Vol. 22 No. 19 - January 29, 2018

Features

  • Spring 2018 Study Abroad Ambassadors Selected

    StudyAbroadAmbassadors2018.jpg
    The spring study abroad ambassadors from left to right: Aurora Chen, Delani Carani, Leah Baird and Lauren Kammerer.


    Four students will serve as the new study abroad ambassadors for the spring 2018 semester.

    Aurora Chen, Delani Carani, Leah Baird and Lauren Kammerer will be sharing their experiences as well as helping other students get started on their own study abroad journeys.

    To contact the study abroad ambassadors, visit studyabroad.truman.edu/spring-2018. For more information, contact the Center for International Education Abroad at ciea@truman.edu or 660.785.4076.
  • Orchestra Performs with Musicians from Italy

    UniversityOrchestraConcertFeb2018.jpg

    Truman’s symphony orchestra, conducted by Sam McClure, will be performing in concert at 8 p.m. Feb. 3 in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.

    The orchestra will be joined by six musicians from Boccherini and Puccini Conservatories in Italy. Puccini Conservatory faculty members Fabrizio Merlini, viola, and Federico Rovini, piano, will perform as soloists in music by Rolla and Chopin. Students and faculty from both Truman and Italy will perform the “Chamber Symphony No. 1” by Arnold Schoenberg. The program will conclude with the “Romanian Rhapsody No. 1” by Enescu. The concert is free and open to the public.

    Merlini graduated under the guidance of Piero Farulli with honors. Subsequently, he took specialization courses with Bruno Giuranna and Dino Asciolla in Città di Castello, Portogruaro and at the Accademia Chigiana in Siena where he was awarded with the Diploma of Merit. He has been awarded in numerous national and international competitions including ARAM, Bordeaux and twice in Vittorio Veneto. As a member of the Orion Piano Quartet, Merlini was regularly invited to host concerts and master classes in Japan for many years. Since 2000, he has been part of the string quartet Elisa with whom he has toured in Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United States, Japan and for the main Italian concert companies. He teaches at the Conservatory of La Spezia.

    After graduating magna cum laude and with a special mention, Rovini continued his studies with Bruno Canino and Martha del Vecchio at the Chigiana Academy in Siena. During this time, he received his Certificate of Merit for an international improvement course and studied composition with Gaetano Giani-Luporini and Luciano Damarati. As a soloist and a chamber musician, he has played as a guest for the most important musical associations and institutions in Italy. He has taught at the officially recognized Music Institute in Teramo, at the conservatories of Sassari and Cagliari and now is teaching at the La Spezia Conservatory where he became vice director in 2004 and director in 2014.

    This performance is sponsored by the University Department of Music.
  • Golden Dragon Acrobats Return to Baldwin Auditorium

    goldendragons1online.jpg

    The Golden Dragon Acrobats will return to Kirksville for the final Kohlenberg Lyceum Series show of the season at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 in Baldwin Auditorium.

    The Broadway veterans hail from Cangzhou, Hebei province in China and have toured the United States continuously since 1978. Its members are athletes, actors and artists who have studied and trained for their craft since early childhood. Representing a time-honored tradition that began more than 25 centuries ago, the Golden Dragons utilize award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and beauty.

    Tickets will be on sale starting Feb. 2 and may be purchased online at lyceum.truman.edu or at Edna Campbells in downtown Kirksville. They will also be available between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Truman cashier’s window, located on the first floor of McClain Hall. All tickets are $5.50 (includes tax).

    Questions regarding the Kohlenberg Lyceum Series can be directed to pr@truman.edu or 660.785.4016. More information on the Golden Dragon Acrobats is available at goldendragonacrobats.com.
  • Forensics Successful in Iowa Swing Tournament

    stockweathervane4.jpg

    Truman’s forensic union (speech and debate team) sent two speech competitors to compete at the Iowa Swing tournament, hosted by Simpson College and the University of Northern Iowa during the weekend of Jan. 20-21. Both students made final rounds, and sophomore Austin Sopko earned second place in individual sweepstakes for the whole weekend.  
     
    At the Simpson Storm half of the tournament, which took place on day one, Sopko reached finals in all four of his events: dramatic interpretation, impromptu speaking, persuasive speaking and poetry interpretation. He would go on to place sixth in drama, fifth in poetry, fifth in persuasion and second in impromptu speaking. For day one, Sopko was named third in individual sweepstakes.
     
    At the Bill Henderson Invitational half of the tournament on day two, first-year Travis Stahlman reached his first final round in college forensics, placing seventh in informative speaking. Sopko continued his streak of success and once again reached finals in all four events, a perfect record for the weekend. He would go on to place fifth in dramatic interpretation, fourth in poetry interpretation, second in impromptu speaking and second in persuasive speaking. Sopko was named second in individual sweepstakes for the day and was shortly after announced as second in individual sweepstakes for the whole two-day tournament.
     
    Participation in the forensics program is open to any Truman student in good standing, regardless of prior speech and debate experience.  For more information on how to get involved, visit forensics.truman.edu, contact Christopher Outzen, director of individual events, or Craig Hennigan, assistant director of forensics.
  • Celebrating 150: Ophelia Parrish

    OpheliaParrish1929.jpg
    The Ophelia Parrish Building as it appeared in 1929. Originally constructed in 1923, the building received major expansions in 1939 and 2002. Photo courtesy of the Pickler Memorial Library Special Collections Department.

    Today, the Ophelia Parrish Building is Truman’s cultural hub, serving as the home of the art, music and theatre programs. One of the oldest edifices on campus, it has served a few distinct roles for the University since its construction, and it continues to honor its namesake more than a century after her passing.

    Ophelia Parrish was the first faculty appointment made by University president John R. Kirk when he named her supervisor of the demonstration school. This was an elementary school operated on campus by the faculty as a practice school for its student teachers. In 1903, when the decision was made to consolidate all the departmental libraries into one central college library, the Board of Regents selected Parrish as the first full-time librarian and gave her the assignment of organizing the new facility.

    Parrish passed away in 1915, and when a new model school was built in 1923 it was fittingly named in her honor.

    By 1939, the building was expanded to include a gymnasium and library, which served it well when it was eventually converted to the local junior high school. Later, Truman conducted classes in “OP” for years before eventually renovating and expanding it again in 2002. Among the additions included with that particular project were the University Art Gallery, the 240-seat James G. Severns Theater and the 500-seat Performance Hall.

    A more complete biography for Parrish can be found online at library.truman.edu/archives/biographies/parrish.asp. Details on additional buildings are available at truman.edu/about/our-campus/facilities.

Announcements

  • Business Leader to Discuss Social Styles

    Tim Augustine
    “The Power of Social Styles: Respect Them Equally, Lead Them Differently”
    7:30-9 p.m.
    Jan. 29
    Baldwin Hall Auditorium
    Sponsored by Delta Sigma Pi, Alpha Kappa Psi, National Association of Black Accountants and Beta Alpha Psi with FAC.

    Presentation abstract: Tim Augustine is an author and experienced business leader who speaks about professional development across the country. This presentation will focus on social styles, identifying your own and others to better lead and communicate with those around you. This is a fun, high-energy session including lots of honest conversation and some eye-opening moments. You’ll leave with a better understanding of yourself and others not only in a professional context, but in all parts of life.

    DSPSpeakerJan18.jpg
  • Summer Programs Seek Directors

    stockcampussunny1.jpg

    Two of Truman’s popular summer programs are seeking new leaders in key roles. Faculty, qualified graduates or community members with the necessary qualifications are invited to apply. Information about these positions, the required and preferred qualifications and how to apply can be found online 

    Persons in these directorships must be eager to work with youth and have an appropriate background in English as a Second Language instruction or health care fields. For questions about these roles, contact Jared Young, coordinator of summer academies and institutes.
  • Phi Beta Lambda Hosts Business Card Workshop

    Phi Beta Lambda will be hosting their first open meeting 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 in Violette Hall 1146.

    The meeting will offer a workshop on techniques to design business cards. This workshop will include information on content, text placement and color schemes. Attendees will be given time to start designing their own business card and receive feedback from others.

    Phi Beta Lambda is the career prep organization on-campus. They assist members in broadening their perspectives on different lines of employment and in gaining skills to pay the bills. For more information, email pbltruman@gmail.com.

    businesscard2.jpg
  • Upward Bound Hiring Academic Coaches

    The Truman Upward Bound project is currently seeking academic coaches to travel to area high schools and provide tutoring on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. This paid position provides a high-impact learning experience that will help upper level Truman students gain valuable on the job training, build their resume and develop non-cognitive skills necessary for future employment. Applications can be filled out under the employment opportunities link at ub.truman.edu.

    stockflagonpole.jpg
  • Positive Peers Mental Wellness Support Group Information Meetings

    Positive Peers is a new mental wellness support group on campus. Facilitators have been trained on how to lead a peer-to-peer support group by Joe Hamilton, University Counseling Services assistant director and counselor.

    Positive Peers is a mental wellness support group for Truman State University students seeking increased peer support for their mental health and wellness. Positive Peers welcomes students currently in distress as well as students seeking to prevent distress. Facilitators are not counselors and cannot provide professional advice. Students in need of professional support should contact University Counseling Services at 660.785.4014. Facilitators will serve as discussion-leaders, providing the group with structure, a safe space to support one another, and referrals to outside sources if need-be.

    Potential benefits of joining a support group:
     - Reducing stress
     - Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged
     - Gaining a sense of empowerment and control
     - Improving coping skills and sense of adjustment
     - Talking openly and honestly about your feelings
     - Gaining peer advice
     - Increased social connections, both in number and in depth

    For more information about Positive Peers: Mental Wellness Support Group, email Alex Frogge at alf6361@truman.edu or attend one of their two informational meetings at 6 p.m. Jan. 31 in Magruder Hall or 6 p.m. Feb. 1 in Magruder Hall 2050.
  • Retirement Reception for Kathy Elsea

    KathyElseaRetirementInvite.jpg
  • SAB Presents Slam Poet Porsha Olayiwola

    TT Porsha Banner.jpg

    Slam poet Porsha Olayiwola will perform at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 31 in the Student Union Building Hub.

    Olayiwola is the 2014 Individual World Poetry Slam champion and 2015 National Poetry Slam champion. She bested more than 70 of the highest ranked slam poets in the world to earn these titles and is now one of the most sought after spoken word artists on the national circuit.

    A native of Chicago, Olayiwola now resides in Boston where she organizes, writes and teaches. She separates herself from the field of issue-based performance poets by applying advanced political analysis to examine injustice while providing perspective on concrete solutions.

    The Multicultural Affairs Center will be providing a workshop with Olayiwola following her performance at 8:30 p.m.
  • Blood Drive Jan. 31-Feb. 1

    Alpha Phi Omega and Beta Beta Beta are co-sponsoring a blood drive Jan. 31-Feb. 1 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms. There is an urgent need for all blood types. Donors will receive a free T-shirt. For more information, click here.

    stockSUB3.jpg
  • Student Loans Available Through University Foundation

    stockshadowweathervane.jpg

    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.
  • ROTC Offers Bonus to Qualified Sophomores

    ROTCTailgateOct2015.jpg

    A newly established $5,000 bonus will be awarded to current college sophomores who can pass the challenge of attending cadet basic training.

    The U.S. Army is looking for the best and brightest college students in the country to lead America’s soldiers as they conduct operations around the world, from relief efforts in Puerto Rico to combat operations in the middle east. They are seeking college sophomores to join the ROTC and attend basic camp in Fort Knox this summer. Upon successful completion of basic camp, students would be contracted and paid a $5,000 signing bonus.

    Upon graduation of college, cadets who have successfully completed the military science requirements will receive a position as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. The cadet may elect to be part of the regular Army, Army Reserve or Army National Guard. The wide range of jobs and occupations within the Army requires it to recruit officers from all degree fields.

    Interested college sophomores should contact Truman's Army ROTC department at 660.785.4451. They can visit goarmy.com/rotc or text “ROTCBONUS” to 462769.
  • Ekklesia Sponsors Film Screening

    Ekklesia Campus Ministry will host a screening of “The Case for Christ” at 7 p.m. Feb. 1 in Baldwin Hall Little Theatre. The film is based on Lee Strobel’s award-winning bestselling book and stars Mike Vogel, Erika Christensen, Faye Dunaway and Robert Forster.

    Abstract: A hard-driving journalist, Lee Strobel was exactly where he expected to be at work: on top. His award-winning investigative reporting recently earned him a promotion to legal editor at the Chicago Tribune. However, things weren’t going nearly as well at home where his wife Leslie’s newfound faith in Christ went against everything Lee believed—or didn’t believe—as an avowed atheist. Utilizing his journalistic and legal training, Lee begins a quest to debunk the claims of Christianity in order to save his crumbling marriage. Chasing down the biggest story of his career, Lee comes face-to-face with unexpected results that could change everything he knows to be true.

    baldwinhall3.jpg
  • Alpha Sigma Gama Spring Rush

    stockphotosub3.jpg

    Alpha Sigma Gama will conduct their spring rush from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 5-7 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. Interested students can get to know the ladies of ASG and how to get involved.

    Alpha Sigma Gamma is a non-selective, service sorority. Members are chosen purely by chance. This allows every woman rushing an equal chance to be a member.

    To receive news and other event information, a form can be filled out here. For more information, contact ASG public relations chair Annie Fitzgerald by email at aef6144@truman.edu or by phone at 314.703.4691.
  • Becher Chosen as CIEA Student of the Month

    Febstudentofthemonth copy.jpg

    Junior Paige Becher is the Center for International Education Abroad February student of the month.

    During the fall 2017 semester, Becher studied abroad at Bond University in Australia. The university is located on the Gold Coast of Queensland, which is world renowned for its magnificent beaches, parks, rainforests and mountain ranges. Aside from the beautiful location, Becher also loved being abroad because she was able to meet new people from all over the globe.

    To learn more about Becher’s program, visit ccisabroad.org/programs/bond-university-australia.
  • Faculty Forum Looks at Quantum Mechanics

    “Quantum Mechanics: What is it Good For?”
    Michael Goggin, professor of physics
    7 p.m.
    Feb. 6
    Magruder Hall 1000

    Presentation Abstract: Quantum mechanics is notorious for being weird and non-intuitive. It is perhaps surprising then that it is also a powerful tool. A quantum computer has the potential to solve problems that are beyond the capability of any classical computer that could be built. Quantum cryptography is a method for encoding messages in such a way that is, in principle, unbreakable. Both of these technological advances take advantage of the “weirdness” of quantum phenomena.

    stockMagruderHallSunset2.jpg
  • Nominations Open for Educator of the Year

    stockweathervane2.jpg

    Student Government is looking for nominations for Truman’s best educators. Students who have encountered an outstanding professor or research mentor can nominate them to be recognized at Truman’s annual Academic Accolades Banquet in April. 

    Every year, the student body selects one professor and one research mentor to receive the Educator of the Year Award, honoring outstanding efforts on their behalf in the classroom and community.

    Students can nominate a professor or research mentor here. The deadline for nominations is 11:59 p.m. Feb. 7. Any questions can be emailed to dks6214@truman.edu.
  • Tax Prep Sessions Offered

    Truman’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi will again conduct Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sessions in February and March. The VITA program provides free income tax assistance to students and the community. All volunteers are IRS certified, and most returns qualify for electronic filing for a faster return.

    This year VITA sessions will be by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled beginning Feb. 2. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, email VITA@truman.edu, call 660.785.6064 or visit vita.truman.edu.

    Sessions will take place from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on the following dates in Violette Hall:

    Feb. 17

    Feb. 24

    March 3

    March 24

    VITAsessions2018.jpg
  • Study Abroad in Germany

    GermanyStudyAbroad2.jpg

    Truman, in partnership with the Wiesbaden School of Business in Germany, offers a unique student exchange program that allows Truman students to take business courses while abroad. Located in the heart of the Rhine-Maine area, one of Europe’s most dynamic business and cultural centers, the Wiesbaden School of Business offers courses in: business administration; international business; accounting and taxation law; and insurance and finance. German language courses at all levels are also available. All business courses are taught in English.

    Being an exchange program, students will pay Truman tuition directly to Truman. This makes payment easy and affordable. Students are responsible for paying Wiesbaden University directly for all housing costs. There are two dormitories in Wiesbaden to pick from as well as the option of making private accommodations.

    To apply, fill out a Truman online application and send a statement of purpose, official transcripts, a copy of passport and two letters of recommendation to the Study Abroad Office in Baldwin Hall 106.

    For more information, contact the Center for International Education Abroad, Baldwin Hall 106, 660.785.4076, ciea@truman.edu.
  • Board of Governors Meeting

    The University Board of Governors will meet at 1 p.m. Feb. 3 in the Student Union Building Conference Room.

Scholarship Opportunities

  • Study Abroad Scholarships Available Through Truman Foundation

    FoundationLogo.jpg

    The Truman State University Foundation has applications for 2018 Study Abroad Foundation Scholarships available now. These are scholarships established by generous alumni and friends of the University. 

    Scholarships are for students studying abroad through a Truman-sponsored program. Click here to apply in TruView. Applications can be revised any time prior to the Jan. 31 deadline.
  • Fulbright Program Offers Study Options in UK

    unionjack.jpg

    The U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission applications for the 2018 U.K. Summer Institute Award Programs for U.S. undergraduates are open.  

    The Fulbright U.K. Summer Institute Programs offer students a fantastic opportunity to be immersed in the study of British academics and culture. Students will take part in research, collaboration, presentation and cultural events at an esteemed British university. They will enhance their leadership skills, develop knowledge and understanding of new subjects and become ambassadors for the United Kingdom and the United States.  

    Eligible students from all areas of study are encouraged to apply. For summer 2018, there are nine institutes with varied themes and subject areas. These include:

    Aberystwyth University Summer Institute      
    AIFS Summer Institute with the Globe Education
    University of Birmingham Summer Institute
    University of Bristol Summer Institute
    University of Exeter Summer Institute
    University of Sussex Summer Institute
    University of Westminster Summer Institute
    Queen’s University Belfast Summer Institute
    Technology, Innovation and Creativity Summer Institute at the University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art

    To meet the minimum eligibility, applicants must:
    •    be a U.S. citizen and possess a U.S. passport;
    •    be at least 18 years old;
    •    have a high level of academic achievement with a minimum GPA of 3.7 (confirmed by academic marks, awards and references);
    •    have at least two years of university study upon their return (i.e. applicants should currently be a freshman or sophomore in college/university)
    •    have little or no study/travel experience outside the U.S.
    •    be mature, responsible, independent and open-minded

    In partnership with U.K. universities, the institute will cover costs, including return U.S./U.K. flights, university fees and room and board at the host U.K. university. The deadline for 2018 is Feb. 7 for all institutes. Programs also vary between three and four weeks. Check the specific institute page for more details. For more information, contact the Fulbright awards staff via email at programmes@fulbright.org.uk.
  • Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship

    The Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation will offer the Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship, named in honor of Allan Walker Purdy. Purdy was born in 1914 on a farm near Macon and was the first in his family to attend a four-year college. He worked in the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture before becoming the campus’s first director of scholarships and student financial aid.

    The scholarship is designed to provide merit-based scholarships to emerging leaders who are outstanding students and who have a need for additional resources for higher education. The scholarship amount can vary based on an applicant’s circumstances. The general range will be $2,000-$5,000 based on expected family contribution (EFC), unmet need and other factors.

    Applicants must be a Missouri resident, typically a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA, a U.S. Citizen, attending a Missouri public four-year university or the State Technical College of Missouri, and be a sophomore, junior or senior in college. To access more information about this scholarship, click here, or contact the Financial Aid Office at 660.785.4130.