Vol. 22 No. 20 - February 5, 2018

Features

  • Novelist to Deliver Fiction Reading

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    Laura McHugh, a Truman alumna, McNair Scholar and author, will read her work at 6 p.m. Feb. 8 in Baldwin Hall Little Theater as a part of the Clayton B. Ofstad Reading Series.

    McHugh lives in Columbia, Mo., with her husband and children. Her debut novel, “The Weight of Blood,” won both the 2015 International Thriller Writers award and a Silver Falchion award for best first novel. It was also nominated for a Barry award, an Alex award and a Good Reads Choice award. “The Weight of Blood” was named one of the best books of the year by Book Page, the Kansas City Star and the Sunday Times. Her most recent novel, “Arrowood,” is an Indie Next pick and a Library Reads pick.

    Sponsored by the Department of English and Linguistics, this event is free and open to the public.

    Due to the generosity and vision of Odessa Ofstad in creating the Clayton B. Ofstad Endowed Chair in English and Linguistics, the Department of English and Linguistics is able to offer a range of intensive seminars, masterclasses and workshops in creative writing, English and linguistics led by guest writers and scholars. Along with these classes, the Clayton B. Ofstad Reading Series, which features these guests, has become a centerpiece of departmental and campus culture.
  • Career and Grad School Week to See Changes

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    After receiving feedback from recruiters, students and faculty from the fall Career and Grad School Expo, the Career Center has modified the schedule for the spring.

    The dates for Career Week are Feb. 26-March 2. Monday, the Career Center will sponsor Expo Bootcamp, a workshop that will teach students about networking, professional dress and resumes. Tuesday, the Career Center will host the Etiquette Dinner and SCORE Mock Interviews.

    The Career and Grad School week will now feature two different expos, one on Wednesday devoted to graduate school programs and the other on Thursday for career and internship opportunities featuring employers from for-profit, non-profit and government agencies. The week will conclude with Interview Day on Friday.

    The complete schedule of events can be found here. Comments, questions or concerns can be directed to Brandi Wriedt at bkeller@truman.edu or Victoria Soncasie at ucc4@truman.edu.
  • Piano Festival Reaches 35 Years

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    The 35th annual Truman Piano Festival will be Feb. 16-17 in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.

    The festival will feature guest artist Robert Carney. He will perform a solo recital at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 that features the work of Bach, Bonds, Copland, Menotti, Prokofiev and Liszt. He will conduct a master class at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 17 featuring Truman piano majors. Both events are free and open to the public.

    Carney is an active soloist and chamber musician and has performed solo recitals in Europe and several U.S. states. He has degrees from the University of North Texas and Louisiana State University and has studied at the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado.

    An associate professor of music and chair of the music department at Southwest Baptist University, Carney teaches applied and classroom piano, piano pedagogy, piano literature, chamber music and music appreciation. His students have been prize winners in state, regional and international competitions. His research focuses on web-based instruction for facilitating independent learning, and he has presented his research in Europe, Canada and the United States.

    In the summers, Carney teaches in the advanced piano program at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan. Active in many professional associations, he is currently president-elect of the Missouri Music Teachers Association.

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    Robert Carney
  • Clayton B. Ofstad Lecture to Feature Maya Hieroglyphics

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    Scott Johnson, author of “Translating Maya Hieroglyphs,” will present a Clayton B. Ofstad lecture entitled “Egos and Epigraphy: Deciphering Maya Hieroglyphs” at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 in Baldwin Hall Little Theater.

    The talk will include the perspective of dozens of scholars, priests and characters in the history of the decipherment of Maya hieroglyphics. The story starts shortly after European colonization of Yucatan, Mexico, travels through Berlin at the end of World War II and culminates during the Cold War when scholars attacked each other’s ideologies instead of assessing the merits of their ideas. Today, Maya hieroglyphics are a complex writing system that is still not fully understood.

    The talk, which is free and open to the public, will conclude with the discussion of debated controversies in the field.

    Johnson is an archeologist with broad interests including experimental archeology, writing systems, ethnoarchaeology, linguistics and field methods. Since receiving his Ph.D. from Tulane in 2012, he has continued to do fieldwork in the Yucatan, directing the Emal Archaeological Project for several years, and has taught courses at Washington University in St. Louis. He is the director of the non-profit Low Technology Institute, which seeks to revive and adapt ancient technologies to solve problems today.

    Due to the generosity and vision of Odessa Ofstad in creating the Clayton B. Ofstad Endowed Chair in English and Linguistics, the Department of English and Linguistics is able to offer a range of intensive seminars, masterclasses and workshops in creative writing, English and linguistics led by guest writers and scholars. Along with these classes, the Clayton B. Ofstad Reading Series, which features these guests, has become a centerpiece of departmental and campus culture.
  • German Actor and Radio Host to Perform at Truman

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    German radio personality, actor and theater director Jürgen Kuttner will present his celebrated video-clip performance, “I Wanna Be Americano: A German Crisis of Identity,” at 5 p.m. Feb. 13 in Baldwin Hall Little Theater.

    Kuttner came into national prominence in the 1990s as a radio host in Berlin and Bradenburg. He is known for his work in theater, most notably for his monthly video-clip evenings at the Berlin Volksbühne Theater during which he offers critical commentary on video-clips in a rapid-fire Berlin accent.

    In addition to his solo performances, Kuttner has collaborated with theater director Tom Kühnel on several recent productions at the Deutsches Theater in Berlin, which include adaptations of the work of Bertolt Brecht, Ayn Rand and Valerie Solanas.

    Kuttner has a doctorate in cultural studies from Humboldt University Berlin. He is also the father of television host and author Sarah Kuttner, with whom he co-hosted a radio show called “Kuttner and Kuttner.”

    Kuttner is visiting Truman as part of his tour of the United States sponsored by Dickinson College. His visit to Truman is sponsored by the Department of Classical and Modern Languages.
  • Percussion Duo to Visit Truman

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    Internationally renowned percussion artists Arx Duo will present a concert at 8 p.m. Feb. 5 in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.

    Seeking to expand the genre of percussion chamber music through performing and creative collaboration, Arx Duo has been blazing a trail in the realm of contemporary music since its inception at the Yale School of Music in 2014. Since then, the duo has performed and given educational clinics across three continents.

    Arx Duo has worked closely with composers such as Alejandro Vinao, James Wood and Ted Hearne. Always seeking opportunities to bring percussion to a wide variety of audiences, the group has given concerts, workshops and master classes at universities and conservatories in the United States, Europe and Asia. The duo has served as artists in residence at Michigan State University and Lake George Music Festival and currently are faculty at the Young Artist Summer Program at Curtis Summerfest.

    Prior to the concert, Arx Duo will present a performance master class at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 5 in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.

    The concert is sponsored by FAC, Truman Percussion Society, Vic Firth, Inc. and Pearl/Adams Corp. For additional information, contact Michael Bump.
  • Forensics Has Strong Showing in St. Louis

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    Truman’s forensic union (speech and debate team) attended the 20th annual Gorlok Gala, hosted by Webster University in St. Louis, Jan. 26-28, and had a strong slate of elimination participants in both debate and speech events.
     
    In individual events speech, first-year Audrey Baker and sophomore Austin Sopko placed fifth in duo interpretation. Sopko also reached finals in poetry interpretation and persuasive speaking, placing sixth and fifth respectively.
     
    In Lincoln-Douglas debate, first-year Eric Martin placed second in the novice division, earning his national qualification. Sophomore Caleb Daniels reached the octafinal round of the junior varsity division, which also earns a national qualification. In the open division of LD, first-year Maguire Radosevic and juniors Tyler Behymer and Johnathan Christy each reached the octafinal round as well. Behymer and Christy each earned speaker awards, with Behymer placing forth speaker and Christy eighth speaker. Senior Kelsey Barnes also earned a speaker award, placing 13th.
     
    Up next, the team will be competing on home turf at Truman, Feb. 16-17, for the Missouri Association of Forensic Activities Championship 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 or contact Christopher Outzen, director of individual events, or Craig Hennigan, assistant director of forensics.
  • Celebrating 150: Greek Life

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    For more than 100 years, Greek organizations have been a part of University history. Many Greek organizations on campus started off as educational fraternities. Social fraternities were not recognized prior to 1914. Several of the current fraternities and sororities began as local organizations before being reorganized to their current affiliations.
     
    Truman boasts 22 Greek organizations on campus. Approximately 18 percent of women and 22 percent of men are active in the Greek community. Greeks can be seen around campus participating in philanthropy, homecoming and Greek week events. Today, Greek Life at Truman is known for its four values of scholarship, leadership, integrity and commitment.

Announcements

  • Writing Center to Begin Stress Reducing Workshop

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    The Writing Center will be hosting workshops to help students reduce and manage writing-related anxiety and stress. The Better Writing Workshops will take place once a week and are free. The workshops will be low intensity and consist of small groups of five to seven people. Interested students can email write@truman.edu. A schedule will be made based on the number of workshop groups that are needed.
  • Golden Dragon Acrobats Return to Baldwin Auditorium

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    UPDATE: Tickets for this event are sold out.

    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.

    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.
  • All-University Address Planned for Feb. 13

    3 p.m.
    Feb. 13
    Student Union Building Georgian Rooms
    President Sue Thomas will give a State of the University address, which will focus on the state budget recommendation for next year. A webcast of the remarks will be made available shortly after.
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  • Graduating Students Invited to Honor High School Educators

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    The James and Margaret Mudd Teacher Recognition Scholarship at Truman provides graduating students with the opportunity to honor an outstanding high school teacher who made a transforming impact in their life.

    Click here to nominate a teacher. A selection committee will review nominations and determine a winner. The chosen teacher will be invited to participate in spring commencement and will be recognized formally during the commencement program. To further honor the selected teacher, a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to an incoming Truman student from the selected teacher’s high school. Nominations are due by Feb. 13.
     
    The James and Margaret Mudd Teacher Recognition Scholarship is made possible through generous gifts to the Truman State University Foundation.
  • Alpha Sigma Gama Spring Rush

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    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.
  • Career Prep Organization Invites New Members

    Phi Beta Lambda, the career prep organization, has started its open recruitment process. The chapter is looking to train new leaders of its re-branded association. Recruitment is open to all majors. A list of interest events follows.

    Networking with a Twist
    6 p.m.
    Feb. 5
    Violette Hall 1148

    Pizza and Team-Building
    6 p.m.
    Feb. 6
    Violette Hall 1416

    Chips, Dips and Service
    6 p.m.
    Feb. 8
    Violette Hall 1416

    Phi Beta Lambda welcomes students to attend any two chapter meetings a semester. The meetings will occur at 6 p.m. Feb. 12, Feb. 26, March 22, April 9 and April 23 in Violette Hall 1146. There will also be a workshop on resumes and cover letters Feb. 12 to help students prepare for career week. PBL offers more than 50 competitive events. Details can be found at fbla-pbl.org/pbl/competitive-events. The deadline for competition dues is Feb. 12. For more information, email Taylor and Monica at pbltruman@gmail.com.
  • 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.

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  • Nominations Open for Educator of the Year

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    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 Now Scheduling Appointments

    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.

    Truman students and employees and Sodexo employees will be accepted on a walk-in basis. All other community members are required to have an appointment, which can be scheduled by phone at 660.785.6064. For more information, 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

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  • CML Hosts Poetry Reading and Book Signing

    Student Allie Hult and alumna Lydia Pearson will read their book “Sangro Tinta” at 5 p.m. Feb. 7 in Baldwin Hall 114.

    “Sangro Tinta” is a publication of Spanish and English poetry exploring themes including existentialism, heartbreak and the art of writing itself. Hult and Pearson will answer questions and sign books. The event is free.

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  • Guest Speaker to Discuss Human Rights

    Ajamu Baraka
    “The Human Rights Challenge to War and the New McCarthyism”
    7 p.m.
    Feb. 7
    Student Union Building Down Under
    Sponsored by Students for a Democratic Society

    Baraka, a human rights activist and 2016 Green Party vice-presidential candidate, will deliver a speech on the challenge to human rights posed by the prevailing political environment of “new McCarthyism” in the United States. He will answer questions from the audience after his speech. For more information, contact trumanstatesds@gmail.com.
  • High School Students Visit for Honor Band Day

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    Truman is hosting its annual Honor Band Day Feb. 10.

    High school students from Missouri and several other states will visit campus and participate in a day-long musical experience that will culminate in a combined performance with Truman’s Wind Symphony I.

    The day will conclude with two concerts in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall: a Wind Symphony II performance at 1 p.m. and the evening showcase concert, featuring Wind Symphony I and the Truman Honor Band, at 7 p.m. The evening showcase will feature songs from “Wicked” and “West Side Story” and performances by Eric Dickson, trumpet, and Jay Bulen, trombone. The concerts are free and open to the public.
  • CSI Seeks Leadership Recognition Nominations

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    Nominations are open for the Leadership Recognition Program. The awards honor the accomplishments of outstanding organizations and organizational members, advisers and faculty. Nominations can be submitted online at wp-internal.truman.edu/csi/leadership until 5 p.m. Feb. 28. Questions can be directed to Ray Stewart or Bhavana Yerragunta at csilrp@gmail.com.
  • Study Abroad in Glasgow, Scotland

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    Truman, in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University, offers unique opportunity for students to study abroad in Scotland. Glasgow Caledonian University is one of the largest universities in Scotland with a self-contained campus situated right in the heart of the lively city of Glasgow. GCU also has a well-established reputation for providing high-quality teaching, learning and research. While in Scotland, students can complete 12 hours of credit at one of the university’s three academic schools - School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow School for Business and Society, and School of Engineering and Built Environment. Students can take courses in business, tourism, history, media and journalism, psychology, nursing, events and sports management, law and more. All classes are taught in English.

    Being an exchange program, participants will pay Truman tuition directly to Truman. This makes payment easy and affordable.

    Students are responsible for arranging and paying Glasgow Caledonian University for all housing costs. Glasgow Caledonian University provides rooms on campus in the city center at Caledonian Court, with excellent shopping facilities and social amenities of the vibrant city center right on the doorstep. For more information on accommodations, visit gcu.ac.uk/study/internationalstudents/accommodation. For more information on Glasgow Caledonian, visit gcu.ac.uk.

    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.
  • Global Issues Colloquium Continues Feb. 15

    “Climate Change and the Global Refugee Crisis”
    Christine Harker, Department of English and Linguistics
    7 p.m.
    Feb. 15
    Baldwin Hall Little Theater

    Presentation abstract: The immediate cost of climate change in the coin of human suffering is unmistakable: from heat stroke and starvation in the wake of record-breaking global temperatures and droughts to drownings in flash floods and ever-more energetic tsunamis, the line of direct causality is clear. However, the effects of global warming are not limited to simple, first-order cause-effect relationships. What is not widely recognized is the hand of climate change in our world’s increasingly unstable geopolitics, or the degree to which these chains of indirect causality can extend over time. Failed crops in one growing season can displace whole populations, destabilize countries, fuel resistance movements and drive international politics in the years to follow. This presentation will explore the central role of climate change in the global refugee crisis.

    More information can be found by following the event on Facebook.
  • Cardinal Key to Begin Rush

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  • D’Souza to Speak March 6

    The College Republicans will sponsor a presentation by conservative author, filmmaker and speaker Dinesh D’Souza at 7 p.m. March 6 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. In his presentation, “The Big Lie,” D’Souza will tackle and debunk the myth that Republicans and conservatives are linked to fascism. It will be followed by a question and answer session with members of the audience. For more information on this event, contact the College Republicans at collegerepublicans@truman.edu.
  • Study Abroad in Ghana

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    Truman, working with the Missouri Consortium for International Studies and Education, offers a unique program for study abroad in Ghana at the University of Ghana-Legon during the fall semester. Located on the Gulf of Guinea in northwestern Africa, the University of Ghana-Legon offers courses from a variety of academic disciplines. Enjoy classes like African dance performance, ancient and medieval political thought, gender studies, governance and leadership, history of Africa, international marketing, sociology of the family, African drumming and many more. In addition, business students can take business courses exclusively at the School of Business. All courses are taught in English.

    Along with a wide range of study topics, students will find many other activities to experience the culture of the country. There are campus sports, art, theater and music groups; and a short trip to town offers museums, movies, dance clubs, restaurants, open-air markets and live music performances.

    For cost information, visit the Missouri Africa Program budget page. Costs include: academic fees (tuition), accommodations, airport pickup, excursions, flight, health insurance and in-country travel.

    To apply, fill out a Truman online application as well as the University of Ghana-Legon online application. Deadline for the fall 2018 semester is Feb. 23.

    For more information and to apply, contact the Center for International Education/Study Abroad, Baldwin Hall 106, 660.785.4076, ciea@truman.edu.

Scholarship Opportunities

  • Fulbright Program Offers Study Options in UK

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    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.
  • Applications for Tillman Scholars Fellowship Now Open

    The Tillman Scholars fellowship program is open to military veterans and spouses pursuing a full-time bachelor’s, master’s or professional degree at a U.S.-based accredited institution.

    The Pat Tillman Foundation unites and empowers remarkable military veterans and spouses as the next generation of private and public-sector leaders committed to service beyond self. The fellowship program supports Tillman Scholars with academic scholarship, a national network and professional development opportunities in all fields. The scholarship covers educational expenses including tuition and fees, books and living expenses. In 2018, Tillman scholars can expect to receive an $11,000 annual scholarship as well as a $1,000 stipend for professional development opportunities.

    Applications are open until 11:59 p.m. March 1. An overview of the program can be found here. To fill out an application or receive more information about the program, click here.