Vol. 30 No. 30 - April 20, 2026

Features

Day of Giving Returns, April 21

The entire Truman community is invited to participate in Bulldogs are Beautiful – Truman’s Day of Giving.

Day of Giving starts at 12 p.m. April 21 and goes until 12 p.m. April 22. Gifts to three campaign areas will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact:

Children’s Literature Festival
This annual event brings thousands of fourth, fifth and sixth graders to campus to interact with published authors and illustrators. Donations up to $10,000 will be matched by Becca Maddox (’07) and Jordan Bergsen (’07).

General Scholarship Fund
This fund provides flexible scholarship support for hardworking students. Donors Amanda Gioia (’93) and Rob Stilley (’99) will match the first $10,000 in gifts to this fund.

Truman Food Pantry
The only hunger a Bulldog should have is for learning. The Food Pantry meets the most basic needs of the student population. Brian (’89) and Ame (’90) Krippner and an anonymous donor have pledged $8,000 in matching funds for the Food Pantry.

Additional challenges increase the impact of gifts made on Truman Day of Giving. The Feed the Bulldogs Challenge, sponsored by Gerry Ready (’70), will provide $500 for the Truman Food Pantry if 50 current or former faculty and staff members make a Day of Giving donation to any Truman Fund. Donors who give $70 or more will receive exclusive, Truman-branded socks. Donations can be made online or in person in McClain Hall 205.
Five Students Initiated into Order of Omega Honor Society

(Pictured left to right) Bird McQuire, Quinn Smith, Zoe Nauman, Isaiah Kuehler and Bella Yeo.

Order of Omega initiated five new members, April 8.

New members of the honor society include Bird McQuire of Alpha Gamma Delta, Quinn Smith of Pi Kappa Phi, Zoe Nauman of Sigma Sigma Sigma, Isaiah Kuehler of Sigma Phi Epsilon and Bella Yeo of Delta Phi Epsilon.

Order of Omega is the premier honor organization for fraternity and sorority leaders. It was founded in 1959 at the University of Miami. Order of Omega’s goal is to recognize undergraduate fraternity and sorority leaders at collegiate chapters in the United States, Canada and The Bahamas. Undergraduate students who belong to a recognized fraternity or sorority and who exemplify high standards in the areas of scholarship, leadership and involvement within their respective organization and within the fraternity or sorority community are selected for membership by the local collegiate chapter.
Athletics Invites Alumni for Weekend Games, Tailgate

Truman’s soccer, softball and baseball teams will host their alumni weekend events April 24-26.

The men’s and women’s soccer teams invite alumni to participate in their alumni games. The women’s soccer team will host their alumni game at 12 p.m. April 25 at the Truman Soccer Park. Alumni who wish to play should RSVP at mcannon@truman.edu. The men’s soccer team will host their alumni game at 2 p.m. April 25 at Stokes Stadium. Alumni who wish to play should RSVP at dcochran@truman.edu.

The baseball team will play at 3 p.m. April 24, 3 p.m. April 25 and 12 p.m. April 26, at the Bulldog Baseball Park. The softball team will play their doubleheader games at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. April 25 and at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. April 26 at the Bulldog Softball Field. An alumni tailgate will take place April 25 during the softball and baseball games. Softball attendees should RSVP at jbuhr@truman.edu. Baseball attendees should RSVP at dandavis@truman.edu.

Additional details about the weekend’s events will be shared closer to time with those who RSVP. Questions about the alumni games or tailgate should be directed to their corresponding RSVP emails.

Announcements

Thrift Shop Event Benefits St. Jude's
Celebrate Earth Week, April 20-24
Earth Week activities will take place through April 24. A full schedule of events can be found here. Follow @tru.sus on Instagram.

Tabling
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 20-24
Student Union Building
Stop by to learn about Earth Week events and pick up a sustainability bingo card.

Bear Creek Clean-up
4:30-5:30 p.m.
April 21
Meet at Violette Hall 1310. Help keep the local creek clean. Supplies will be provided.

Greenhouse Yoga
6:30-7 p.m. and 7-7:30 p.m.
April 22
Magruder Greenhouse
Relax and recharge with a calming yoga session surrounded by plants and greenery.

Clothing Swap Collection at Tabling
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 23
Student Union Building
Donate clean clothes at the Earth Week tabling in the Student Union Building.

Movie Night
6-9 p.m.
April 23
Baldwin Hall 102
Enjoy an outdoor movie night while learning about the importance of pollinators.

Campus Tree Planting
11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 24
TBD
Join in planting a new tree and supporting the Tree Campus commitment.

Earth Fest
3-5:30 p.m.
April 24
Student Union Building Front Lawn
Clothing swap, glass painting, bingo prizes, tote bag painting, vegetarian foods, free produce and more.
Experience BA, BFA Capstone Exhibitions
Truman’s senior art majors will present their 2026 BA and BFA Capstone Exhibitions over two separate weeks.

The BA Capstone Exhibition will take place April 20-24. A closing reception for the exhibition will take place from 5-6 p.m. April 24. Both events will be located in the University Art Gallery.
The BFA Capstone Exhibition will take place April 27-May 1. A closing reception for the exhibition will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. May 1. Both events will be located in the University Art Gallery.
Fraternity to Host Annual Charity Fundraiser
Sigma Phi Epsilon is attempting to raise $16,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in honor of their brother Nate Aldrich. Established in 1987, AFSP is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy.

In addition to a donation to the AFSP, a portion of the proceeds will go toward a scholarship honoring Aldrich that will be awarded to a Truman student that embodies the principles he held close to his heart. Donations can be made online at gofund.me/8f28c9ae2.

The fraternity is hosting a week-long charity competition, April 20-24, where campus nominees compete to be crowned the “SigEp Golden Heart.”

Golden Heart Competition Schedule
All events are open for anyone to attend. All proceeds go to charity.

Opening Ceremony
6 p.m.
April 20
Violette Hall 1000
Nominees will present to the fraternity information about themselves and why they should win. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Instagram Competition
April 21
Nominees compete for the most likes and reposts in an Instagram public relations competition. Nominees will be posted on the SigEp Instagram.

Boat Races
7:30 p.m.
April 22
Pershing Pool
Nominees form a team of four to build and sail a boat across the Pershing Pool.

SigEp Olympics
7:30 p.m.
April 23
SigEp Chapter House, 1309 S. Florence St.
Teams will compete in minutes-to-win-it style games, with a tug of war tournament at the end of the event.

Golden Heart Gala
6 p.m.
April 24
Gary Cunningham Event Center - Silver Rail, 202 E. Moore St., La Plata, Missouri
Nominees close out the week with a banquet-style event at the Gary Cunningham Event Center as the Golden Heart winner is crowned. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 beforehand or $7 at the door.
Nominations for William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award Due April 20
The William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award pays tribute to excellent faculty and staff academic advisors and demonstrates how important academic advising is at Truman.

This is an opportunity for students to honor their assigned faculty-staff academic advisor. The award recognizes outstanding advising/mentoring by a full-time faculty or staff academic advisor who is nominated by students. In addition to campus-wide recognition at the Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop in August, the awardee receives a $1,000 grant to be used for the enhancement of student advising.

To make a nomination for the William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award, complete the online nomination form. Nominations are due April 20.
National Bulldog Day Marks Spike’s Birthday, April 21
In celebration of National Bulldog Day, and in observation of Spike’s birthday, April 21, birthday cake will be served in the in the dining halls at lunch, along with a special appearance from Spike. Union and Involvement Services will also hand out goodies and give students the chance to win a prize from 12:20-1:30 p.m. in the Student Union Building Hub.
Summer Registration Now Open
Truman students interested in taking classes this summer can now begin registering for courses.

Summer is a great time for students to focus their attention on a challenging class, or work on boosting their GPA for scholarship renewal or graduate school applications. It is also an opportunity to make a lot of progress toward an additional major or minor without falling behind.

Courses are available in a variety of options, including online, hybrid and in-person delivery methods. The flexibility of summer courses provides students the opportunity to have a job, take a vacation or socialize with friends back home.

With six separate terms throughout the summer, students have multiple options to fit their needs. Interim classes run May 9-23. The first round of five-week courses, as well as 10-week courses, begin May 26, while the second round of five-week courses begins June 29. An eight-week session begins June 1. The August interim runs from July 25-Aug. 8. For more information visit summer.truman.edu.
Calling for Commencement Volunteers
The University will celebrate and honor spring graduates at 2 p.m. May 9 at Stokes Stadium. Several volunteers are needed to help pass out programs and direct people to the disability and available seating.

Volunteers are asked to arrive at the stadium by 12:35 p.m. for directions prior to the doors opening at 1 p.m. Shortly after commencement begins, volunteers are free to leave or stay for the ceremony.

Anyone willing to volunteer, or anyone with questions about volunteering, can contact Nancy Asher at nasher@truman.edu or Kaytee Wood at kwood@truman.edu, or call 660.785.4145. For those who volunteer, more detailed information will be sent via email closer to the actual date along with inclement weather plans.
Virtual Panel Highlights Writing, Communications Careers
Farewell Ceremony for Departing SSHI and Psychology Faculty
A farewell ceremony for faculty members resigning and retiring from the Social Sciences and Human Inquiry Department and the Psychology Department will take place from 2:30-4:30 p.m. April 22 in Baldwin Hall 231. Questions should be directed to Paula McCartney, administrative assistant for Social Sciences and Human Inquiry, at pmccartney@truman.edu.
Alumnus to Discuss Career with St. Louis Blues
TruPoets to Host Open Mic Night
TruPoets, the campus poetry club, will host an open mic night from 7:30-8:30 p.m. April 22 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. There are no signups. Everyone is welcome to share their poems and listen to others share their own.
Spring Market Provides Students with Free Produce
Market on the Mall will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. April 24, May 1 and May 8 in Magruder Hall. The program brings high-quality produce from the Truman Farm to students on campus. Cash donations are accepted, but produce is available for free. All donations will support student activities at the farm. Questions should be directed to Josh Kraft, assistant professor of agriculture, at jkraft@truman.edu.
International Prom Set for April 25
The Center for International Students and Office of Community Enrichment will host International Prom from 7-10 p.m. April 25 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms.

All of campus is invited for an evening of dancing, food and enchanted vibes. Attendees should RSVP via the Office of Community Enrichment Linktree. Song requests and prom royalty nominations are also available on the site.
Nominations Open for Tutoring Awards
Nominations are now open for awards honoring the exceptional service of tutors at the Center for Academic Excellence Tutoring Center.

The Todd Phillips Excellence in Tutoring Award and the Excellence in Embedded Tutoring Award celebrate the dedication and impact tutors have in supporting student success. Students that have received tutoring, either through the tutoring center or from an embedded tutor, are encouraged to nominate the tutor that made a difference to them.

The award honors the late Todd Phillips who founded the Center for Academic Excellence’s Tutoring Center in 2011. Phillips began his work at Truman in 2008 as the first director of the Student Success Center. He was a passionate advocate for student support and fostered a culture where alternative approaches to learning were not only encouraged but celebrated. His innovative spirit and deep care for students continue to shape the tutoring center today.

The Excellence in Embedded Tutoring Award recognizes an outstanding embedded tutor that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting student success within the classroom setting. Embedded tutors play a vital role in fostering a collaborative learning environment and in building connections between students, faculty and academic support services.

Nomination forms are open now and will close April 27. Questions should be directed to Violet Odzinski, academic advisor and coordinator of student support programs, at vodzinski@truman.edu.
Truman to Host Remembrance Ceremony
A remembrance ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. April 29 in the Student Union Building Alumni Room. This is an opportunity to remember and celebrate students, faculty, staff and friends that were lost in the past year.
OCE Celebration Recognizes Graduating Seniors
The Office of Community Enrichment will host a graduation celebration at 5:30 p.m. May 1 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. The campus community is invited to celebrate Truman’s departing seniors and pour support into them one more time before they officially become alumni. Seniors who would like to be recognized at the ceremony and attendees who want to come and support someone special can sign up here. Questions should be directed to the Office of Community Enrichment at oce@truman.edu.
Writing Center Hiring Consultants for Next Year
The Writing Center is hiring consultants for the 2026-27 academic year. Students who know their way around academic writing, have good interpersonal communication skills and are motivated to help people help themselves are encouraged to apply. Additional information and applications are available at writingcenter.truman.edu/apply. Applications are due May 1. Questions should be directed to David Leaton, director of the Writing Center, at write@truman.edu.
Finals Scream Set for May 3
Finals Scream will take place May 3 at the Student Union Building Mall and lawn areas. Bingo will begin at 6 p.m. with crafts, a screaming competition and more starting at 7 p.m. Attendees can win prizes and goodie bags and snack on hot dogs, popsicles and popcorn throughout the event. In the instance of rain, Finals Scream will take place in the Student Union Building Hub. Questions should be directed to Union and Involvement Services at union@truman.edu.
Faculty and Staff Honored at Service Recognition Celebration
Approximately, 126 current and retired employees will be honored for their years of service and their commitment to the University with a Service Recognition Celebration, May 13. A list of the 2026 honorees can be found here.
Tutoring Center Hiring for 2026-27 Academic Year
The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) Tutoring Center is hiring academic peer tutors for the 2026-27 academic year.

This is a scholarship or work-study position, three to four hours per week, with initial training and additional training throughout employment. Tutors provide academic support to their peers with one-on-one instruction for specific courses, subjects or learning strategies support.

All majors are welcome to apply. The Center is particularly seeking tutors for ACCT 220/221; BIOL 107; BSAD; Communication Disorders; Computer Science; DATA 222; Economics; Health Science; LING 238; Math; Nursing; PHYS 185; Statistics; and Learning Strategies.

To qualify, students must maintain scholarship eligibility, be a sophomore or above and have successfully completed the course they plan to tutor with an "A" or "B."

Students can apply on TruPositions. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Violet Odzinski, the Center supervisor, at vodzinski@truman.edu.
CAE Seeking Student Employees for 2026-27 Academic Year
The Center for Academic Excellence is accepting applications for student workers for the 2026-27 academic year. Additional information and applications for these positions are available on TruPositions.

For questions about tutoring positions, contact Violet Odzinski, Tutoring Center supervisor, at vodzinski@truman.edu. For questions about the Bulldog Scholars Program, contact Ashleigh Harding, director of student success, at aharding@truman.edu.
School of Science and Mathematics Hiring Student Workers for Next Year
The School of Science and Mathematics is hiring building housekeeping assistants for the 2026-27 academic year. This is a scholarship or work-study position, up to four hours per week. Assistants will help with light housekeeping duties in Magruder Hall, including sweeping, dusting and tidying up public seating areas. Students can apply on TruPositions. Any questions can be directed to Katie Dixson, School of Science and Mathematics supervisor, at kdixson@truman.edu.
Online Latin Courses Expedite Undergrad Requirements