Vol. 24 No. 3 - September 3, 2019

Features

Baseball Artist and Entrepreneur Returns to Campus

Alumnus Nate Rueckert (’03) will visit campus Sept. 11 to offer advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, display his unique brand of art and share his inspiring story.

During his time at Truman, Rueckert started a hobby that would go on to become a profitable side business for him to this day. He uses baseballs to create one-of-a-kind pieces of art, which he sells to clients on commission and through his website, BaseballSeamsCo.com.

Four days out of the week, Rueckert uses the skills he learned at Truman while earning his accounting degree as a senior external financial reporting consultant for Wells Fargo Advisors. The fifth day is dedicated to the Baseball Seams Co., which he started in 2001 while he was still a student.

Rueckert has been a lifelong baseball fan, and he came to Truman, in part, to continue the sport in his collegiate years. He was a student during 9/11. He skipped his class that day and stayed glued to the television, trying to comprehend the tragic news as it unfolded. Like so many other Americans, Rueckert felt hopeful the following month when he saw the president throw out the first pitch during the World Series.

“For me, it was a moment that transcended sports,” he said. “For whatever reason, the idea to make an American flag out of old, tattered baseballs popped into my head.”

Rueckert has been making original works of art using baseballs as his medium ever since. In 2017, a five-foot wide map of the United States he crafted from balls was displayed at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

That same map will be on display in Pickler Memorial Library, along with several other original pieces, during a monthlong exhibit which begins Sept. 11. Rueckert will formally open the exhibit during a presentation at 7 p.m. that evening in the library’s Presidential Reading Room. While he is on campus, Rueckert will also be visiting with classes in the School of Business to discuss his journey and offer insight to current students who may be interested in starting their own company.

Rueckert’s presentation is open to the public, and there will be refreshments to follow.
Family Day Set for Sept. 21

Family Day welcomes parents, siblings and other family members to campus for a weekend of special events ranging from Bulldog sporting events to a barbecue on the Mall, as well as the annual Red Barn Arts and Crafts Festival.

Open House at University Observatory
8-10 p.m.
Sept. 20
University Farm

Truman Theatre Production “Rumors” By Neil Simon
8 p.m.
Sept. 20
Severns Theatre, Ophelia Parrish
Tickets are $6 cash and $7 for card payment. For more information on how to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 660.785.4515.

Red Barn Arts & Crafts Festival
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sept. 21
Downtown Kirksville
Food, fun and fantastic art from across the Midwest. For more information, visit kirksvillearts.org.

Truman Baseball Scrimmage
10 a.m.
Sept. 21
Truman Baseball Field

Library Tours
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 21
Pickler Memorial library

University Art Gallery Faculty New Work Exhibit
12-4:30 p.m.
Sept. 21
University Art Gallery, Ophelia Parrish

Horse Show Hosted by Truman’s Equestrian Team
1 p.m.
Sept. 21
University Farm

“From Earth to Universe” Planetarium Show
12 p.m.
Sept. 21
Del & Norma Robison Planetarium, Magruder Hall
Admission is $5 per person.

“Phantom of the Universe” Planetarium Show
1 p.m.
Sept. 21
Del & Norma Robison Planetarium, Magruder Hall
Admission is $5 per person.

“The Hot and Energetic Universe” Planetarium Show
2 p.m.
Sept. 21
Del & Norma Robison Planetarium, Magruder Hall
Admission is $5 per person.

“Seven Wonders” Planetarium Show
3 p.m.
Sept. 21
Del & Norma Robison Planetarium, Magruder Hall
Admission is $5 per person.

“Ice Worlds” Planetarium Show
4 p.m.
Sept. 21
Del & Norma Robison Planetarium, Magruder Hall
Admission is $5 per person.

Truman State University Speech & Hearing Clinic Open House
3-5 p.m.
Sept. 21
Health Sciences Building

Student Activities Board Special Performance TBA
4 p.m.
Sept. 21
Baldwin Hall Auditorium

Barbecue
5-6:30 p.m.
Sept. 21
Student Union Mall. Rain site will be the Student Union Building.

Menu: hamburgers, grilled chicken breasts, vegan riblets, black bean burgers, roasted potatoes, zucchini and yellow squash, fresh cubed melons, pumpkin bars and beverages. Those who plan to attend are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs as seating is limited. Anyone wanting to attend the barbecue can now purchase tickets online. Students with a meal plan can use that option at the barbecue, but must have a meal remaining by Saturday evening. Tickets are $9 for adults and $5 for children 8 and under. Click here to purchase barbecue tickets

Tickets should be picked up in advance at the Public Relations Office, McClain Hall 202, between 8 a.m.-5p.m. Monday-Friday.

Bulldog Football vs. Valparaiso University
7 p.m.
Sept. 21
Stokes Stadium
General Admission tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and those in K-12. Admission is free to students with a Truman ID. Tickets will be available at the ticket windows before the game or can be purchased online at TrumanBulldogs.com. For more information call 660.785.4276.

Truman Theatre Production “Rumors” By Neil Simon
8 p.m.
Sept. 21
Severns Theatre, Ophelia Parrish
Tickets are $6 cash and $7 for card payment. For more information on how to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 660.785.4515.

Horse Show Hosted by Truman’s Equestrian Team
10 a.m.
Sept. 22
University Farm

Wind Symphony I and II Concert
2 p.m.
Sept. 22
Baldwin Hall Auditorium
Study Abroad Trip Offers Research Opportunities in Peru

In summer 2020, Truman students of any major will have the opportunity to study and conduct research in Tambopata National Reserve in Peru.

Cultural experiences will include a day of service in Puerto Maldonado and exploration of Lima. Coursework for the class will begin on campus in the first block of summer session and will be aimed at providing students background information and tools to develop their research projects.

The class will travel as a group to Peru to spend nine days in research at Sachavacayoc Center and cultural experiences in Puerto Maldonado. Three days will be spent in the Lima area expanding knowledge on biodiversity in Peru and culture.

This four-credit study abroad course fulfills the intercultural perspective and provides four biology elective credits. There are no prerequisites to participate, and non-degree seeking students are eligible to enroll. Application and more information can be found at studyabroad.truman.edu/programs/faculty-led/peru.

Stephanie Foré, professor of biology, and Enrique Pareja, assistant professor of STEM education, MAE mathematics and science, are the faculty members who will oversee the trip. Students can meet them at one of the following information sessions in Magruder Hall 2007:

Sept. 8
4-4:30 p.m.

Sept. 25
5:30-6 p.m.

Oct. 6
3-3:30 p.m.

Oct. 30
6:30-7 p.m.
Applications Open for Board of Governors Student Representative

Student Government is currently accepting applications for the next student representative to the Board of Governors.

The Board of Governors is the University’s highest policymaking body, charged with the important role of setting policy and providing guidance for the University. The Board is comprised of 10 members, one of which is a non-voting student representative. The student representative serves a two-year term and plays a crucial role in representing the student body to this board.

Applications are available here and due by 5 p.m. Oct. 9. Any questions can be directed to trumanstatesenate.bog@gmail.com.

Announcements

McNair Program Applications Open Sept. 1-Oct. 1

The McNair Program supports and prepares underrepresented students for graduate studies. Paid summer research internships, funds for graduate school visits and conferences, and seminars and academic counseling are just a few of the benefits the program has to offer.

Freshmen, sophomores and juniors are welcome to come for pizza and information about what the McNair Program can do for them.

McNair Information and Application Work Sessions in Adair House
Sept. 6
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Sept. 10
4-5 p.m.

Sept. 19
4:30-5:30 p.m.

Sept. 23
4:30-5:30 p.m.

For more information visit mcnair.truman.edu.
Downtown New Student Welcome

All new Truman students are invited downtown for a Kirksville welcome, 5-7 p.m. Sept. 8. Businesses, churches and organizations will have tables set up on the courthouse lawn offering coupons, product samples and more. There will be free food for students presenting a Truman ID. For more information, call 660.665.3766.
Student Government Fall 2019 Elections

Petitions for student senate are now available and can be found in the Student Government Office located in Student Union Building 1107. Voting begins 8 a.m. Sept. 9 and closes 10 a.m. Sept. 12. Vote at vote.truman.edu.
Missouri Government Internship Informational Meeting Scheduled

An informational meeting for the Spring 2020 Missouri Government Internship Program will take place at 4:45 p.m. Sept. 11 in McClain 212.

The Missouri Government Internship Program 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.

The Truman State University Foundation provides selected interns with a $2,500 stipend. Interested students should click here for more information and to view the internship application. Additional information will be presented at the Sept. 11 meeting. Questions can be directed to mogovinternship@truman.edu.
Blue Key and Cardinal Key Sponsor Blood Drive
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sept. 11-12
Student Union Building Georgian Rooms

To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter TrumanState.
SAB Hosts Student Talent Show

SAB will host TruTalent, a talent show for Truman students, Sept. 11. TruTalent gives students the opportunity to showcase their unique talents. Come and watch performances on the quad starting at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Anyone interested in performing can sign up here.
Welcome Reception for Tyana Lange
Study Abroad Fair Scheduled for Sept. 19

The Center for International Education Abroad will host the Study Abroad Fair from 12-4 p.m. Sept. 19 in Student Union Building Georgian Rooms A and B. Students can learn about opportunities to visit new countries, enjoy food and win prizes.
Student Loans Available Through University Foundation

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 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.
Annual Fund Internship Available for Spring Semester

The Office of Advancement is accepting applications for the spring 2020 annual fund internship.

The intern will gain experience working on the fundraising side of a non-profit organization within Truman, specifically the Truman Foundation. Responsibilities will be divided between three main focus areas: Tel-Alumni coordinator, Office of Advancement projects and office hours with a focus on development projects such as the Student Giving Campaign and the Student Alumni Association.

Qualified applicants will be a business or communication major with a minimum of 2.75 GPA. The intern will work 15 hours a week for approximately 11 weeks and receive class credit commensurate with their time in the office. A supplementary stipend is also included.

For a complete job description, visit TruPositions or click here. Deadline for applications is Dec. 6. Contact Michael Burbee with further questions.

Notables

Notables
Mark Smith, professor of communication, co-authored a critical assessment of radio station homemaker programming in the state of Nebraska. “Stirring Up Conversation: The Radio Homemaker” appeared in the 2019 summer edition of the peer reviewed Nebraska History.