Vol. 30 No. 33 - May 26, 2026
Features
Special Olympics Opening Ceremony Set for May 29
The Special Olympics Missouri State Summer Games opening ceremony will take place May 29 in Stokes Stadium.
The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. with performances from local dance teams and a drum line, followed by the parade of athletes, leadership graduation, torch lighting and a flyover.
Seating is available in Stokes Stadium, with chairs and blankets acceptable on the lawn areas to the east and west of the grandstands. Attendees can also bring noise makers and coolers. Concession stands will not be open, but water stations are available. Pets are welcome in the lawn sections.
Campus parking will be open throughout the Special Olympics, though the stadium lot is reserved for accessible parking. Visitors coming for the opening ceremony can park in the lots to the north or south of Stokes Stadium.
Additional information and a complete schedule of events can be found at somo.org/summergames.Students, Alumni, Faculty Inducted into National Honor Society
The Delta of Missouri Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa inducted 16 students as Members in Course, April 25.Students inducted include Jonas Beckham, Rowan Burba, Lucille Burke, Laci Burroughs, Emmanuel Cooper, Oliver Doyle, Leo-Paul Garlenc-Ricci, Pujan Gauli, Leah Hays, Ashton Mullen, Sawyer Partney, Whitney Pavely, Enyetullah Rahimullah, Ashley Rothermel, Alexis White and Lucas Wilson.
Also inducted were two Alumnae Members: Katie Judd, associate professor and chair of psychology at Truman, and Shalyn Claggett, professor of English and director of graduate studies at Mississippi State University, as well as two Honorary Members from the Truman faculty: Josh Nudell, assistant professor of history, and Vayujeet Gokhale, assistant professor of physics and astronomy.
Phi Beta Kappa is the nation's oldest liberal arts and sciences honors society, founded 250 years ago in 1776. Truman's chapter, Delta of Missouri, was installed in 2001.Blackburn Named 2026-27 Presser Scholar
Jack Blackburn accepts recognition of the Presser Award from University President Sue Thomas. Pictured, from left: Thomas Hueber, professor emeritus in applied voice, Blackburn, Thomas and Victor Marquez, associate professor of music, theory and composition.
Jack Blackburn has been named the Presser Scholar for the 2026-27 academic year.
The Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award is given to a student with a high level of academic and musical accomplishment who embodies the qualities of leadership and citizenship. The student must be in their final year of study as a full-time or part-time undergraduate music major.
Blackburn, who hails from Kansas City, Missouri, is a music performance and music business major at Truman who sees music as a way to tell stories that bring people together, heal and entertain. His involvement in music began at age eight, when he completed the Vaccai vocal method in both Italian and English, and has since expanded to include instrumental music and theatrical performance. A tenor who values training in multiple styles, Blackburn has studied classical, musical theatre and commercial music, and has been performing in operas, oratorios and musical theatre productions since the age of 13. He has received multiple awards for his commitment to music excellence and community building, including the Kyle Robinson Memorial Foundation Scholarship, National Association of Teachers of Singing Student Auditions Placement and the Clay Dawson Memorial Scholarship.
Outside of his performances, Blackburn aims to build a community that uplifts others and makes the world a better place. Whether volunteering at food pantries, working with local nonprofits, giving back to his scout troop or helping others learn and grow, he finds value in strengthening his community in every way possible. At Truman, he has been involved in True Men A Cappella, serving on the executive board for four years, and Cantoria, serving on the executive board for three years, while also working at the Student Recreation Center and performing with both the opera theatre and theatre department. Recently, he received a performance award for his role as Ernst in Truman Theatre’s production of “Cabaret” at the Region V American College Theatre Festival. Blackburn plans to return to Kansas City to pursue work as a performer and private voice teacher while also working with local nonprofit organizations in fundraising and marketing.
As part of the award, Blackburn will receive financial support of $3,000 from The Presser Foundation, which works to fund the musical arts in their many dimensions and manifestations while striving to serve a broad community of musicians, educators and music lovers.Children’s Literacy Award Helps Educators
Gracie Neff, Sharon Howe and Jessica Erwin were presented with the 2025 and 2026 Drs. Kay Clapp and Donna Rhinesmith Children’s Literacy Awards by Donna Rhinesmith and Jocelyn Stevens, Education Department chair and associate professor of music education. Pictured, from left: Donna Rhinesmith, Gracie Neff, Sharon Howe, Jessica Erwin and Jocelyn Stevens.The recipients of the 2026 Drs. Kay Clapp and Donna Rhinesmith Children’s Literacy Awards were Jessica Erwin and Mary Grace Schneller, joined by the 2025 award winners, Sharon Howe and Gracie Neff.
The award was endowed in 2006 to honor Dr. Kay Clapp, the professor emeritus who taught in the Department of Education. The award has recently been expanded to honor Dr. Donna Rhinesmith, who is also a professor emeritus who taught in the Department of Education. The two are powerful proponents of literacy and children’s literature. Hundreds of students and practicing teachers have been influenced by their dedication and careful mentoring.
The fund provides $500 each to a Master of Arts in Education student and a current teacher to purchase children’s literature for their professional practices. Erwin is a supplemental communication arts teacher at Brashear Schools. Schneller is a graduate student at Truman. Howe is a reading intervention teacher at La Plata Schools. Neff was recognized as a graduate student at Truman and is now a second-grade teacher at Kirksville Primary School.
The awards were presented March 27 during the closing ceremony of the 15th annual Children’s Literature Festival.Steel Band Performs for Local Assisted Living Center
The Truman Steel Band presents a concert for residents of the Highland Crest Assisted Living Center in Kirksville. Truman Steel is a course-registered ensemble offered within the Department of Music, comprised of both music major and non-major enthusiasts from across campus. The ensemble was founded and is directed by Michael Bump, professor of music. The band annually presents run-out concerts for area venues where community members would otherwise be unable to attend campus performances.
Announcements
Information About Summer Textbooks Available to Students
The textbook program, First Day Complete, may only be used for fall and spring semesters. Summer and winter interim courses are not included the program, meaning students must secure any necessary textbooks for their courses individually. The bookstore is available to assist all students with purchasing their summer books, but the First Day Complete program option will not be available. For more information about how to order books, visit truman.edu/student-life/university-bookstore/how-to-order-books.
Student Recreation Center Summer Hours
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Monday-Thursday
May 11-31
9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Monday-Thursday
June 1-July 31
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.
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. through May 28.
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.
Fraternity and Sorority Sign-ups Now Open
Sign-ups for Truman’s Fraternity and Sorority Life Recruitment is open and will remain open until the first week of September.
Panhellenic Welcome and Meet the Chapters will take place Sept. 3, with sorority recruitment taking place Sept. 8-13. Registration opens June 1 and closes Sept. 11. Recruitment sign-up can be found here. The cost of Panhellenic Recruitment is $5, and additional information can be found at each chapter’s social media or the Panhellenic website. Questions about the formal recruitment process should be directed to panhellenic@truman.edu.
Fraternity Meet the Chapters Assemblies will take place Sept. 3, with recruitment taking place Sept. 11-18. Registration opens June 1 and recruitment sign-ups can be found here. If a potential member is in their first semester at Truman, they cannot accept a bid via Open Recruitment until after the conclusion of Formal Recruitment. Questions about the IFC recruitment process should be directed to ifc@truman.edu. Additional information can be found on the Interfraternity Council website.
Those interested in joining a National Pan-Hellenic Council organization are encouraged to attend NPHC chapter-specific Informational Meetings that will be publicized as they are scheduled. Potential members are advised to directly contact the appropriate chapter president for more information.Questions regarding recruitment can be emailed to fsl@truman.edu. More information can also be found by following @trumanfsl on Instagram..jpg)
Waivers, Discounts Available for ATSU Graduate Health Studies Program
A.T. Still University-College of Graduate Health Studies (ATSU-CGHS) is offering Truman graduates and employees a 20% tuition discount and an application fee waiver for fall block 1. Registration ends June 22, with classes beginning July 13. Those interested can call 877.626.5577 to complete the ATSU-CGHS fast application. Additional information can be found at atsu.edu/cghs or by emailing cghsonlineadmissions@atsu.edu.
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. 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.
Volunteers Needed for Move-In Day
Move-In Day will take place between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 12. Those who volunteer will help new students move their belongings from their car to their respective rooms, direct traffic at essential locations and guide families to long-term parking. Sign up is available here.
Next Issue
The next issue of the Truman Today will be available June 8.
Notables
Shaw, Vetter Earn Nationally Competitive Scholarships
Two recent physical sciences graduates have been awarded highly competitive national fellowships. Nathan Shaw, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in astrophysics, earned the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. He will attend the University of Virginia this fall for a Ph.D. in astronomy. Zoe Vetter, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, earned the Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship. She currently attends the University of Minnesota, where she is working toward a chemical physics Ph.D.Hirsch to Serve as Consultant, Lecturer for Federal Writer’s Project
Jerrold Hirsch, professor emeritus of history, will serve as a consultant and present a lecture for The Federal Writer’s Project, June 29-July 18.
The National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute for Higher Education Faculty is hosted by the City University of New York and will function as a blended in-person and virtual course. Participants will also spend one week in Washington, researching the Federal Writers' Project at the Library of Congress and at the National Archives.
Hirsch will act as a consultant on the planning and implementation for the Institute on “The Federal Writers’ Project: New Directions for Research, Teaching and Public Engagement.” He will also give a guest lecture at the Institute and serve as a discussion leader on several topics. His continuing research and writing on the New Deal’s Federal Writers’ Project will be a significant part of the seminar.