen McNair scholars attended the MKN Heartland McNair Research Conference with approximately 200 other McNair scholars from programs across the United States in Kansas City, Missouri, Sept. 19-21. The students were joined by Charlotte Klimovich, program specialist, and John Quinn, program director and professor of political science and international relations.

The conference enabled scholars to present their work and/or see the work of fellow McNair scholars at one of the many presentation sessions. The conference also featured a session on publishing academic research, a graduate school fair and three keynote speakers covering topics from financial literacy, to strategies for success in graduate school, to the role McNair plays in helping scholars succeed.