Vol. 31 No. 8 - October 5, 2026

Weekends can fly by, often with nothing to show for them. That’s not the case for Ashraful Tutul and Tanvir Alam who recently developed a way to neutralize the threat of space debris and keep $500 million satellites safe in orbit. They did this in a weekend. Just for fun.

Tutul and Alam won the SpaceXAI “Make it Legendary” challenge at the HackMIT competition in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Sept. 19-20. The event brought more than 1,100 students from around the world together to design and build innovative tech projects from scratch. 

“A hackathon is an intensive technology competition where participants form teams and build a working project within a short period, usually over a weekend,” said Tutul. “Teams develop an idea, write the code, create a prototype and demonstrate it to judges. Despite the name, it is not about illegally accessing computer systems. The ‘hacking’ refers to creative and rapid problem-solving.”

The SpaceXAI challenge was one of the event’s major and most technically demanding categories. Teams were given the brief to build something using the AI coding platform Cursor as the integrated development environment, Grok Imagine for image generation and Grok Bot for project planning, as well as real space data. 

“Beyond that, the problem space was ours to define,” Alam said. “SpaceXAI didn’t tell us what to build. They told us the tools to use, and we chose the mission.”

What Alam and Tutul ultimately created was Scutaris, a protective intelligence platform for orbital operations. The name comes from scutum, which is the Latin word for shield. It is also the name of a small but significant constellation that marks the Milky Way’s Scutum–Centaurus Arm and holds one of the densest star clusters known. 

There are more than 11,000 active satellites, 40,000 tracked pieces of debris and 1.7 million untracked fragments, all moving around 17,000 miles per hour. A single collision can destroy a satellite and create thousands of new pieces of debris. Currently, operators manually check dozens of databases to figure out if their satellite is safe. It is a slow process and easy to miss a threat. Scutaris has the potential to analyze real data and return ranked collision threats visualized on a 3D globe. Every threat gets an AI-generated risk card, and a five-agent AI pipeline reasons through the situation to produce a validated avoidance maneuver in seconds. The whole pipeline runs end to end with real data, real search and real AI.  

“What interests me most is the decision layer,” Alam said. “Most tools in this space hand the operator a table of data and say ‘you decide.’ Scutaris reasons about the threat and tells the operator what to do. That’s the piece nobody has really built yet.”

Scutaris is currently a hackathon prototype rather than an operational flight-safety system. Tutul and Alam would like to develop it further in the hope of creating a real-world tool. 

“With further testing and validation, Scutaris could grow from a hackathon project into a research project or a practical decision-support platform for orbital safety,” Tutul said. “A more advanced version of Scutaris could help satellite operators monitor close approaches, receive real-time alerts, investigate high-risk objects and make better-informed decisions about possible avoidance maneuvers.”

While Tutul and Alam were solely responsible for creating Scutaris, they both acknowledge the role their Truman education played in their success. 

“Scutaris was built during HackMIT, but many of the skills and habits that made it possible came from our experiences at Truman,” Tutul said. “Truman prepared us in ways we did not fully recognize until we were in the middle of the competition. Our computer science and data science classes gave us the technical foundation, but they also taught us how to break a large problem into smaller parts, test each part and keep working when something fails. That became extremely important at HackMIT because we had limited time and several parts of the project had to work together.”

Alam can also connect the dots of specific classes and instructors whose guidance helped hone their skills for the competition, but he knows each experience is part of a larger picture. 

“Beyond the courses, the small classes at Truman are what gave me the confidence to walk into MIT and compete against students from much larger programs,” he said. “Truman made me feel like a serious engineer in such an interdisciplinary field, not a number in a lecture hall.”

Although ideas like Scutaris sound like something from the minds of advanced graduate students, Alam and Tutul are still undergrads who will not graduate until 2028 – Alam with a degree in data science and minor in astronomy, Tutul with a degree in computer science and a minor in data science. For now, they are focused on securing internships for next summer. While their win at HackMIT will certainly help in that effort, it also provided opportunities that are difficult to quantify.

“Participants came from 36 different countries. I walked away with friends from Imperial College London, Technical University of Munich, IIT Delhi, Barcelona, Beijing, Tokyo and Dublin, along with hundreds of MIT and Harvard students. That part of the experience stayed with me as much as the win itself.” Alam said.

Tickets are now available to see National Baseball Hall of Famer and St. Louis Cardinals legend Ozzie Smith at 7 p.m. Oct. 30 in Baldwin Auditorium as part of the Holman Family Distinguished Speaker Series.

A World Series champion and 15-time All-Star, Smith put together one of the most accomplished careers in baseball history. He won 13 consecutive Rawlings Gold Gloves from 1980 to 1992, with his highlight-reel defensive plays earning him the nickname the Wizard of Oz. Smith was selected as one of the 100 Best Baseball Players of the 20th Century by Major League Baseball and recognized as the shortstop on the Rawlings All-Time Gold Glove Team. 

Offensively, Smith had 580 stolen bases and more than 2,000 career hits. His walk-off home run in the 1985 National League Championship Series helped him earn the series MVP and is immortalized in Cardinals’ history with the help of broadcaster Jack Buck’s call “Go crazy folks.” It was voted as the greatest moment in Busch Stadium history.  

Off the field, Smith was the 2001 recipient of the Walter Payton Sweetness Award, given to an athlete who has contributed to his community. Similarly, he earned the 1995 Roberto Clemente Award – Major League Baseball’s humanitarian award – as well as the 1994 Branch Rickey Award for personifying service above self. In 1992, Smith was the first athlete to receive the prestigious St. Louis Man of the Year award. He also earned a Father of the Year Honors Group Award in 1986 and the 1983 NAACP Image Award for Sportsmanship, Humanitarianism and Community Involvement.   

Smith serves on the Board of Directors of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He is also the Education Ambassador for the Baseball Hall of Fame and headlines a fundraiser, “Play Ball with Ozzie Smith,” every year in Cooperstown during Induction Weekend.

Since his playing career ended, Smith has remained active with baseball and other pursuits. He hosted “This Week in Baseball” and did color commentary on local Cardinals broadcasts. Currently, he is the host of “Cardinals Insider,” a weekly television show about the club. Away from baseball, Smith has explored multiple business ventures, including a restaurant and sports bar, a youth sports academy and medical clinics. 

Smith was cast in three theatrical productions at The Municipal Theatre in St. Louis. He had a cameo role in “Damn Yankees” in 1998, and the following year he sang and tap danced in “The Muny Goes British,” a musical revue based on songs from various Broadway musicals. In 2001 he starred as The Wizard in The Muny’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

Smith was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002, his first year of eligibility. He was also a member of the inaugural Cardinals Hall of Fame class in 2014. 

Tickets are free and can be picked up downtown at the Kirksville Arts Association or in the Ruth W. Towne Museum and Visitors Center located at the corner of Franklin Street and Normal Avenue. On campus, tickets are available at the U&I Office in the Student Union Building, and in the Advancement Office, McClain Hall 205. Any remaining tickets will be available at the box office window in Baldwin Hall beginning 30 minutes before the presentation. 

The Holman Family Distinguished Speaker Series was named for Squire Paul and Meeda (Daniel) Holman by their children to honor their parents’ long association with Truman and is funded through an endowment with the Truman State University Foundation.

An informational meeting for the Missouri Government Internship Program will take place at 5 p.m. Oct. 12 in McClain Hall 209.

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.

The clarinet and guitar duet Jâca will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.

Jâca brings the sounds of the world to life through a live music experience filled with virtuosity, storytelling, humor and cultural discovery. Led by Wesley Ferreira and Jaxon Williams, two charismatic virtuosos on clarinet and guitar, the duo transforms concerts into vibrant musical journeys that captivate audiences of all backgrounds. Jâca has performed in concert halls, festivals and major touring circuits around the globe.

As part of their recital, Jaca will perform one piece by Truman student Evan O’Day, winner of the duo’s Emerging Composers Competition. During their time on campus, they will also work with students in a clarinet master class and a talk to the composition studio.

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 at 2:15 p.m. Nov. 12 to present their concept to a panel of judges. Submissions can be made here until 10 p.m. Oct. 23.

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. 12, with the finals taking place later in the day in the Student Union Building. Submissions can be made here until 10 p.m. Oct. 23.

The top three finalists for Bulldog B.I.T.E. will receive financial awards: first place will receive the Amanda Gioia Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award of $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.

Organizations can now submit nominations for Homecoming awards and register for a position in the Homecoming parade. 

Three recognition awards will be given to Truman’s faculty, staff and alumni members during the Homecoming Tailgate. These three awards are: the Active Truman Alum Award, given to an alum who is heavily involved in the Truman community; the Distinguished Faculty Award, granted to a Truman professor who is engaged with Truman’s community, the school and individual students; and the Staff Member Excellence Award, awarded to a Truman staff member who is an outstanding member of the community and the school.

Nominees can be submitted by an organization or by an individual. A set committee will choose finalists. Nominations can be submitted through this form. All nominations for these awards are due at 11:59 p.m. Oct. 13th. Winners will be announced on the Homecoming Instagram during Homecoming Week and again at the Tailgate.

The Homecoming parade will take place at 9 a.m. Oct. 24. This year, participants can elect to be considered for competition. Competing entries have the opportunity to decorate their vehicles, banners and/or floats in the parade for judging. A first, second and third place will be awarded. Organizations interested in participating in the parade can register via the online entry form by 5 p.m. Oct. 20 to secure their spot. The cost for general entries is $17, while the cost for non-profit orgs is $8.

Questions should be directed to Matthew Freitag, Homecoming coordinator, at homecoming@truman.edu.

Longtime Truman coach Gregg Nesbitt will be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Oct. 25. 

Nesbitt led the Bulldog football program from 2010 through 2023 with 89-59 overall record, including a 52-23 mark during Truman’s first 11 seasons in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. His 2016 team finished 8-3 and earned a share of the GLVC championship, securing the program’s first conference title since 1988.

Truman later won each of its three appearances in the America’s Crossroads Bowl under Nesbitt. The 2019 team finished 10-2 and became the first team in program history to record 10 victories in a season.

Nesbitt was named the GLVC Co-Coach of the Year following the 2022 season after leading Truman to a 9-2 record and its third bowl championship. During his tenure, he coached five All-America selections and more than 150 all-conference honorees.

A native of Hannibal, Missouri, Nesbitt lettered for the Bulldogs in 1978 and 1979. He led Truman in rushing with 260 yards during the 1979 season. Nesbitt earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Truman in 1980 and completed a master’s degree in sports administration at the University in 1987.

Nesbitt began his head coaching career at Hannibal High School, where he also served as athletic director from 1984 to 1989. He returned to Truman as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 1990. The Bulldogs went 23-9 and earned two NCAA playoff appearances during his time on the staff. He later became the head coach at Hickman High School in Columbia, leading the Kewpies to a 95-44 record, six Class 6 playoff appearances and the 2004 state championship. He was named the Associated Press Missouri Coach of the Year and the National Federation of State High School Associations Regional Coach of the Year following that championship season.

Nesbitt entered the Missouri Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2010, the same year he returned to Truman as the program’s 22nd head coach.

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Wyndham Executive Center-Columbia Mall. More information is available online here.

The Institute for Academic Outreach is currently accepting applications for the ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy (HCA) director. 
 
HCA gives students an immersive introduction to healthcare through presentations, hands-on activities, campus experiences and interaction with professionals in the field. The director plays a key role in bringing these pieces together and ensuring students have a meaningful, engaging experience. Ideal candidates enjoy working with students, collaborating across departments and institutions, and creating an engaging experience for future healthcare professionals.
 
The director will oversee the weeklong residential program and coordinate presenters throughout the academic year to build and manage the daily schedule and activities. The director also serves as the primary Truman contact during the summer and collaborates closely with the IAO office and ATSU staff during the school year. Finally, the position includes short Zoom planning meetings with the HCA team throughout the academic year.
 
The 2027 Healthcare Academy is tentatively scheduled for July 18-23, with students arriving Sunday afternoon and departing Friday after lunch. Students and preceptors are housed in Truman’s West Campus Suites, with activities taking place on both the Truman and ATSU campuses.
 
To apply and for a more complete position responsibilities, expectations and application information, see the application portal or contact Michelle Wilson at mwwilson@truman.edu or stop by the IAO office in McClain 303.

Truman is included in the recently released “The Best 392 Colleges” 2027 guidebook by The Princeton Review.

Since 1992, The Princeton Review’s Best Colleges guide has showcased the colleges they recommend as the nation’s best for undergraduate academics. It features only about 15% of America’s four-year colleges and is one of the most popular of their 150 books.

Schools included in “The Best 392 Colleges” are not ranked, but the guidebook does include ratings for each school in the specific categories of academics, admissions, selectivity, financial aid, fire safety and green, a measure of a school’s commitment to sustainability and the environment.

Truman was also included among The Princeton Review’s “Best Value Colleges.” This subcategory is based on a combination of institutional and student survey data, including academic rigor, affordability, and career outcomes for graduates, among others.
 
The Princeton Review web feature “2027 Best Regional Colleges” includes Truman as one of the best schools in the Midwest. For this list, the region includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Profiles for each of the schools included in the book can be found at princetonreview.com/college-rankings/best-colleges.

Students are invited to take a break from studying for midterms with “De-Stress Fest” from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 5-7 in the Truman Bookstore. Attendees can relax with coloring sheets in the bookstore’s stress-free environment and browse their selection of new books and beverages.

Questions should be directed to Matthew Freitag, Homecoming coordinator, at homecoming@truman.edu.

Truman’s heritage is built upon fascinating, inspiring, wacky and even bizarre tales throughout its history. Join Zac Burden, director of citizenship and conduct, as he leads a night tour of campus to share many of these stories while developing a greater connection to Truman. The tour will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 5, meeting at the Bell Wall.

Oct. 10-11

For more information about dining options at Truman, and to see what vendors are open at any given time, visit truman.sodexomyway.com.

These events are sponsored by the School of Arts and Humanities at Truman State University.

Orders for Fall 2026 graduation caps and gowns are open now through Oct. 12. Orders can be placed online at herff.ly/truman. Faculty regalia can be ordered at herff.ly/trumanfaculty. For more information, call the bookstore at 660.717.6145 or visit from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Fall 2026 Truman Healthcare Partners Nursing Fair will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 14 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.

The Office of Community Enrichment will host a “Language and Culture Fair” from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 14 on the quad. The event will include booths featuring different activities, food samples and information from different cultures represented within the Truman community. All students, faculty and staff are invited to attend.

In honor of National Necktie Day, the Career Center, the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of Student Engagement are teaming up to host “How to Tie a Tie” from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Oct. 16 on the first floor of Kirk Building. Participants will receive a free necktie and learn basic and advanced knots.

Clubs, organizations or individuals interested in volunteering should contact Tyana Lange, vice president for student engagement and marketing, at tyana@truman.edu.

Fraternity and Sorority Life will host a “Halloween Town” party from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 30 in Student Union Building Georgian Room A. Students are encouraged to attend in costume to enjoy various games, giveaways, snacks and prizes for the best costumes of the night.

Interested students should apply by Nov. 13 for scholarship consideration. Additional information can be found at studyabroad.truman.edu/programs/faculty-led or be emailing Yung-hwal Park, professor of business administration, at yhpark@truman.edu.

Applications are now open for the Student Representative to the Truman State University Foundation Board. 

This is a unique opportunity for students to connect with accomplished alumni and University leaders, gain firsthand experience with nonprofit and board leadership and add a distinctive leadership role to their resume. The student representative brings the student perspective to the Foundation Board while helping fellow students better understand how philanthropy supports the Truman experience. Those interested can learn more about the role and apply here. Applications are due Oct. 20.

Abby Manzella, assistant professor of English and creative writing, has been named a Get the Word Out Fiction Fellow by Poets & Writers, a nonprofit organization serving creative writers. Through the program, she meets weekly with a cohort of 10 fiction writers from across the country and an experienced publicist, as well as with professionals among the publishing industry, to support the publicity for her forthcoming short story collection, “Ripples into the Wild.”

Applications are now open for Spring 2027 Foundation Scholarships available through the Truman State University Foundation.

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. 16 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.