Vol. 30 No. 32 - May 4, 2026

Features

Students Honored for Outstanding Academic Achievements

The annual list of outstanding students has been released. The recipients are determined by their respective departments.

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Applied Linguistics
Danielle Elise Buckner

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Art
Julia Busenhart

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Art: Design
Ashish Bhatta

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Art: Studio Art
Caroline Robin Kincaid

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Classics
Molly Erin Wright

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Communication
Grace Reddekopp

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Creative Writing
Thaddeus Robinson

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Criminal Justice Studies
Emily Anderson

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in English
Leif William Kammer

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in History
Olivia M. Ramsey

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Interdisciplinary Studies
Lainie Mueller

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Modern Language
Danielle Elise Buckner

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Music Business
Valery Figueroa

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Music Therapy
Laura Kay Hudson

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Music: Emphasis Groups
Olivia Lorena Burleigh

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Music: General
Lauren Jaye Holsapple

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Music: Pre-Certification
Sophia Elizabeth Stachula

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Philosophy and Religion
Breanna Mathes

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Political Science and International Relations
Raina Genevieve Baker

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Social Issue Advocacy
Alexis Peterson

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Sociology and Anthropology
Tara Rebecca Wells

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Theatre
Aubrey Gogel

Outstanding Graduate Student in English
Cora Marie Stimpson

Outstanding Graduate Student in Music
Brianna Michelle Dotson

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Accounting
Thomas Xavier Wilson

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Business Administration: Finance
Caroline G. Brink

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Business Administration: International Business
Luke Fatka

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Business Administration: Management
Tacy Janae Ensign

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Business Administration: Marketing
Kate Elizabeth Steingraber

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Communication Disorders
Aria Grace Thompson

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Economics
Pujan Gauli

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Exercise Science
Jacob Edward Peck

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Military Science - General George C. Marshall ROTC Award
Emma Jeannine Taylor

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Nursing
Allison Breanne Heaney

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Psychology
Emma Grace Suchsland

Outstanding Graduate Student in Accounting
Jackson David Dumler

Outstanding Graduate Student in Athletic Training
Abigail Raye Buckman

Outstanding Graduate Student in Communication Disorders
Abbie Nichole Ross

Outstanding Graduate Student in Mental Health Counseling
Erica Perez

Outstanding Graduate Student in Rehabilitation Counseling
Kayla Gonzalez

Outstanding Graduate Student in School Counseling
Roberta Bishop

Outstanding Graduate Student in Elementary Education
Reagan Murrish

Outstanding Graduate Student in K-12 Education
Hanna Wilma Vanourney

Outstanding Graduate Student in Secondary Education
Lillie Marie Morisaki

Outstanding Graduate Student in Special Education
Parker Lee Pfannenstiel

Outstanding Graduate Student in Leadership
Kristin D. Kennedy

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Agricultural Science
Hayden Riley Long

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Alison Marie Mathes

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Biology
Ava Grace Billharz

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Chemistry
Tucker Maxwell

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Computer Science
Rahul Chaudhari

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Data Science
Mohamed Amine Saoud

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Health Science
Brooke Autumn Wagner

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Mathematics
Rosemarie Eugenia Carter

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Physics
Thirtha Karmakar

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Statistics
Daniel Bryan Beattie

Outstanding Graduate Student in Data Science and Analytic Storytelling
Noah Benjamin Anderson
Golden Heart Week Raises More than $25,000 for Charity

Sigma Phi Epsilon raised $25,084 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.

The fraternity hosted a week-long charity competition, April 20-24, where campus nominees competed to be crowned the “SigEp Golden Heart.” Representatives from various campus organizations raised a combined total of $17,085, with members of Sigma Phi Epsilon raising the remaining $7,999.

Donations will remain open until May 9 and can be made online at gofund.me/8f28c9ae2.

Alpha Gamma Delta
Bird McGuire - $560

Alpha Sigma Alpha
Liza Catlin - $1,284

Alpha Sigma Gamma
Hanna O'Rourke - $1,437

Delta Zeta
Audrey Legg - $2,382

Delta Phi Epsilon
Addison Asby - $428

Delta Sigma Pi
Carlie Dodson - $305

Sigma Kappa
Emelia Macedoine - $1,351

Sigma Sigma Sigma
Ella Trigg - $4,147

Tau Lambda Sigma
Leah Chilton - $1,096

Women's Basketball
Morgan Miller - $460

Women's Swim
Nerma Hrsic - $1,346

Women's Soccer
Meghan Knust - $2,105

Women's Track and Field
Bridget Kemp - $184
Adnew Selected as COPLAC Winner

Ruhama Adnew, a senior business administration major, has been selected as the recipient of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) 2026 David J. Prior Award for Students.

The award was established in 2012 to recognize senior-level undergraduates whose academic careers and future goals have been shaped by the transformative power of the liberal arts and sciences experience at a COPLAC institution.

Adnew’s winning essay, “Liberal Arts, Data, and Public Life,” reflected on how a public liberal arts education transformed her perspective from a narrow focus on earning a business degree to a broader commitment to using data and management skills for community impact. Her full essay will be made available at coplac.org/awards.

“I was born and raised in Ethiopia, and my background has shaped how I see education, opportunity and community,” Adnew said. “Coming to college in the United States has taught me to adapt, work hard and stay open to different ways of thinking. My interest in business and analytics comes from wanting to understand how people make decisions and how data can be used to solve real problems.”
Free Alumni Shirts Available for May Graduates

Students graduating May 9 can now grab a free Truman alumni shirt from the Alumni Association. There are several opportunities for students to pick up their shirt, as well as other free goodies.

10 a.m.-12 p.m.
May 4
Violette Hall Information Desk

9-11 a.m.
May 5
Ophelia Parrish Lobby

2-3 p.m.
May 7
Pickler Memorial Library
Free snow cones will also be available for all students.

Graduating students who cannot make these times can pick up their shirt after commencement, May 9, or stop by the Office of Advancement between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Announcements

Student Orgs Reminded to Submit Updated Information Forms
Student organizations must submit an updated information form to Union and Involvement Services if they have recently changed officers/contacts.

To complete the information form, members will need to know the names, emails and Banner ID numbers for the three required officers; the primary contact or president, finance officer or treasurer and risk officer. Updated information forms can be completed here. The form is also available at involvement.truman.edu.

If the primary contact/president is transitioning, they must fill out the Student Organization Recognition Agreement and submit a signed copy here. Questions should be directed to orgs@truman.edu.
Student Recreation Center Finals and Summer Hours
Finals hours for the Student Recreation Center:

9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday

9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Wednesday

9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday and Friday

Closed
Saturday and Sunday

Summer hours for the Student Recreation Center:

11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Monday-Thursday
May 11-31

9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Monday-Thursday
June 1-July 31
Glowga Event Set During Finals Week, May 4
Phi Epsilon Kappa and Campus Recreation will host Glowga at 8 p.m. May 4 in the Student Recreation Center. Yoga mats will be provided for all participants.
Open Forums Scheduled for Dean Candidates
All students and employees are invited to attend open forums for candidates for the Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies position. Feedback forms and materials for each candidate can be found at truman.edu/dean-candidate-evaluation. Recordings of the forums will be made available at a later date.

Dr. Chris Y. Shao
Professor of Marketing, Tarleton State University
1:15 p.m.
May 5
Baldwin Hall 102

Dr. Robert M. Yawson
Professor of Management and Chair of the Department of Entrepreneurship, International Business, and Strategy, Quinnipiac University
1:15 p.m.
May 7
Baldwin Hall 102
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.
Nominations Open to Recognize Outstanding Young Alumni
Nominations are open for Truman's Rising Star award, recognizing talented alumni under the age of 40.

Rising Star award recipients will be recognized at a ceremony in fall 2026. Candidates for the award must have earned a degree from Truman and be under the age of 40 by Sept. 18, 2026. Recipients of the Rising Star award will be selected based on the ways they live out Truman’s graduate characteristics of creativity, strength in leadership, responsibility and compassion. Previous recipients are not eligible to receive the award again.

Award nominations are due by 12 p.m. May 5 and can be submitted at advancement.truman.edu.
Spring Plant Sale Set for Reading Day
The Department of Agricultural and Biological Sciences will host a plant sale from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 6 in Magruder Hall 2034. The sale will feature a variety of houseplants such as pathos, succulents and cacti. Cash or check payment options will be accepted.
Education Alumnus to Deliver Commencement Address
Alumnus Matthew P. Matheney V (’17, ’19) will give the commencement address during graduation, May 9.

During the school year, Matheney is a math and science teacher at Hickman High School in Columbia, Missouri. He graduated from Truman in 2017 with bachelors' degrees in mathematics and physics, and again in 2019 with a Master of Arts in Education. In 2023, he was named as a finalist for the Missouri Teacher of the Year Award for his dedication to creating a school community where individuals can find the intersection of their talents and the needs of the world.

In addition to his graduation speech, Matheney will teach at the Joseph Baldwin Academy (JBA) over the summer.

Truman will conduct spring commencement at 2 p.m. May 9 in Stokes Stadium. Additional information is available at truman.edu/registrar/commencement.
May Yoga Sessions Available at Student Recreation Center
Janes Dreamweaver, director of fitness-wellness, will be teaching a free, drop-in fitness yoga class from 12:30-1:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday, May 11-28.
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.
Volunteers Needed for Special Olympics Summer Games
Special Olympics Missouri is seeking volunteers for the 2026 summer games, May 28-31.

All the events for the games will take place on campus. Volunteers are a crucial component of making the games a special event for athletes, families and spectators. There are more than 300 volunteer opportunities available during the event, from help at the athletic competitions to many of the support efforts. In addition to assistance for swimming, track and field, and powerlifting, volunteers will be needed for the opening ceremony, the Healthy Athletes stations, meal crew, bingo, crafts and more.

Individuals and organizations can sign up for multiple volunteer opportunities as long as there is no time conflict between events. A complete list of volunteer needs can be found at somo.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/state.

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Thousands of athletes participate in 13 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics Missouri provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow athletes, their family and friends, and communities across Missouri.
Registration Open for JBA Jr.
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.
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
Next Issue
The next issue of the Truman Today will be available May 26.
May the Fourth Be with You

Notables

Truman Included in National Ranking for Best Value Colleges

Truman has been ranked No. 21 in a list of America’s Best Value Small Colleges and Universities by SmartAsset.

The study analyzed more than 1,000 regionally accredited small colleges and universities, filtering to include only those with attendance costs less than the median of similarly sized schools. These institutions were then ranked based on graduation rate and the median earnings of alumni, with the 75 top-scoring named “best values.”

SmartAsset is an online destination for consumer-focused financial information and advice, offering educational content and personalized calculators and tools. The site connects users to financial advisors and calculators, as well as information about loans, insurance, banking accounts and more.

The full list of results and how each school compares can be found here.
Phillips Honored for Service as Hospice Volunteer

Student Nicholas Phillips is presented with Gaber Founder’s Award for Excellence in Hospice Services by Linnette Baker, RN and director of Hospice of Northeast Missouri, along with Todd Ahrens, president and CEO of Hannibal Regional Healthcare System.

Nicholas Phillips has been named by Hospice of Northeast Missouri, a service of Hannibal Regional, as one of two recipients of the Gaber Founder’s Award for Excellence in Hospice Services.

This recognition, established through a generous donation from Drs. Ron and Elsie Gaber, honors outstanding individuals who demonstrate an unwavering commitment and exceptional service in providing comfort and support to hospice patients and their families.

Phillips, a hospice volunteer and pre-medical biology major, was honored for his dedication to providing companionship and comfort to patients.

“Nicholas cared for his patient with a level of compassion and dedication that truly set him apart,” shared his nominator. “He went out of his way to ensure she felt seen, valued and never alone – often adjusting his schedule to spend extra time with her.”