Vol. 12 No. 1 - Aug. 28, 2007

Gerhardt Professorship in Science is University First

One of the nation’s foremost researchers on Parkinson’s disease has made a planned commitment of $1 million to establish Truman State University’s first-ever endowed professorship.
 
Greg Gerhardt, Ph.D., a 1979 graduate, has pledged $1 million through his estate to create the Greg A. and Paulette C. Danielle-Gerhardt Endowed Professorship in Science.

“Truman is elated to receive a commitment of this magnitude,” said Truman State University President Barbara Dixon. “Our commitment to academic distinction begins with an investment in our faculty, and this professorship will enhance our ability to recruit, support and retain teacher-scholars of top quality.”

The professorship, designed to ensure continued teaching excellence at Truman, will be designated for a professor in chemistry or biology and preference given for those teaching or researching in neuroscience.

The professorship is designed to recruit and retain eminent faculty and support the teaching, research and professional activities of the professorship’s incumbent beyond traditional levels of University support.

Endowment earnings may also be used to strengthen the chemistry and biology departments through course development, lectureships, graduate assistants, equipment, technology and salary enhancement of the recipient.

Greg Gerhardt is a professor of anatomy and neurobiology at the University of Kentucky. He is also the director of UK’s Morris K. Udall Parkinson’s Disease Research Center, one of 12 such facilities in the country. For the past 25 years, Gerhardt has focused his research efforts on Parkinson’s disease.

The professorship was established in memory of Gerhardt’s late wife, Paulette, who passed away in May 2007. Paulette Danielle-Gerhardt’s career included positions at Coopers and Lybrand, Deloitte and Touche, HBO, Rocky Mountain Energy and the owner/operator of a floral business in the Denver area.

Efforts are continuing in the early stages of the campaign’s quiet phase, with $5.3 million in cash, multi-year pledges and deferred commitments secured to date.

For the 11th year in a row, Truman State University has been recognized as the No. 1 Public University in the Midwest Region–Master’s Category by the 2008 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges.” Truman also was ranked No. 8 overall in the Midwest region among both private and public institutions. The Midwest region category includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

In addition, U.S. News & World Report listed Truman as having an excellent Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects Program that is an outstanding example of an academic program that leads to student success.

Truman offers students an outstanding undergraduate education, according to The Princeton Review College Guide’s 2008 edition of “The Best 366 Colleges.” Truman also ranked No. 14 in the category “Students Happy With Financial Aid.”

The National Collegiate Scouting Association (NCSA) announced the release of the 5th Annual NCSA Collegiate Power Rankings. Truman ranked fifth in the Division II level.

NCSA’s 2007 Collegiate Power Rankings rate colleges and universities comprehensively based on student-athlete graduation rates, academic strength and athletic prowess of the university.

Truman State University has received a gift of personal property valued at $92,000.
 
Travis W. Freeman of Brashear, Mo., has gifted a residence at Spring Lake to the Truman State University Foundation. The Foundation will sell the home and apply proceeds from the sale toward the University’s first-ever campaign.

“We are very pleased that Travis Freeman has selected Truman State University as a recipient of his philanthropy,” said Truman State University President Barbara Dixon. “This significant gift will provide resources to support students and maintain high quality academic programs.”

Freeman moved to the area in 2006 to be closer to family following the death of his wife, Lucia. His daughter, Teri, and son-in-law Ken Crandall, a 1975 Truman graduate, reside in Brashear.

He started Freeman Builders Supply in 1954 and operated the specialty steel fabrication business in Tulsa, Okla., for many years.

Freeman has a lengthy record of service to civic and community organizations, including district governor and chapter president of Rotary International. He has served Rotary clubs in Tulsa, Santa Fe, N.M., and Kirksville.

In addition, Freeman has served on the Tulsa Zoo Board, Tulsa Utility Board, Oklahoma Transportation Commission, Tulsa Chamber of Commerce and the Tulsa River Parks Authority.

He received a Bachelor of Science in engineering from the University of Illinois and completed additional coursework at the University of Oklahoma.

The University Art Gallery at Truman State University is delighted to present “25 Years of Printmaking,” a retrospective exhibition of work by Jim Jereb, professor of art and masterprinter. The Gallery invites the Truman community to a reception at 6 p.m. Sept. 4 to view this thoughtful and accomplished collection of work. The show will be on display until Oct. 9.

“25 Years of Printmaking” displays prints that fall into three thematic groupings: Architectural, Out to the Bars! and Self-portrait. Jereb’s Architectural interest addresses issues of scale, structure, sense of home and security and façade. Out to the bars! is a record of human interaction that delves into examinations of honesty, vulnerability, atmosphere and identity. Jereb’s Self-portrait work is an investigation of persona and self-scrutiny that pushes past the details of the face and explores the details of the soul beneath.

This collection also showcases Jereb’s skillful use of many methods of printmaking, from etching to monotype to block print. Invested in the narrative content in his work, Jereb chooses a printmaking method as a tool for thematic expression, matching the process with the concept. In this way his intellectual exploration is tandem with his material exploration, coinciding to create rich and thoughtful works of art.

The University Art Gallery at Truman is located on the ground floor of Ophelia Parrish. Gallery hours are Monday–Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from noon-4:30 p.m. Gallery exhibits, talks and most other events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Emily Booth, the temporary Gallery director, at 785.5386 or ebooth@truman.edu.

Students interested in a part-time job this semester are encouraged to apply to work with the Tel Alumni campaign. Tel Alumni is hiring between 20-30 students to work for 12 weeks.

No experience is necessary, but they are looking for students who have good communication skills, an outgoing personality, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to ask parents and alumni for financial support.

Students must be available to work at least two of the following shifts each week: Sunday, 3-7 p.m.; Monday, 6-9 p.m.; Tuesday, 6-9 p.m.; Wednesday, 6-9 p.m.; or Thursday, 6-9 p.m.

Tel Alumni offers nightly incentives including items such as prizes and food; a relaxed, fun environment; paid training; a flexible schedule and an hourly wage of $6.50. Scholarship and work study positions are also available. Tel Alumni is an excellent résumé builder for students seeking to gain the skills they need to be effective communicators in their professional lives.

Students may pick up an application in the Advancement Office, McClain Hall 100. The application deadline is Sept. 10.

Contact Brad Neathery at 785.7432 or neathery@truman.edu for more information.

Sue Neely has been named the interim director of financial aid, effective Aug. 1.
 
Neely brings 34 years of experience as Truman’s assistant financial aid director to the position.
 
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business education and a master’s degree in business education from Truman.

The search for a new director will begin after the associate vice president for enrollment management position is filled.

Kimberly Titus has been named Truman’s assistant registrar, effective Aug. 1.

She has served as the academic credit analyst since 1995. Titus joined the Truman staff in 1990.

She received her bachelor’s degree in communication in 1989 from Truman State University.

The Campus Recreation Office has announced Josh Miller, a senior health and human performance major from Fort Hays State University, as its intern for the fall semester.

Miller, a graduate of Golden Plains High School, is from Selden, Kan. He is the son of Mark and Lori Miller and the oldest of three children.
As the intern, he will assist in the administration of each area within Campus Recreation including intramurals, fitness and facilities. He will also serve as a trainer, supervisor, evaluator and consultant for each of these areas.

At Fort Hays State University, Miller was involved in intramurals serving as both a staff official and in a leadership staff position. Along with his work with the intramural department, Miller was a registered sports official in football and basketball. He plans on continuing to officiate football this fall to help the Northeast Missouri Officials Association.

Miller’s interest in both the recreation field and the well being of college students make him an excellent fit for Truman Campus Recreation. Please take a moment to help welcome him to our campus.

“Lu Ann Hampton Laverty Oberlander”
A Comedy in Two Acts

8 p.m.

Aug. 30-Sept. 1

James G. Severns Theatre
Ophelia Parrish

Admission is free.

Spaces in the parking lot north of the Student Union Building (SUB) are now closed to allow for equipment to perform renovations on the Student Union Building.

This will be ongoing throughout the semester of the during the SUB renovations.

The row north of the SUB will be barricaded for construction work. Handicapped parking will still be available. Parking in this lot could be hazardous due to the construction equipment.

Anyone interested in joining the Truman State University Color Guard should contact Becky Drewes at rcd531@truman.edu.

Members will have the opportunity to perform at all home football games, as well as possibly traveling to St. Louis to perform at a competition. All students receive a one-hour credit and a $100 stipend.

The Marching Band rehearses Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3:30-5:20 p.m.

Millions of people make New Year’s resolutions to change their health and fitness habits; unfortunately few will actually follow through.

People want to make changes in their health behaviors and just have a difficult time sticking with their good intentions. Are you one of these people?

Do you catch yourself saying: “I want to start exercising and changing my diet, but…”

Time to sign up for the Fall 2007 TruFit Wellness program designed for faculty and staff members looking to make changes to their health.

TruFit Wellness is a 12-week education and exercise program focused on teaching group members the skills needed to empower lifetime health behavior changes.

Fall session will incorporate behavior education sessions to assist members in learning:

• Creating motivation for change
• Planning strategies for change
• Combating negative thoughts
• Goal setting for success
• Over coming obstacles
• Nutrition tips and education

In addition, this fall semester participants will have a choice in participating in either or both a walking program or a group exercise class lead by Karen Skoch, director fitness/wellness at the Student Recreation Center.

In addition, group members will receive:

• Orientation to the Student Recreation Center
   o Including orientation to all cardiovascular machines
   o Including orientation to all Weight Room equipment
• Instruction on and use of a heart rate monitor
• Use of a pedometer to track activity
• Body composition testing
• Incentives for completing the program

TruFit members will meet 12:30–1:30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons.  Activity options will include walking on Mondays from 12:30-1:30 p.m. and/or group exercise class on Fridays from noon-1 p.m.

Meetings will begin Sept. 12 and continue through Dec. 7.

Any Truman faculty or staff member who is not currently engaging in regular physical activity is encouraged to join.

If you are interested in learning more about the program or would like to sign up, contact Jennifer Hurst at 665.4464 or jhurst@truman.edu.

Make a change for yourself today and get for more information.

Activity: NCAA-NFL Pigskin Picks
Division: Open
Deadline: Each Friday of season by midnight
*Captains’ Meeting: NA
Play Begins: Sept. 7

Activity: Sand Volleyball
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Sept. 4
*Captains’ Meeting: 4:30 p.m. • Sept. 6
Play Begins: Sept. 10

Activity: Co-Rec Sand Volleyball
Division: Open 
Deadline: Sept. 4
*Captains’ Meeting: 4:30 p.m. • Sept. 6
Play Begins: Sept. 10

Activity: Fantasy Football
Division: Open 
Deadline: Sept. 4
*Captains’ Meeting: 4:30 p.m. • Sept. 5
Play Begins: Sept. 6

Activity: Tennis-Singles
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Sept. 4
*Captains’ Meeting: 4:30 p.m. • Sept. 6
Play Begins: Sept. 10
                
Entry forms and information sheets may be picked up at the Student Recreation Center (lobby area). Entry forms are to be deposited into the metal box located at the Member Services Desk in the Student Recreation Center. The entry deadline for each sport will be 11 p.m. on the date posted above. Online registration is available. Captains’ Meetings for each sport will take place on the Thursday evening following the entry deadline (unless otherwise noted) at 4:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Student Recreation Center. Official rules for each sport are available online at http://recreation.truman.edu.

Noon-4 p.m. • Sept. 6 • Quadrangle

New and returning students are welcome to attend the Activities Fair.

All departmental and student organization tables must be reserved via the registration form available now in the CSI office, located on the third level of the Student Union Building. It is also available on the CSI Web site, http://csi.truman.edu. The registration deadline is Aug. 31. Table space is limited.

Contact the CSI at 785.4222 for more information.

Pickler Memorial Library
Monday-Thursday • 7:30 a.m.-1 a.m.
Friday • 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday • Noon-9 p.m.
Sunday • Noon-1 a.m.

Student Recreation Center
Monday-Friday • 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
Saturday • 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday • 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Mainstreet Market
Monday-Thursday • 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday • 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday • Closed
Sunday • 3-10 p.m.

Labor Day Weekend Hours

Pickler Memorial Library
Aug. 31 • 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sept. 1-2 • 1-5 p.m.
Sept. 3 • 1 p.m.-1 a.m. (offices closed)

Sept. 3 - Labor Day holiday (no classes, offices closed)
Oct. 13 - Family Day
Oct. 19 - Midterm break (no classes)
Oct. 22-26 - Homecoming Week
Oct. 27 - Homecoming
Nov. 21-23 - Thanksgiving break (no classes, offices closed)
Dec. 7 - Last day of classes
Dec. 10 - Final exams begin
Dec. 12 - Reading Day
Dec. 14 - Final exams end
Dec. 15 - Commencement
Dec. 15 - Interim begins

Dereck Daschke, associate professor and chair of philosophy and religion, had his essay “‘Oh, Mama, Could this Really be the End?’ The Apocalyptic Bob Dylan” published in Studies in Jewish Civilization 17: American Judaism in Popular Culture, edited by Leonard Greenspoon and Ron Simpkins.

Two musical compositions by Warren Gooch, professor of music, have been accepted for publication by Alliance Publications, Inc. (API Music). The works are: “Fanfare and Alleluia” for antiphonal brass ensemble, and “Alleluia to the King of Kings” for SATB choir and piano.

Masahiro Hara, associate professor of Japanese, presented a paper titled “Learning Basic Processing Strategies in SLA” at the 7th Annual Conference of the Japan Second Language Association on May 20 at the University of Shizuoka, Japan.

John Ishiyama, professor of political science and director of the McNair Program, had his article “Explaining ‘Minor’ Party Nominations in Sub Saharan Africa: The Cases of Ethiopia, Zambia, and Malawi” accepted for publication in the Journal of Asian and African Studies.

Lucy Lee, professor of Spanish, was reappointed Member-at-Large of Sigma Delta Pi’s Executive Committee for the 2007-2010 triennium at the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society’s Triennial Convention Aug. 4 in San Diego.

Jason Miller, associate professor of mathematics, delivered the keynote address at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Quantitative Biology Curriculum Planning Workshops at Eastern Tennessee State University July 18. His talk, “Toward Bio2020: Educating Mathematicians, Biologists, and Computer Scientists collaborating to redesign education: Content & Pedagogy,” communicated the way Truman’s Mathematical Biology program uses interdisciplinary research to train students and what we have learned about the student and faculty learning such experiences stimulate.

Danielle Stacy, from Nevada, Mo., presented her research at “The Many Faces of Chemistry: The Merck Index Women in Chemistry Awards” symposium and poster session, at the American Chemical Society 234th National Meeting and Exposition Aug. 20 in Boston. She received a special recognition award in the form of a travel grant.

Three students from the Omicron Delta Kappa circle at Truman State University have been selected to participate in the annual Campus Leaders Today, Community Leaders TomorrowTM program. Heidi Kaplan, Ryan Lewis and Natalie Soltys were the three Truman students selected to attend the program, which brings together 40 bright college leaders and is designed to prepare them for service as board members for nonprofit organizations. This is the third year for this program and each participant was selected out of a competitive group.

Truman’s chapter of Sigma Delta Pi was named an “Honor Chapter” for its outstanding activities in 2006-2007 at the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society’s Triennial Convention Aug. 4 in San Diego. Chapter Rho Rho also received the prestigious Octavio Paz award that was granted to only eight chapters nationwide for maintaining “Honor Chapter” status for the complete triennium of 2004-2007. Each May, all 546 chapters of Sigma Delta Pi are asked to submit an annual report detailing their numerous activities and projects from the academic year. Based on these reports, the National Executive Committee chooses approximately 15 “Honor Chapters” annually. This recognition is based upon the caliber of chapter projects that reflect the Sigma Delta Pi mission of honoring excellence in the study of the Spanish language, contributing to cultural understanding and upholding the goals of the society. Lucy Lee, professor of Spanish, Truman’s chapter adviser of Sigma Delta Pi, was instrumental in earning this national honor that was awarded to only 13 chapters in 2007.

Faculty/staff football tickets can be purchased online at http://gobulldogs.truman.edu. Prices are $30 for a reserved season ticket. Faculty and staff can still receive two free general admission tickets on the day of the game at the ticket window, each additional general admission ticket is $5 each.

ENVS 200: Introduction to Environmental Studies has changed the scheduled class time to 4:30-5:50 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact Cassie Phillips at d2064@truman.edu for more information.

Students looking for a general elective conveniently timed through the lunch hour are still able to enroll in BSAD 200: Personal Finance. Students will learn the basics of budgeting, saving and investing two days a week during this fall semester course. All majors welcome.

Ekklesia, Truman’s campus outreach of the Kirksville Church of Christ, is sponsoring a visit from former professional football player Willie Franklin. The Funds Allotment Council is assisting in Franklin’s return to Truman to speak. Franklin played football for Oklahoma State University and professionally for the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Colts. He now speaks to college students and urges them to make spiritual goals. Franklin will be able to visit with people from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 28 under the tent on the Mall. Ekklesia will be giving away ice-cold watermelon under the tent and hand held purple fans shaped like football helmets that say “Tru-Fans.” He will end his visit with a keynote address at 7 p.m. Aug. 28 in the Baldwin Hall Little Theatre. Contact Ekklesia’s campus house at 665.5003 or go to the church’s Web site http://www.kirksvillechurchofchrist.com for more information about Franklin’s visit.

Registration for women’s sorority recruitment will be from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 29-Sept. 5 in the Student Union Building, Centennial Hall, Ryle Hall and Violette Hall. Women’s sorority recruitment will take place Sept. 6-10.

The Muslim Students Association invites students to join them for a weekly khutbah and salaat from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Aug. 31 in Student Union Building Room 319. This will be a weekly event at this time and location. Contact Nadia Mozaffar at nsm352@truman.edu.

IT Services would like to invite faculty, staff and students to TechBreak at 1:30 p.m. each Friday in the Student Union Building Room 320. This weekly series is an opportunity to share information about new and existing IT Service offerings. Please join them for snacks and conversation. Additional details and the topic schedule can be found online at http://its.truman.edu/techbreak.

The first Weekly Lunch Series for the fall semester will be from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Sept. 5 in the Student Union Building Alumni Room. This session will be about cooperative learning. Faculty members who’ve attended conferences and workshops on this topic will be discussing it with their colleagues. Contact The Center for Teaching and Learning at 785.4391 or ctl@truman.edu for more information.

The Truman State University University Club and The Center for Teaching and Learning will have a Fall 2007 Semester Kick-Off Barbecue/Carry-In for faculty and staff from 5-7 p.m. Sept. 7 at the University Clubhouse at 516 East Patterson. The Center for Teaching and Learning and the University Club will provide beverages, assorted barbecue for sandwiches and some side dishes. Attendees are welcome and requested to bring snacks or side dishes to share if possible. Spouses, significant others and children are also invited to attend. Redwing, a Truman faculty/staff folk and country string band, will perform. Contact James Harmon at 785.4087 or fa44@truman.edu for more information.

Public Safety is offering a van driving class for faculty and staff at 3 p.m. Sept. 10 or at 3 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Public Safety Building. Class size is limited. Call 785.4177 to reserve a space.

The Truman community is invited to attend the 15th annual McNair Research Presentations from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 26 in Violette Hall 1000. The McNair scholars will be presenting the results of their summer research projects. A number of different fields will be represented including English, biology, health, theater, political science, business, psychology, communication, sociology, economics and history.