Vol. 21 No. 14 - November 28, 2016

SAB will welcome Neil Hilborn, a college national poetry slam champion and a 2011 graduate with honors from Macalester College, to campus for a full-length slam poetry performance at 8 p.m. Nov. 29 in the Student Union Building Hub.

In 2013, Hilborn’s poem “OCD” went viral, garnering more than 12 million views on YouTube and making it the most-viewed slam poem ever. He has been featured on such news outlets as NPR and the Wall Street Journal, and he is the author of the book “Our Numbered Days.” Originally from Houston, Texas, he now lives in Saint Paul, Minn.

Hilborn’s poetry discusses mental health and illustrates the reality of living with a mental illness. Watch his viral hit “OCD” for a preview of his performance.

After a successful run earlier this semester, the Del and Norma Robison Planetarium will again feature musically themed laser light shows from Dec. 2-10.

The new laser features are holiday themed and can be enjoyed by the whole family. In addition to these special holiday programs, the planetarium will welcome the return of other laser shows featuring the music of the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, among others.

Regular shows also will continue, focusing on planet Earth, the universe and mankind’s place in the cosmos. The planetarium can accommodate 60 guests at a time for screenings on its 1,800-square-foot panoramic screen. To learn more about the planetarium and its programming, or to purchase tickets to a show at $5 each, visit planetarium.truman.edu.

Dec. 2
7 p.m.
Laser Holidays 1

8 p.m.
Laser Beatles

Dec. 3
2 p.m.
Double Feature
“From Earth to the Universe”
Laser Vinyl

4 p.m.
Double Feature
“Edge of the Solar System”
Laser Holidays 2

Dec. 4
2 p.m.
Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon”

3 p.m.
Laser Country

Dec. 5
7 p.m.
Laser Zeppelin

8 p.m.
Laser Holidays 1

Dec. 6
7 p.m.
Laser Beatles

8 p.m.
Laser Vinyl

Dec. 7
7 p.m.
Laser Holidays 2

8 p.m.
Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon”

Dec. 8
7 p.m.
Laser County

8 p.m.
Laser Zeppelin

Dec. 9
7 p.m.
Laser Vinyl

8 p.m.
Laser Holidays 1

Dec. 10
4 p.m.
Double Feature
“Seven Wonders”
Laser Beatles

6 p.m.
Double Feature
“New Horizons”
Laser Holidays 2

Laser Beatles
Featuring the music of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band of all time, Laser Beatles will take viewers back to a different time in history to re-experience and remember the evolution of this musical phenomenon. The “Fab Four’s” best-spanning six years becomes the background for dazzling laser-art. All ages and backgrounds will appreciate this fantasy tribute of music and light to the Beatles and how they helped define a generation.

Laser Country
Set to the all-American sounds of modern and classical country songs, this laser show will appeal to all generations. From Garth Brooks and Shania Twain to Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline, this show promises to be a boot-scootin’ good time.

Laser Holidays 1 and 2
These popular programs feature a mix of everyone’s favorite holiday music, from the classical to the modern, all set to fantastic laser, cove and digital artwork. Since the shows are rated a two out of five for intensity, it is appropriate for family members of all ages.

Laser Vinyl
This presentation captures the pure intent of the laser show experience. Accompanying a fantastic musical concert representing the best of classic rock is some of the most beautiful and stunning laser art ever produced.

Laser Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin is proclaimed by many critics to be the progenitors of heavy metal and hard rock, and their individualistic style reset the standards for many musical genres in the 1960s and ’70s. Indeed, they have been hailed as one of the most successful, innovative and influential bands, alongside Pink Floyd, U2 and the Beatles. Relive the magical sounds of Led Zeppelin while enjoying a visual treat of custom laser imagery.

Pink Floyd, “Dark Side of the Moon”
Based on Pink Floyd’s 1973 album of humanitarian, political and philosophical empathy, “Dark Side of the Moon” is one of the most startling and bizarre laser light shows of all time. Considered by many critics to be the album that brought the commercial breakthrough to Pink Floyd, “Dark Side of the Moon” offers a mixture of psychedelic, rock and jazz sounds. Its sonic backdrops and atmospheric soundscapes combined with a unique assortment of sound effects yield an emotional resonance. When accompanied by a diverse and unusual display of laser art, the overall feel is a dramatic and haunting atmosphere.

Angela Carter will present “Bodies That Matter: An Introduction to Feminist Disability Studies” at 6 p.m. Nov. 28 in the Student Union Building Alumni Room.

Carter, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Minnesota, is a 2009 graduate of Truman. During her time at the University she was a McNair Scholar and director of the Women’s Resource Center. She also was recognized as the Outstanding Undergraduate Student in English.  

“Bodies That Matter: An Introduction to Feminist Disability Studies” is presented by the Office of Interdisciplinary Studies in partnership with Women and Gender Studies, Disability Studies, the Department of English and Linguistics, the McNair Program and the Women’s Resource Center. A reception will follow the presentation, offering an opportunity to pursue questions and discussions. The presentation is free and open to the public. All majors are encouraged to attend.

Presentation abstract: We all know that intersectionality is the key to feminism, but what does it mean to really interrogate dis/ability in our activism and academics? This presentation introduces disability as a central component in feminist intersectional analysis and as a social justice issue, explores history of disability and feminist movements, and offers concrete ways we can work toward disability justice in our everyday lives — including ways to be an ally to disabled communities.

For the second time in program history, the Truman volleyball team can call themselves Great Lakes Valley Conference champions after sweeping McKendree at the conference tournament in East Peoria, Ill., Nov. 20.

Following wins against Drury in the quarterfinals (3-1) and No. 15 Lewis in the semifinals (3-2), Truman capped its remarkable run with a 3-0 victory to improve to 18-16 overall and two games above .500 for the first time this year. The win gives the team its second GLVC championship, its first since 2014.

The Bulldogs are now in the field of 64 for the Division II tournament. They are one of eight teams competing in the Midwest region and will take on Ferris State, Dec. 1 in Big Rapids, Mich.

The University choirs, the Brass Choir and Kirksville High School choirs will come together to perform a joint concert, “A Very Happy Holiday,” at 7 p.m. Dec. 2-3 in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.

Each choir will perform solo pieces, combining at the end of the concert for a grand finale. Guests will have the chance to sing several holiday songs. Last year’s holiday concert filled quickly, so those interested in attending will have two opportunities to witness the performance.

Tickets are $5 each for adults and $3 for children and students. They are available for purchase in downtown Kirksville at Edna Campbells and Beard’s Decorating Center. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the performances.

Six representatives from the communication disorders program presented their research at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention in Philadelphia, Pa., Nov. 17-19.

With more than 14,000 attendees, ASHA is the premier annual professional education event for speech-language pathologists, audiologists and speech, language and hearing scientists.

The six students covered three presentations total. Christina Jones, Madison Kusmec and Callie Templeton presented “A Comparison of the Effect of Straw Phonation and Yoga as a Vocal Cool Down.” Jordan Ganter and Michelle Goedeker presented “Noise Exposure and Temporary Threshold Shift.” Brandall Bond presented “An Examination of the Prevalence of Diagnostic Testing Modifications to Assess Communication Disorders in African-Americans.”

Ganter, Goedeker, Kusmec and Templeton all started their projects as undergraduates. They graduated from Truman in May 2016. Jones graduated in December 2015, while Bond is currently a senior. Goedeker, Jones, Kusmec and Templeton are now in the communication disorders master’s program at Truman.

The exhibit, “Lewis & Clark Across Missouri,” sponsored by the Missouri State Archives, will be on display in the Pickler Memorial Library gallery until Jan. 16.

Showcasing the expedition’s course along the Missouri River, these panels document the earliest mapped version of the river and illustrate the rich natural resources available in the 19th century. Rounding out the exhibit are authentic Native American arrowheads and tools courtesy of the E.M. Violette Museum, as well as a variety of animal specimens, provided by the Biology Department, representing what Lewis and Clark might have seen along the way.

The SERVE Center will take students to Black Mountain, N.C., for this year’s annual Alternative Spring Break.

During the trip, students will work with local organizations to help serve their community. Any interested students are encouraged to apply. For more information about the opportunity, attend one of the info nights at 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 1 in the Student Union Building CSI Complex. Questions about the event can be sent to trumanserve@gmail.com.

The Nursing Student Association will commemorate World AIDS Day with a candlelight ceremony at 7 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Kirk Memorial Eternal Flame. Questions about the event can be sent to nursing@truman.edu.

True Men A Cappella will host their annual Holiday Concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 1 in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall. The program includes a variety of songs, including a set of Christmas favorites, and the always-unpredictable winter skit. Admission is free, and the group will sell their most recent albums after the show.

Samson Wasao, director of programs for the African Institute for Development Policy, will speak on youth and African development at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 in Magruder Hall 2001.

Presentation abstract: With two-thirds of its total population under the age of 30, Africa currently faces challenges and opportunities for development. This youthful continent’s large working-age population will create a window of opportunity, which, if properly harnessed, can translate into higher economic growth and dividends. Wasao will discuss how policies that foster development of human capital and job creation could lead to substantial improvements in the overall well being of African countries and fast-track the development of the continent.

The discussion is part of the Global Issues Colloquium and is co-sponsored by the School for Social and Cultural Studies, Department of Society & Environment and Department of Economics. The event is free and open to the public. More information is available at globalissues.truman.edu or from Marc Becker at marc@truman.edu or 660.785.6036.

Truman’s Staff Council is sponsoring a Holiday Door Decorating contest for staff, faculty and students. Those interested in participating should email Ryan Miller by Dec. 2. Judging will take place Dec. 7.

The Center for Student Involvement will host a gingerbread house building contest at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms. The event is free, and students will sign up on site. Capacity will be limited. For more information, contact Fred Henry, CSI student programmer.

Applications are open for summer orientation leader positions. Leaders welcome and introduce first-year students and their families to the University during orientation, when students enroll in classes, discuss transitional issues with current students and staff and begin to make friends at Truman. Eight summer orientation sessions will take place in June and a late session will be offered before Truman Week in August.

To get involved in the summer orientation process, visit the application page. Applications are due by midnight Dec. 11. Questions should be directed to Justin Wilson, orientation coordinator.

5:30-7 p.m.
Dec. 8
Violette Hall 1010

Students planning to take the MCAT in May or June of 2017 can get resources to help create a study plan, find the best study materials, learn with the most effective strategies and connect with others who want to study together. For more information, contact Brittany Harden.

December graduates are invited to attend a free pizza party from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Reading Day, Dec. 14 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room A. Celebrate with fellow graduates and enjoy pizza, provided by the Alumni Association, along with various drinks and desserts. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available upon request. In addition, graduates will receive a complimentary alumni t-shirt.

Those graduates who cannot attend the event should stop by the Office of Advancement in McClain Hall 205 to pick up their free Truman alumni T-shirt. Contact Denise Smith, director of alumni relations, for more information.

Students with financial needs that may interfere with their ability to continue their education can seek assistance through the Truman State University Foundation Loan Program.

Foundation loans can come in the form of short-term loans, long-term loans, access loans and cultural loans specifically for study abroad trips. Applications go through the Financial Aid Office and are repaid directly to the University. Banks and outside lenders are not involved in the process.

To be eligible for a Foundation loan, students must be enrolled on a full-time basis, have at least 12 credit hours at Truman and be in good academic standing. Students also need to demonstrate an ability to repay the loan in a timely manner. Deferments of up to five years are available for cultural and long-term loans, provided the student is enrolled on a full-time basis.

In addition to scholarship assistance, the loan program is an example of the immediate impact of donations to the Truman State University Foundation. Gifts from alumni and friends allow Truman to provide assistance directly to students as they pursue their education.

For more information on the Foundation loan program, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@truman.edu, at 660.785.4130 or in person at McClain Hall 103.

Students should file the 2017-18 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) well before Missouri’s priority deadline of Feb. 1.

Applications opened Oct. 1, significantly earlier than previous FAFSAs. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this new opportunity. For more information about these and other changes to the 2017-18 FAFSA, visit the FAFSA website at studentaid.ed.gov/sa/about/announcements/fafsa-changes.

FAFSAs must be completed using “prior prior year” tax information, which means 2015 tax information must be used for the 2017-18 application. Information collected in the FAFSA is needed to determine Title IV federal aid eligibility and for some other federal, state, University and private programs. The state’s priority filing deadline for the Access Missouri Grant Program is Feb. 1, but applications submitted before April 1 may still be eligible for the Access Missouri Grant. Awards will be made until funds are depleted. Go to fafsa.gov to fill out the application.

For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 660.785.4130, finaid@truman.edu or visit the office in McClain Hall 103.

Lewis Dunham, senior linguistics major, won the Dolf and Becky Schroeder Scholarship for best student paper with his presentation on the structure of coming-out narratives at the statewide Missouri Folklore Society meeting.

Foundation scholarships for those studying abroad in 2017 are open to students. Applications are online and are due by midnight, Jan. 19. To apply, log in to TruView, go to the Student Tab and click “Foundation Scholarship Application” under Student Finance.