Vol. 31 No. 12 - November 2, 2026
Features
Theatre to Perform “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” as Next Production
Truman Theatre will perform “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Nov. 5-8 and 13-14 in the James G. Severns Theatre in Ophelia Parrish.
“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is a musical comedy that follows six delightfully awkward adolescents as they chase the spelling championship of a lifetime. Between tongue-twisting words and fierce competition, the spellers reveal hilarious and heartfelt glimpses into their chaotic home lives, reminding the audience that growing up is messy, marvelous and anything but predictable.
The musical is directed by Truman student Lillie McLaughlin, a senior theatre and social issue advocacy major."What excites me is incorporating audience volunteers into the story, creating an unexpected, improvisational performance each night," McLaughlin said. "I’m also excited to take a well-loved story many people know and interpret it through a different lens, bringing my own artistic perspective to the production."
Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5-7 and 13-14. There will also be a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Nov. 8. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at boxoffice.truman.edu or at the theatre prior to each performance. For more information, contact boxoffice@truman.edu.Tru Crime Day Events Include Keynote Address by Convicted Murderer Turned Attorney and Advocate
Truman will host Tru Crime Day, Nov. 6, complete with presentations on various aspects of the justice system and a keynote address from a survivor of childhood abuse who eventually received a pardon following a first-degree murder conviction.
“Journey Through the Justice System,” with speaker Stacey Lannert, will take place at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 6 in Violette Hall 1000. At age 18, Lannert was convicted of the first-degree murder of her father and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. She maintained she was repeatedly raped and abused as a child, starting at the age of eight, and she feared for the safety of her younger sister. After serving 18 years, Lannert’s sentence was commuted and she later received a full pardon. In the process of rebuilding her life, she has focused on transforming her experiences into a career devoted to justice and advocacy.
Today, Lannert is an accomplished attorney and nationally recognized advocate. She received the National Legal Aid & Defender Association’s 2019 New Leader in Advocacy Award and was appointed to the Governor’s Parole Task Force in 2025. She is the author of “Redemption: A Story of Sisterhood, Survival and Finding Freedom Behind Bars.”
In “Journey Through the Justice System,” Lannert shares her story of survival, incarceration, transformation and second chances, challenging audiences to consider how trauma, accountability, punishment and redemption intersect.
Lannert’s presentation is free and open to the public. It is part of the larger Tru Crime Day event taking place on campus. Tru Crime Day is open to all. RSVPs are encouraged and can be found at truman.edu/events/tru-crime-day along with a complete schedule of events for the day.
Tru Crime Day is sponsored by the Criminal Justice Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies programs, in conjunction with the Holman Family Distinguished Speaker Series.Tru Crime Day Agenda
Virtual Cadaver Lab
9-11:30 a.m. (30-minute slots. RSVP is required for this event)
Magruder Hall 2077
Unlock the chilling secrets of the human body with Truman’s state-of-the-art virtual anatomy lab. Visitors will use virtual dissection tools in this truly “cutting-edge” educational tool to dig through 3D cross-sections of the cadaver and uncover crucial clues about a mysterious murder.
“Secrets of the Mafia,” with Sal Costa
9-9:30 a.m.
Violette Hall 1000
Join Sal Costa for Secrets of the Mafia, a fascinating public lecture exploring the real history of organized crime and the Sicilian and Italian cultural context from which it emerged. This presentation examines the origins, structure, traditions and enduring influence of the mafia, while highlighting its most powerful leaders and the secrets behind one of the world’s most infamous criminal organizations.
“Forensic Science in Focus” with Brian Lamp
9:40-10:15 a.m.
Violette Hall 1000
Join Brian Lamp for an engaging introduction to the role of forensic science in the criminal justice system. Explore how forensic evidence is collected, analyzed and used in criminal investigations. The presentation will examine the strengths and limitations of forensic science, separating fact from fiction and addressing common myths and misconceptions often shaped by popular media. Whether you’re interested in science, law or criminal investigations, this session offers a practical look at how forensic science contributes to the pursuit of justice.
“True Crime in Young Adult Lit & Podcasts” with Rebecca Dierking
9:40-10:15 a.m.
Pickler Memorial Library Villhard Innovation Lab
True Crime used to be an adult only genre, examining the worst of the worst: serial killers, brutal acts and heinous crimes. However, with the rise of podcasts, true crime has opened to younger audiences, and, thus, true crime books and podcasts and other modes are looking at young adults relative to crime. This session will overview some true crime literature focusing on adolescents and crime and the adolescent roots of adults perpetrating crime.
“The Real CSI: Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab Team”
10:30-11:20 a.m.
Magruder Hall 2001
Join Loraine Sperling-Jaiswar (’22) of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory for a behind-the-scenes look at the science of crime solving. Drawing on her experience as a forensic scientist in the Trace Evidence Section, she will discuss how evidence such as hair, fibers, paint and ignitable liquids is analyzed to support criminal investigations. The presentation will also provide an overview of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory and its various divisions, offering insight into the many ways forensic science serves law enforcement and the justice system.
“The Future of Criminal Law: AI, Surveillance and Innovation” with Kat Albrecht
10:30-11:20 a.m.
Violette Hall 1000
Criminal law is at a pivotal moment where technological innovation is moving faster than the law can respond. Cybersecurity, AI and surveillance technologies pose interesting and novel problems for criminal law but also offer potentially innovative solutions. This talk considers some of the most interesting and difficult cases that the law has to offer.
Lunch Break
11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Pizza and Brownies in the Student Union Building
Keynote Address
“Journey Through the Justice System”
12:30-1:20 p.m.
Violette Hall 1000
Stacey Lannert shares her story of survival, incarceration, transformation and second chances, challenging audiences to consider how trauma, accountability, punishment and redemption intersect.
Constitutional Law in the Trenches: Attorney Panel
1:35-2:20 p.m.
Violette Hall 1000
What does it mean to stand between the power of the state and the rights of an individual? Join public defenders Walter Stokeley (’09) and Carol Janson (’94) for a conversation about law, justice and advocacy on the front lines of the criminal justice system. Through stories from trial and appellate practice, they will explore the realities of defending individual rights, advocating for clients and working to ensure fairness and due process for all.
“The Future of Criminal Law: AI, Surveillance and Innovation” with Kat Albrecht
2:30-3:15 p.m.
Violette Hall 1000
Criminal law is at a pivotal moment where technological innovation is moving faster than the law can respond. Cybersecurity, AI and surveillance technologies pose interesting and novel problems for criminal law but also offer potentially innovative solutions. This talk considers some of the most interesting and difficult cases that the law has to offer.
“In the Mind of Serial Killers” with Sal Costa
2:30-3:15 p.m.
Violette Hall 1010
Peak into the minds of serial killers with Sal Costa. In this captivating session, Costa will unravel the psychology and history of notorious serial killers, exploring the strange behaviors and dark motives behind their crimes. With his decades of expertise, Costa brings a fascinating, thought-provoking look at this chilling topic.TRU-Entrepreneur Series Features Social Media Influencer and Entrepreneur Alumna
Alumna Amber Smith will be the next guest in the TRU-Entrepreneur Series with a presentation at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 11 in the Pickler Memorial Library Villhard Innovation Lab.
Smith is an influencer, reseller and entrepreneur based in Des Moines, Iowa. She creates content about thrifting, reselling, money, travel and life as a self-employed entrepreneur.
A double-major at Truman, Smith graduated in 2019 with degrees in business administration and economics. During her time at the University, she was actively involved on campus as a member of Delta Sigma Pi, the Community of Collegiate Entrepreneurs, Alpha Gamma Delta and the Pershing Society, all while working as a student ambassador. She also spent two semesters studying abroad, traveling to Gold Coast, Australia, and Bangkok, Thailand.
After graduation, Smith earned her MBA from Drake University in 2021 and went on to work in consulting, including roles supporting government and Fortune 500 clients, as well as at two startups. In early 2024, she took her side hustles of reselling and content creation full-time, making the leap into self-employment.
Today, Smith is a social media all-star, with nearly 130,000 followers and tens of millions of views across four popular platforms. She sells secondhand clothing on various online stores, including Poshmark and eBay, while creating content about thrifting, reselling, personal finance and entrepreneurship.
Following her success, Smith has spoken at PoshFest and eBay Open about social media, community-building and growing a business through content. Her hard work has earned her features in Forbes Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, Business Insider and more. She has partnered with multiple large-name brands for various social media collaborations, including Facebook, eBay, Depop, Casey’s and HealthCare.gov.
In addition to presenting as part of the TRU-Entrepreneur Speaker Series, Smith will also serve as a judge for the live pitch competition portion of the Bulldog B.I.T.E. contest, Nov. 12.Truman to Test Emergency Notification System Nov. 5
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Truman will conduct a test of the emergency notification system at 2 p.m. Nov. 5.Students, faculty and staff that have signed up to receive Truman emergency alert text notifications will get a TruAlert text and email message letting them know it is a test. Those that have not signed up for emergency text messaging can do so through TruView.
Sign in to TruView and click on the “Everyday Tools” tab. Click the “Update Emergency Text Messaging Information” under “Update and View My Personal Information” (lower right screen). A maximum of three phones can be registered to receive texts. Confirm information in the same manner.
In addition to text and email messages, an emergency alert will be displayed on all Truman computer systems – Windows and Mac – where the Alertus software has been installed. This should include nearly all workstations on campus. There will also be alerts sent to all Truman maintained digital signs on campus.
Announcements
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3
The Student Government and the Office of Citizenship and Conduct remind all students, staff and faculty that election day is Nov. 3. Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. On-campus students who registered to vote with their on-campus address will vote in the Student Building Down Under.All other locally registered voters should check with the Missouri Secretary of State’s “Check Your Voter Registration” website located here to find their polling location. Local voters can view a sample ballot here. All voters are encouraged to learn more about the issues and candidates on the ballot before voting. The ballot is long this year and locally has races and issues on the front and back. Voters are permitted to leave parts of their ballot blank if they want to. For questions about voting in Adair County, contact the Adair County Clerk’s office.
TMN to Provide Live Election Coverage
The Truman Media Network will be broadcasting live election coverage from 6-10 p.m. The stream will focus on key information on important races for Missourians and Truman students. Find the stream at Truman Media Network on YouTube.
FAC Now Accepting Spring Funding Applications
Student organization funding applications for the Spring 2027 semester are available now through Nov. 3. The application is for any organization that is requesting funds from the Funds Allotment Council general fund and any organization applying for Inter-Collegiate Activities funding. This form can be completed online. Questions should be directed to fac@truman.edu.
Info Session for Spain Study Abroad Program
The final Informational session for ESP 325: Study Abroad in Spain will take place at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 5 in McClain Hall 305.
The program will run May 15-June 12, 2027. Students will experience linguistic and cultural immersion in Spain through courses taken at an approved language institute and through a home-stay with a host family. In addition to taking classes on weekdays, students participate in group cultural activities and trips to various parts of the country.Additional information can be found at studyabroad.truman.edu/programs/faculty-led or by emailing Stacey Davis, associate professor of Spanish, at sdavis@truman.edu.%20-%20Truman%20Today.jpg)
Truman to Welcome Prospective Students and Families, Nov. 6-7
The University will host prospective students and their families during Truman Experience Weekend, Nov. 6-7.
The Truman Experience Weekend offers multiple opportunities for future students and their families to discover what Truman has to offer. Flexible scheduling allows for guests to personalize their visit and make the most of their time on campus through tailored presentations, special events and personal interactions. The complete itinerary for the weekend can be found at truman.edu/experience. Updates will be reflected as they are announced.
Friday evening President Sue Thomas will be on hand to engage with students in a unique activity. Entertainment options Friday include a historical night tour of campus by Kirksville mayor and Truman alumnus Zac Burden beginning at 7 p.m. The Del and Norma Robison Planetarium will provide a tour of the galaxy at 7 p.m., and at 7:30 p.m. there will be a performance of the musical comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” in the James G. Severns Theatre in Ophelia Parrish.
On Saturday, dining halls will be open for breakfast and lunch. The event kicks off with opportunities to meet faculty and student support services, as well as learn more about the admissions process and Truman experience.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about many aspects of Truman throughout the day with presentations from academic programs, study abroad, Residence Life, the Office of Community Engagement and Financial Aid, among others.
Tours will be available of the entire campus, as well as residence halls and the Student Recreation Center. Visitors should also keep an eye out for Spike, the University mascot, and a vintage Oscar Mayer Weinermobile.
The Truman Experience Weekend is one of a variety of visit options for prospective students. The University continues to conduct individual in-person visits – complete with campus tours – every weekday. Select Saturday showings are also now available, and other arrangements can be made for special circumstances.
Prospective students and their families interested in attending the Truman Experience Weekend can find more information at truman.edu/experience. Details about specific events will be posted to the site as they become available. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at 660.785.4114 or admissions@truman.edu.
Applications for admission are open for the 2027-28 academic year. More information can be found at truman.edu/admission-cost/apply-to-truman.
Improv Show Supports Food Pantry
TAG Improv will host a show at 1 p.m. Nov. 7 in Baldwin Auditorium. For this performance, the group will be accepting both monetary donations and canned goods. Proceeds will go to the Pantry of Adair County. Local musician QP Da OG will be a special guest. For updates, follow @tagimprov on Instagram.
Powderpuff Football Event Supports Local Food Pantry
Beta Theta Pi fraternity will host Beta Bowl Powderpuff Football from 5-10 p.m. Nov. 7 in Stokes Stadium. Tickets can be purchased for $7 at the door. Canned good donations are recommended and will be accepted at the door. All proceeds benefit the Adair County Food Pantry.
Applications Open for Spring Grants-In-Aid-of-Scholarship and Research
The Office of Student Research is accepting applications for Grants-In-Aid of Scholarship and Research (GIASR).
GIASR applications are for research and creative scholarship conducted in spring 2027. Grant applications may request up to $750 and can cover student stipends, supplies and travel to conduct research.Complete guidelines for the GIASR applications can be found at the Office of Student Research website. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Nov. 11, 2026. Questions can be directed to osr@truman.edu.
OCE Dinner Celebrates the First-Generation Student Experience
The Office of Community Enrichment will host a First-Generation Student Celebration Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 11 in the Student Union Building Down Under.
Students, faculty and staff are invited to enjoy a free dinner and unite around their experiences at Truman and what it means to be a first-generation college student. Jim Bergman, instructor in business administration, will join as the guest speaker for the evening, and swag will be handed out during the event. Registration is available here.
Spend Spring Break Studying Abroad in South Korea
The Center for International Education Abroad is now accepting applications for a new one-week Korean immersion program for spring 2027.
“K-Culture Immersion in South Korea” blends coursework with a spring break field trip to South Korea, focusing on the global soft-power impact of K-Culture, including the surge in demand for Korean products and services — K-pop, K-drama, K-film, K-food and K-beauty.
Unlike other study abroad programs, this course is offered during the regular spring semester and consists of three components: pre-departure sessions covering essential Korean phrases, unique characteristics of the culture, economy, business systems of South Korea and more; a week-long field trip to South Korea during spring break, including visiting South Korea’s cultural and industrial sites and building authentic relationships with locals to gain insight into South Korea's social dynamics; and post-trip research projects and presentations reflecting on experiences during the trip.
While the immersion trip lasts only a week, the intensive learning and growth students experience in South Korea will have a lasting impact. Students will return with heightened cross-cultural awareness and a broader perspective on their future life and career path.Interested students should apply by Nov. 13 for scholarship consideration. Additional information can be found at studyabroad.truman.edu/programs/faculty-led or by emailing Yung-hwal Park, professor of business administration, at yhpark@truman.edu.
OCE to Host Fall Feast
Undergraduate Students Invited to Partake in Annual Survey
Currently enrolled undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in The Princeton Review’s annual student experience survey.
The Princeton Review has conducted a version of the undergraduate student survey annually since 1990. By participating in this year’s survey, students will help update Truman’s profile and determine the University’s rankings, ratings and narratives for the 2028 edition of the Best Colleges guide.
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. Truman received recognition on three separate lists for 2027, being included in “The Best 392 Colleges” guide, as well as the “Best Value Colleges” and “2027 Best Regional Colleges” lists.The survey is open now at princetonreview.com/college-rankings/student-survey. The form will close at 11:59 p.m. Dec. 18. Submissions completed after this deadline will be considered for the next edition of the Best Colleges guide.
Housing Renewals for Next Year Now Open
Students interested in living on campus during the 2027-28 school year can make arrangements to do so now.
Living on campus provides students with a built-in community of peers, as well as access to the “Happening on Thursday” events to make memories with friends or meet new people living in their community.
All campus residence halls offer a variety of amenities, including furnished rooms, access to laundry facilities and a meal plan. On-campus residents also have all of their utility costs included in the price of their room. More information about applying to live on campus for the 2027-28 academic year can be found here.
There are many on-campus living options to choose from, including single-, double- and triple-occupancy residence hall rooms, as well as single- and double-occupancy apartments available in Campbell. Deluxe double apartments allow each roommate to have their own private bedroom in a shared apartment. Deluxe double spaces are limited and upper-class students who apply for housing and follow the room self-selection timeline outlined here will have priority in being able to select deluxe accommodations while supplies last.Housing renewal applications are currently open on TruView. Under the “Student” tab, click on “Student Housing/Residence Life.” Room selection will take place in the spring semester. Questions about the housing process can be directed to Residence Life at 660.785.4227 or reslife@truman.edu.%20-%20Truman%20Today.jpg)
Missouri Government Internship Open to All Majors
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.
Athletic Fee Accountability Committee Now Accepting Proposals
Any member of the Truman community can now propose a project, supply or equipment idea to the Athletic Fee Accountability Committee for consideration. Projects should enhance the athletic facilities or equipment on Truman’s campus. The purpose of this proposal is to introduce the project to the committee. Submissions should include as much information as possible, but the committee will assist in refining them.
Environmental Committee Seeking New Members
The Environmental Sustainability Fee Accountability Committee (ESFAC) is now accepting new members.
ESFAC is the student-led committee responsible for collecting recommendations and allocating the student Environmental Sustainability Fee toward impactful campus projects. In the past, ESFAC has successfully funded major upgrades including recycling bins and reusable water bottle filling stations across campus, as well as updated composting equipment. Committee members help evaluate new campus project proposals, collaborate with administration and ensure student fees are driving real environmental change.Individuals that are passionate about the environment and want a direct say in how Truman funds green initiatives are encouraged to apply. Applications can be completed at senate.truman.edu/application. Questions regarding specific position duties or Student Government in general should be directed to Ben Croat, Student Government president, at xa38447@truman.edu.
FAFSA Filing Now Open
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can now be filed for the 2027-2028 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 2027-2028 FAFSA will use 2025 tax year information with a priority deadline of Feb. 1, 2027, 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.
Notables
Wiser Publishes Paper in National Physics Journal
Tim Wiser, associate professor and interim chair of physics, recently published an article in the November special issue of American Journal of Physics which was selected as an Editor’s Pick. The paper, entitled “Ultralight Dark Matter: Undergraduate Physics in Modern Cosmology,” can be read here.