Vol. 11 No. 25 - March 20, 2007

The Truman State University Forensic Union took the 45th National Tournament of Pi Kappa Delta by storm March 7-10, capturing an individual national championship and ranking among the top three overall programs nationally.

In total, Truman students captured 26 separate awards, going up against 55 other colleges and universities who attended the tournament at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Mich.

The team’s performance was topped by Stefani Wittenauer, a senior communication and political science double major from Belleville, Ill., who clinched the National Championship in broadcast journalism, a first for the Truman Forensic Union in the category.

Truman performed well in the overall sweepstakes categories as well. The University ranked third nationally in the combined category, looking at performance both in debate and individual speaking events, while ranking fourth in debate nationally and ranking ninth in individual speaking events.

Unlike other tournaments, this one rated programs in categories of “superior” and “excellent” in addition to ordinal rankings for the top students and teams.

In speaking events Dylan Rothermel, a junior economics major from Homewood, Ill., and Sara Archer, a senior accounting major from Riverside, Mo., lead the team in extemporaneous speaking with “superior” finishes, Rothermel placing fifth, Archer 10th.

Cara Hurst, a senior English pre-M.A.E. major from Ballwin, Mo., and Mike Ito, a freshman political science major from Kansas City, Mo., captured a “superior” rating in duo interpretation, ranking eighth.

Jamie Menown, a freshman nursing major from Kansas City, Mo., received an “excellent” rating in prose interpretation, while Rothermel and Alex Hayden, a junior communication and philosophy and religion double major from Jefferson City, Mo., received additional “excellent” ratings in broadcast journalism.

In debate events Wittenauer and Trevor Alexander, a senior economics and English double major from Gladstone, Mo., took home “superior” awards in parliamentary debate. Teams of Rothermel and Mark Buchheit, a freshman history major from Carthage, Mo., and Christopher Girouard, a communication and political science double major from Chesterfield, Mo., and Kevin Haynie, a sophomore political science major from Bridgeton, Mo., took home “excellent” awards. The teams of Girouard and Haynie and Alexander and Wittenauer were national quarterfinalists.

In Lincoln Douglas debate, Keith Schnakenberg, a senior communication and political science double major from Buffalo, Mo., was a national semifinalist, earning a “superior” award. Buchheit and Rothermel each posted quarterfinalist showings, earning “excellent” honors.

In individual public debate, Todd Turner, a sophomore communication major from Chesterfield, Mo., received an “excellent” award.

Students competing in Legislative Debate earned two additional awards. Archer received an award of “excellent” while Haynie was named “Best Legislator” by his house.

Pi Kappa Delta is America’s largest comprehensive forensic league and honor society.

Truman will finish its competitive season at the National Parliamentary Debate Association Championship Tournament, March 22-25, at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colo.

On April 3, Truman will hold its 20th annual Student Research Conference, which will feature a broad spectrum of presentations from all degree-granting academic divisions. Scheduled classes will not formally meet during the day of the Conference, thereby providing the opportunity for all students and faculty members to attend and fully participate.

The day will be a Universitywide celebration of undergraduate and graduate research, scholarship, and creative achievement. This year’s anniversary Conference will be a record year, with 351 presentations delivered by 457 student authors who are mentored by 163 faculty, 149 from Truman. Students will present their scholarly work in a range of presentation types, including oral papers, posters, performing arts, studio arts and technology displays.

The day will also include a Conferencewide Plenary Address by Keith Devlin, senior researcher at The Center for the Study of Language and Information at Stanford University and its executive director, as well as consulting professor in their department of mathematics and “The Math Guy” on NPR, who will be speaking on the use of mathematics in the television series “NUMB3RS.” His visit to Truman is co-sponsored by the STEP program at Truman State University. The Plenary Session begins at 11 a.m. in Violette Hall 1000. More information can be found on the Conference Web site (http://src.truman.edu).

Papers will be delivered in lecture and classrooms in Violette Hall and Ophelia Parrish. Music performances and art exhibits will be in Ophelia Parrish, as will the poster and technology session. The library will have a display in Violette Hall in the morning. At lunchtime, there will be a research roundtable in the Student Union Building, focusing on Intercultural Communication. To further encourage dialogue among all members of the University community, several Conferencewide refreshment breaks and a reception are included in the program.

The Conference Web site (http://src.truman.edu) includes the full Conference program and all presentation abstracts, which can be electronically browsed and extensively searched. Anyone visiting the Web site can create a custom schedule of presentations and events that he or she would like to attend. In addition, the Web site includes other useful information for students and faculty, and historical details about past Conferences.

The Undergraduate Council, in conjunction with the Vice President for Academic Affairs office and the Center for Teaching and Learning, are pleased to announce a new Truman grant opportunity.

The 2007-2008 Improvement of Student Learning through Enhanced Pedagogy and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Grants are designed to support faculty in developing research projects on teaching and learning.

The Grants were developed in response to an Undergraduate Council initiative to improve the Liberal Studies Program and, more generally, the liberal arts and sciences.

Please read Grant guidelines for complete details. Log on to http://vpaa.truman.edu/SoTLguidelines.pdf to view the guidelines.

Applications are due April 2.

A cappella group True Men is holding an alumni concert at 4:30 p.m. March 31 in Baldwin Auditorium.

True Men alumni will be returning to Truman to collaborate with the current members of the group and perform old crowd favorites and highlights from past years.

Alumni who will be in attendance include Nathan Artz, Kurt Bethel, Jon Brader, Nick Cloud, Tony Esterly, Kyle Fieleke, Matt Fieleke, Nathan Gibson, Bob Hembry, Greg Hudson, Chad Lograsso, Casey Morris, B. J. Mumford, Caleb Paulz, Hank Rischar, Travis Russell, Dustin Sollars, Cory Webel, Josh Webster and John Whitley.

True Men was founded 10 years ago and since then has released four full-length CDs, “Ten Miles from Nowhere,” “True,” “Self-Titled” and “Jeans and Button Down (Sweater Vest Optional).”

Everyone is welcome and the show is free.

Contact Andrew Hardee at andrewhardee@hotmail.com for more information.

The Macro Analysis Creative Research Organization announced Truman students as three out of five Honorarium Award winners for 2007.

Truman students Megan Arns, a senior music major from St. Charles, Mo.; Joshua Baum, a graduate music student from Kansas City, Mo.; and Stephanie Goodwin, a senior music major from Parkville, Mo.; received $1,000 honorariums.

MACRO is a nonprofit organization for all musicians. Funding for the award is provided by the MACRO/Robert Fountain Memorial Fund. It provides financial support to encourage outstanding student musicians who are majoring in music performance and have a strong background in music theory and/or composition.

The Truman women’s swimming team placed second out of 30 teams with 518 points at the 2007 NCAA Division II National Championship meet at the Burt Flickinger Aquatic Center in Buffalo, N.Y.

Drury won the National Championship with 646.5 points. The runner-up finish for Truman marks the first year since 2000 that the Bulldogs have not been crowned team national champions.

Fifteen of Truman’s 17 competitors earned all-American or honorable mention all-American honors for scoring at the four-day meet. Swimmers achieved all-American status by placing within the top-eight of an event, and honorable mention all-American honors were bestowed upon those swimmers who scored a ninth- to 16th-place finish.

Among the top swimmers for the Bulldogs was Molly Polette, who won four all-American awards. She scored Truman’s only individual national championship at the meet after winning the 500 freestyle on day three.

Brittany Anderson and Whitney Wodstrchill finished the National Championship meet with five all-American awards apiece, the most among Truman’s nationals swimmers.

The quartet of Lija Kaleps-Clark, Emily Greenwood, Lindsay Vaughn and Katie Welsh notched four all-American awards apiece. Greenwood led the group with a second-place podium spot as a member of Truman’s 200 medley relay team.

Swimming in her first-ever National Championship meet, Kate Aherne scored four all-American honors, including a runner-up finish in the 200 medley relay.

Other members of Truman’s second-place nationals team included Erika Anderson, Brigit Brunsman, Jacqui Dempsey, Laura Harp, Jessie Lemaster, Emily Pufall, Nicole Sharp and Catherine Sonnichsen.

Phi Kappa Phi made a $200 book donation to the Adair County Library.

The donation was used to purchase 15 nonfiction Eye-Witness DVDs. The new titles include “Sharks,” “Fish,” “Monsters” and the “Rainforest.”

Glenda Davis Hunt, Adair County Library director, said the Library couldn’t have afforded the DVDs without the donation.

Phi Kappa Phi, a National Honor Society comprised of University students, faculty and staff, has donated more than $1,800 to the Adair County Library since the organization’s establishment at Truman in 1991.

For more information about Phi Kappa Phi, visit their Web site at http://pkp.truman.edu.

7:30 p.m. • March 20
Baldwin Auditorium

A limited number of tickets are still available to all students, faculty and staff. The tickets are free. Faculty and staff may pick up their tickets in the Center for Student Involvement in the first floor of the SUB. Student tickets are available in the Student Activities Board office in the third floor of the SUB.

Contact the Public Relations office at 785.4016 for more information.

Improving the quality and quantity of students’ sleep

10 a.m.-2 p.m. • March 20-22
Events, including a free sleep basket raffle, sleeping bag races and live sheep on campus, will take place on the Quadrangle.

Contact Jennifer Steinhoff at jjs903@truman.edu for more information.

Wanted: Volunteers

The Student Council for Exceptional Children is looking for people to help with Special Olympics, being held April 14 at Stokes Stadium.

Volunteers can either work as buddies or in the Olympic Village. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Those interested should contact Annie Woodruff at atw180@truman.edu for more information.

March 21 is FREE RIDE DAY on Kirk Tran.

Ride for free all day. Get to know Kirksville’s public transportation system with 19 stops including Wal-Mart, Hy-Vee, Aldi, Gutensohn Clinic, Downtown, Truman and others.

Contact Donna Brown at 785.2355 for more information.

SEXUAL POLITICS: A Truman Conference
In Honor of Women’s History Month
The 12th Annual Women’s and Gender Studies Conference

March 22-24
Violette Hall 1000

March 22
10:30-11:45 a.m.-Sexual politics in folklore and literature
1:30-2:45 p.m.-Women in Power
3-4:30 p.m.-Religion, gender and government policy

March 23
10:30-11:20 a.m.-Celebrating women’s voices
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.-Gender and race in Lessing and Dangarembga
1:30-2:20 p.m.-Sexual politics and women’s poetry
2:30-3:20 p.m.-Workshop: ecofeminism
3:30-4:20 p.m.-Workshop: sexual politics in posters
4:30-5:50 p.m.- Keynote: Partial stories of “Displacement”
Filmmaker Azadeh Saljooghi will present her experimental art documentary about six women of diverse origins and answer questions about her work.

March 24
1-1:50 p.m.-Gender and class in higher education
2-2:50 p.m.-Sexual politics in film
3-3:50 p.m.-IHM: A staged reading
4-5 p.m.-Readings of famous feminists

Consultant James Fox will be on campus March 20 to provide information concerning the Staff Classification and Compensation Plan Study.

He will be meeting with staff from 11 a.m.-noon and 2-3 p.m.
March 20 • VH 1000

One of the sessions will be videotaped and made available to those who are unable to attend.

Contact Curt Devan at devanc@truman.edu for more information.

Storm the Capitol Sign-up Ends March 22

Visit Jefferson City, Mo., with Student Senate to meet legislators and advocate for higher education.

7 a.m.-4 p.m. • March 27

Transportation and sack lunches will be provided.

Students may sign up online at http://senate.truman.edu.

Storm the Capitol Mandatory Meeting

There will be a mandatory Storm the Capitol meeting from 8-9 p.m. March 21 in Baldwin Hall 312. All those interested in participating in the event must attend the meeting. Student Senate will be discussing how to appropriately and effectively address the legislators.

Contact Michelle Landers at mrl950@truman.edu if unable to attend or for more information.

Nominate an outstanding faculty adviser for the William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award

Nominations due
8 a.m. • April 2

Nomination forms are available at http://rcp.truman.edu/lee/LeeNomination.htm.

Contact Marty Eisenberg at martye@truman.edu for more information.

Sally West, associate professor of history, will speak on the topic of “Cigarettes and Cognac: Consumer Culture Under the Russian Tsars.”

7 p.m.
March 21
Magruder Hall 2001

The presentation is based on West’s forthcoming book, “Advertising in Tsarist Russia: Creating Modern Consumer Culture Under the Old Regime.”

Accounting students will provide free tax preparation to students and those with low to moderate income on a first-come, first-serve basis.

8 a.m.-3 p.m.
March 24
Violette Hall

The taxpayer and the taxpayer’s spouse must be present. Bring a photo ID, copies of all tax forms, Social Security card and banking information if direct deposit is desired.

Contact Alan Davis at 785.5560 for technical questions and Patricia Garrett at 785.6019 with logistical questions.

Activity: Punt, Pass & Kick 
Division: AST/Open
Deadline: March 26   
Captains’ Meeting: 4:30 p.m. • March 29 
Play Begins: March 31

Activity: Outdoor Soccer 
Division: AST/Open   
Deadline:  March 26  
Captains’ Meeting: 4:30 p.m. • March 29 
Play Begins: April 2

Activity: 3K Run 
Division: AST/Open   
Deadline:  April 2  
Captains’ Meeting: 4:30 p.m. • April 4 
Play Begins: April 11

Entry forms may be picked up at the Student Recreation Center (IM bulletin board) and are available online. Online registration is now available. 

Entry forms must have name, banner ID number and signature of each participant. Entry forms are to be deposited in the metal box located at the Member Services Desk in the Student Recreation Center by 11 p.m. of the posted due date. Official rules for each sport go to http://recreation.truman.edu.

The University Observatory will be open to the general public from 8:30-10:30 p.m. March 22.

Jon Beck, associate professor of computer science, presented two papers in Cincinnati recently at the 38th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education. The first was titled “Forming a Women’s Computer Science Support Group.” The second, co-authored by Brent Buckner and Diane Janick-Buckner, professors of biology, and alumna Olga Niklova, was titled “Using Interdisciplinary Bioinformatics Undergraduate Research to Recruit and Retain Computer Science Students.”

Jon Beck, associate professor of computer science; Brent Buckner, professor of biology; and Diane Janick-Buckner, professor of biology; had their article titled “Involving Undergraduates in the Annotation and Analysis of Global Gene Expression Studies: Creation of a Maize Shoot Apical Meristem Expression Database” accepted for publication in the journal Genetics. Co-authors on this article include Kate Browning, a senior biology major from Columbia, Mo.; Ashleigh Fritz, a senior biology major from Kansas City, Mo.; Eneda Hoxha, a junior biology and psychology double major from Tirana, Albania; and Zhian Kamvar, a senior biology major from Cupertino, Calif.; as well as alumnae Lisa Grantham, Ashley Lough and Olga Nikolova. The manuscript describes research that was supported by the following NSF grants: “Functional Analyses of Genes Involved in Meristem Organization and Leaf Initiation” and “Research-Focused Learning Communities in Mathematical Biology.”

Robin Becker, instructor of English, recently had her short story “How Roller Coasters Work: Henry and Midge” accepted for publication in the 2007 issue of The Griffin.

Gina Cook, a senior music pre-M.A.E. major from Raytown, Mo.; Jessica Gasch, an English and French double major from St. Peter’s Mo.; Emily Murdock, an English pre-M.A.E. major from Spring Hill, Kan.; and Allison Schlobohm, a senior communication major from Florissant, Mo.; each received Summer Research Grants of up to $2,000 from the Division of Language and Literature. Under faculty tutelage, these students will use the funds to complete original research in the areas of communication, English and linguistics for the 2008 Student Research Conference.

Thomas Stewart, assistant professor of English and linguistics, along with Gregory Stump of the University of Kentucky, has published “Paradigm Function Morphology and the Morphology/Syntax Interface,” a chapter in the Oxford Handbook of Linguistic Interfaces from Oxford University Press.

The 2007-2008 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Apply soon to be considered for all available federal and state funds. Visit the Financial Aid Office in McClain Hall 103 or call 785.4130 for more information.

The SERVE Center is hiring for scholarship and work study positions for fall 2007. Applications are available in the Center for Student Involvement office. Completed applications are due to the CSI by 5 p.m. March 28.

The Weekly Lunch Series will continue from 12:30-1:30 p.m. March 21 in the Student Union Building Alumni Room.

The Truman Agriculture Club is sponsoring a Petting Zoo as part of National Agriculture Week from 1-4 p.m. March 21 on the Quadrangle. Contact Rachel Goldammer at reg934@truman.edu for more information.

There will be a Physics Colloquium at 4:30 p.m. March 21 in Magruder Hall 1098. Margaret P. Hill from the department of physics and engineering physics at Southeast Missouri State University will speak on the topic of “Improving Magnetic Materials: Physics or Alchemy?” This lecture will be given at the intermediate level. Refreshments will be served at 4:20 p.m.

David Boothby of Heifer International will be speaking at 7 p.m. March 21 in Violette Hall 1010.  Heifer International is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization that seeks to end hunger and promote self-reliance through the gifts of animals and training in their care. The presentation is sponsored by the Science Division. Contact Michael Seipel at 785.4316 for more information about the event.

The Spring 2007 Academic Year Workshop Series continues with a presentation on “Preparing Posters for the Large Format Printer.” The workshop will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. March 22 in Magruder Hall 1090. Join Matt Beaky in learning about design and software techniques to enhance any visual presentation.

Want to work in the Career Center? There will be a mandatory preview session for those interested in applying for a job at the Career Center from 6-7 p.m. March 22 at the Career Center. Job expectations and benefits will be discussed as well as the application and interview process. Contact Polly Matteson at pollym@truman.edu for more information.

The Coalition of African American Women is sponsoring a screening of the film “The Joy Luck Club” at 6 p.m. March 22 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. A discussion will follow. Contact LaShonda Mackey at caaw@truman.edu for more information.

The Multicultural Affairs Center is holding a progressive dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. March 23 at the Adair House. It will be hosted by the MAC and Dobson Hall SAs. Please R.S.V.P. to the MAC at 785.4142. Only the first 100 spots will be guaranteed. Contact Laura Bates at lbates@truman.edu for more information.

It’s Time to Celebrate! Truman students raised $70,000 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital through the Up ‘Til Dawn letter writing campaign fund-raiser. Now Truman’s Up ‘Til Dawn chapter is holding a finale event from 8-11 p.m. March 23 in the Student Union Building. Contact Alyson Watkins at alyson.watkins@gmail.com for more information.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is holding “GirlTalk” at 6 p.m. March 25 in the Nason Basement Lounge. Women on campus are invited to discuss social responsibility. Contact Danielle Leveston at dml801@truman.edu for more information.

Want to begin a running program? Improve an old one? The Student Recreation Center is having a Running 101 presentation that will show beginners how to get started and those who are already running how to improve. The presentation will be from 4-4:30 p.m. March 26 at the SRC. Topics include technique, choosing the correct shoes, safety and injury prevention. Contact Karen Skoch at kbskoch@truman.edu or 785.7739 for more information.

University Counseling Services (UCS) is sponsoring a Cancer Support Group for students struggling with cancer and those who have friends and/or family members with cancer. The group will meet the fourth Monday of each month March-April 2007. The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. March 26 in Pershing Building 234.

Study abroad in the Caribbean. Informational meetings for “Sweet Power: Sugar, Empires and Slaves in the Caribbean,” a six-hour credit study abroad course scheduled for winter break 2007-2008. The meetings will take place at 6 p.m. March 27 in the Student Union Building Conference Room and at 5 p.m. March 28 in the Student Union Building Alumni Room. The two sessions will be identical, discussing photos, itinerary and ways to finance the program. Contact Steven Reschly at sdr@truman.edu or 785.4648 for more information.

There will be a City Council Candidates Forum from 6-8 p.m. March 27 in Violette Hall 1000. Come learn about Kirksville’s proposed smoking ordinance and hear opinions from City Council candidates for the upcoming April 3 elections. Contact Lina Khan at ljk402@truman.edu or 314.603.5505 for more information.

The Career Center is hosting “Lending a Hand for a Living” March 28. A panel of professionals working in the non-profit sector will be available to answer questions and discuss job opportunities from 5-6 p.m. in the SUB Conference Room. Contact Lisa Ketterlinus at lkerlin@truman.edu for more information. Following the panel will be a poster exhibit and reception from 6-9 p.m. in the SUB Activities Room. There will also be handouts on other non-profit organizations. Contact Elizabeth Bauer at eab933@truman.edu for more information.

Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI) is hosting its Fourth Annual Midwest StringFest March 30-31. March 30 events include performances by visiting ensembles from area high schools. SAI will perform from 7-8 p.m. March 30 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall. There will be workshops all day March 31, concluding with a performance at 4 p.m. in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall. Contact Liz Hackney at esh042@truman.edu for more information.

Cheerleading tryouts are here. There is a mandatory tryout clinic to learn routines from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. March 31 in the  Pershing Small Gym. Tryouts begin and 9 a.m. April 1 in the Pershing Small Gym. Download tryout information and the consent form at http://cheerleading.truman.edu.

Sodexho’s annual food drive will be held April 2-6. All donations will be delivered to Kirksville’s local food bank in time for Easter. Donate nonperishable items, meals, dining dollars or bonus bucks. Carts will be available at all dining halls, C-stores and Mainstreet Market for food items and donation sheets will be available at the cash registers.

The 33rd annual Service Recognition Banquet will take place at 6:30 p.m. April 17 in the Student Union Building Quiet Lounge. Approximately 149 current and retired members of the University will be honored for their commitment to the University. Due to limited seating, tickets will not go on sale to the public until April 6, at which time they will be available in the Human Resources office in McClain Hall 106 for $10 each.