Vol. 13 No. 1 - Aug. 26, 2008

Arnold Zuckerman, a former Truman professor known for making history interesting for students, will be remembered for generations to come through a lectureship established in his honor by his stepdaughter, Judi G. Schweitzer.

Schweitzer has made a cash and deferred gift commitment through Truman State University’s “Bright Minds Bright Futures” campaign to endow the Dr. Arnold Zuckerman Lectureship in History. The lectureship, which commemorates Zuckerman’s distinguished career as a scholar, research historian and dedicated teacher, is designed to provide Truman students an opportunity to learn and interact with noted historians.

In 1963, Zuckerman joined the Truman faculty, and he retired as professor emeritus of history in 1990. During the nearly 30 years he taught at Truman, he challenged his students to think critically and made the study of history relevant by reminding students of the associative value of events, people and dates. The lectureship will continue the tradition Zuckerman established by bringing guest lecturers to campus whose experience and expertise are relevant to the interests of the History Department at Truman. A preference will be given to speakers whose experience and expertise encompass medical history, a passion of Zuckerman’s.

Zuckerman, who passed away Feb. 15, 2008, was a member of the American Association for the History of Medicine, the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies and the American Association of University Professors. He earned undergraduate and master’s degrees from DePaul University and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois.

Schweitzer received a bachelor of science degree from Truman in 1989 and resides in Lake Forest, Calif. In 2006, she founded Schweitzer & Associates Inc., a strategic real estate advisor for investors, organizations, developers and builders, for creating sustainable community development and green-building practices.

The Zuckerman Lectureship will be supplemented through gifts from friends and colleagues, as well as a deferred gift from Schweitzer’s living trust. The “Bright Minds Bright Futures” campaign is a major component of Truman’s strategic plan and vision to become the nation’s premier public liberal arts and sciences university.  The $30 million campaign will provide support for student scholarships, student enrichment initiatives, faculty development and enhancements to the athletic program.

Truman’s 2009 United Way Campaign, Live United, kicked off Aug. 22, with the goal of raising $56,000 from the Truman community.
All faculty and staff members should have received information about the campaign by mail. Individuals with questions, or those who did not receive the information, can contact Debra Kerby (dkerby@truman.edu) or Brad Chambers (bchambers@truman.edu), Co-Chairs of the 2009 Truman United Way Campaign.

Donations from Truman go to support the United Way of Adair County, and all funds raised locally stay in the area. The United Way supports more than 30 programs to help individuals pursue the goals of education, income and health.

Truman has been recognized, once again, as the No. 1 Public University in the Midwest Region–Master’s Category by U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 edition of “America’s Best Colleges.” Truman has received this No. 1 recognition for the past 12 years. Highlights of the college rankings are included in the Aug. 25 issue of U.S. News & World Report.

Truman also ranked No. 8 overall in the “Best Universities-Master’s” category, for the Midwest region, among both private and public institutions that provide a full range of undergraduate and master’s programs. The Midwest region category includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
 
Truman has also been recognized as one of America’s top colleges in the latest  Princeton Review 2009 edition of “The Best 368 Colleges.” Truman is among a select group of schools included in the latest edition, which surveyed more than 120,000 students on hundreds of campuses. Only about 15 percent of the four-year colleges in America are included in the book.
    

Many Truman students often have the same question once they arrive on campus. “What is there to do in Kirksville, and how do I find out?” That is why the University has added a “Kirksville” link on TruView.

TruView is a student’s one-stop campus portal, providing access to class schedules, grades, open courses, registration information and more. Students can also use TruView to check their e-mail and see University announcements.
 
Online versions of the Truman Today are also available through TruView, and students can quickly access the University Master Calendar to see what events are happening on campus.

With the addition of the Kirksville link, TruView is now every student’s source for things to do in the ‘Ville. Links to sites such as Kirksville Rocks, the Kirksville Arts Association, Downtown Cinema 8 and the Parks and Recreation Department will allow students to stay informed and always have something to do in Kirksville.

Students who do not have a car can use Kirk-Tran for transportation.

Kirk-Tran is the public transit service administered by the City of Kirksville. Kirk-Tran operates a new fixed route service that stops at assigned destinations around town Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kirk-Tran costs $2 for each time a passenger boards the vehicle.

A bus stop is located near Centennial Hall at Franklin and Randolph Streets. Students will be able to travel to destinations such as Hy-Vee and Wal-Mart. The bus schedule is available on the City’s website at http://www.kirksvillecity.com/Kirk_Tran_Bus_Schedule.htm.

To serve those who are not able to utilize the fixed route, there is a demand-response service available. Reservations may be made by calling 665.8404 in Kirksville and toll-free 1.877.666.KIRK (5475) outside of Kirksville, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-noon and from 1-3 p.m.

Truman faculty and staff members can use the new school year as an opportunity to change their health and activity habits by signing up for the Fall 2008 TruFit MOVE IT, LOSE IT Wellness program.

TruFit MOVE IT, LOSE IT is a 12-week education and physical activity program focused on teaching group members the skills needed to empower lifetime health behavior changes. The program will incorporate behavior education sessions Mondays from 5:10-6:15 p.m. to assist members in learning skills such as creating motivation for change, goal setting for success and combating negative thoughts. Participants will also choose from a variety of activities as their weekly physical commitment.

In addition to the educational and fitness sessions, group members will receive orientation to the Student Recreation Center, instruction in the use of a heart rate monitor, a pedometer to track activity and body composition testing. There will be an informational meeting Sept. 8 at 5:15 p.m. in Pershing (room to be determined). Regular meetings will begin Sept. 15 and continue through Dec. 1.

For more information or to sign up, contact Jennifer Hurst at 665.4464 or jhurst@truman.edu.

Due to the recent flooding of the Pershing Building that ruined the basketball floor, the Student Recreation Center will be used temporarily by the Truman volleyball and basketball teams while the Pershing floor is replaced. 

The basketball teams will be using one court in the main gymnasium Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and one court on Fridays from 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Volleyball will be using two courts in the main gymnasium from 2:30 - 4:45 p.m., and one court in the main gym from 4:45 - 5:30 p.m., from Monday through Thursday. They will be using one court in the main gym on those Fridays when a game is scheduled.

If all goes as planned, the Pershing floor replacement should be complete by Oct. 1, and the teams will return to Pershing for their regular workouts.
The Truman Athletic Department greatly appreciates the patience and cooperation of the entire campus over the next six weeks.

For more information about hours of operation, contact the Recreation Center at 785.4847.

The Lincoln Bicentennial Committee made up of faculty, staff and students has developed an impressive three semester series of events to mark the birth of our sixteenth president. It is being generously supported by the Schwengel Lincoln Fund.

Exhibits, lectures, concerts, plays, debates, contests and more will begin in October with three simultaneous exhibits, “Looking at Lincoln: Political Cartoons from the Civil War Era,” “Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America,” and “Encounters With Lincoln,” all in Pickler Memorial Library.
A special website lincoln200.truman.edu and posters around campus will provide ongoing details.

Other planned events for later this academic year include a State Dinner in the Union attended by President Lincoln and the First Lady (portrayed by Max and Donna Daniels) followed by a play, “An Evening With Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln” presented in Ryle Hall.

A gala Wind Symphony concert in February will feature Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait narrated by former Truman State University President Jack Magruder.  

Helpful Websites

Home Page • http://www.truman.edu
Master Calendar • http://calendar.truman.edu
Truman Today • http://trumantoday.truman.edu
Visitor’s Guide • http://www.truman.edu/pages/105.asp
Hotel-Motel-Bed & Breakfast Guide • http://www.truman.edu/pages/159.asp
Information Technology Services • http://its.truman.edu
Residence Life • http://reslife.truman.edu
Safety and Security • http://dps.truman.edu

Helpful Phone Numbers

Academic Affairs • 660.785.4105
Business Office • 660.785.4149
Emergencies • 911
Financial Aid • 660.785.4130
Food Services • 660.785.4197
Health Center • 660.785.4182
Kirksville Regional Airport • 660.665.5020
Library • 660.785.4038
Parking Services • 660.785.7400
Recreation Center • 660.785.4847
Residential Colleges • 660.785.4409
Residence Life • 660.785.4227
Registrar • 660.785.4143
Safety and Security • 660.785.4176
Student Affairs • 660.785.4111
Truman Bookstore • 660.785.4212

Activity: Pigskin Picks
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: 12 p.m. Each Friday
*Captains’ Meeting: N/A
Play Begins: Sept. 5

Activity: Sand Volleyball
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Sept. 2
*Captain's Meeting: Sept. 4
Play Begins: Sept. 8

Activity: Co-Rec Sand Volleyball
Division: Open
Deadline: Sept. 2
*Captain's Meeting: Sept. 4
Play Begins: Sept. 8

Activity: Tennis-Singles
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Sept. 2
*Captain's Meeting: Sept. 4
Play Begins: Sept. 8

Activity: Softball
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Sept. 8
*Captain's Meeting: Sept. 11
Play Begins: Sept. 15

Activity: Co-Rec Softball
Division: Open
Deadline: Sept. 8
*Captain's Meeting: Sept. 11
Play Begins: Sept. 15

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.

Students and faculty of Truman’s NSF-supported “Research-focused Learning Communities in Mathematical Biology” program held their end-of-summer program of research presentations at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, a state-of-the-art and internationally renowned non-profit research institute in the St. Louis area, July 24. The audience was comprised of all program participants, as well as family members, program alumni and representatives from regional stakeholders and friends of Truman that included Washington University, Saint Louis University, Pfizer, Monsanto, Divergence and the Innovation Factory.

Faculty and students from Truman’s Mathematical Biology Program represented the University at the 2008 meeting of the Society for Mathematical Biology, the world’s largest professional organization dedicated to research at the intersection of the life and mathematical sciences, in Toronto from July 29 to Aug 2. Bo Forrester, a sophomore computer science major from Lee’s Summit, Mo.;  Dianne Kopp, a junior biology major from Murrayville, Ill.; Karen O’Connell, a junior biology major from St. Peters, Mo.; Yu-yu Ren, a junior biology major from Ballwin, Mo.; Molly Smith, a junior computer science major from Newton, Iowa; Spencer Tipping, a junior computer science major from New Boston, Mo.; Allie Wehrman, a sophomore mathematics major from St. Louis; and Brett Wiley, a senior biology major from Afton, Mo.; presented posters on their NSF-supported research projects. Jason Miller, associate professor of mathematics, presented a poster on Truman’s interdisciplinary “mathbio” program. Anton E. Weisstein, assistant professor of biology, and Pamela J. Ryan, associate professor of mathematics also attended.

Dereck Daschke, chair and associate professor of philosophy and religion, and Mark Appold, associate professor of philosophy and religion, participated in the Summer Workshop on Teaching About Terrorism at the University of Oklahoma June 23-30. Daschke was also interviewed by Radio New Zealand’s “Nine to Noon” program July 10, regarding the influence of Biblical prophecy on President Bush’s conception of the War on Terror. The interview can be found at http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/20080710. 

David Giovagnoli, a freshman history major, and Regina Loehr, a sophomore classics major, both from Kansas City, Mo., represented Missouri at the National Junior Classical League convention at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, from July 28 to Aug. 2. As members of the Missouri Senior Classical League, they assisted with this high school and middle school event, which involves academic, creative arts and visual arts contests designed to promote student enthusiasm in the classics.

Warren Gooch, professor of music, has had two original musical compositions selected for performance at the 2008 Iowa Composers Forum Fall Conference. “Three Fauxmanian Dances,” for violin and cello, and “Light of Shadow,” for timpani, will be performed at the festival, hosted by Luther College, Oct. 11-12. Performers will be musicans from Luther College and the Cedar Rapids Symphony.

Truman Pershing Scholar Regina Loehr received the Susan S. Shearer Scholarship while attending the National Junior Classical League convention at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, from July 28 to Aug. 2. Loehr was awarded the scholarship from the Senior Classical League for recognition for her talent and enthusiasm for the Classics, on attending her 5th national convention.

Betty L. McLane-Iles, professor of French, has had her review of Roseline Tremblay’s book “l’Ecrivain imaginaire, essai sur le roman quebecois 1960-1995,” published in the journal “Studies in 20th and 21st Century Literature,” Vol. 32, No. 1, Winter 2008, a joint literary journal published by Kansas State University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Jason Miller, associate professor of mathematics and Timothy D. Walston, assistant professor of biology, represented Truman at the second Howard Hughes Medical Institute Workshop on Quantitative Biology Education from July 21-24. The workshop promoted the adoption of integrative and interdisciplinary approaches to the teaching of undergraduate mathematics and biology. Participants included HHMI-funded institutions from across the country.
As a national leader in the quantitative biology community, Truman was invited to participate in the workshop and various aspects of its Mathematical Biology program were recognized in several of the plenary talks and break-out sessions. Miller and Walston presented a poster on the University’s program at the workshop’s poster session.

The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) is currently accepting applications for an assistant webmaster position for the 2008-2009 school year. The webmaster would focus primarily on updates to the SERVE Center’s website. In addition, this position would be responsible for creating and maintaining the website for the 2009 Homecoming Committee, 2009 FACT and assisting the current CSI webmaster with various projects. Website experience and knowledge of FrontPage is preferred. The position offers institutional pay, scholarship and/or work study payment. Applications are available now in the CSI office located on the lower level of the Student Union Building.

The Tel Alumni campaign is now hiring students to work during the fall semester. Students need to have an outgoing personality with good communication skills on and off the phone. A reliable and dependable work ethic and a willingness to ask parents and alumni for financial support are also needed. No experience is necessary, and Tel Alumni offers paid training. In addition to institutional wages, Tel Alumni has nightly incentives, including prizes and food. Tel Alumni also allows students to choose the nights they want to work. Students can select a minimum of two of the following shifts: Sunday from 3-7 p.m.; Monday from 6-9 p.m.; Tuesday 6-9 p.m.; Wednesday 6-9 p.m.; or Thursday 6-9 p.m. For more information contact Robyn Kollar at 785.4133, or rkollar@truman.edu or stop by the Office of Advancement located at 100 McClain Hall. The application deadline is Sept. 8.

The Theatre Department will host auditions for “A Shadow in the Dark” at 6 p.m. Aug. 27 in the Blackbox Theatre in Ophelia Parrish. Everyone is encouraged to prepare a monologue of no longer than 2 minutes, but there will be cold readings provided. For more information contact Melissa Antey at mka640@truman.edu.

The American Medical Students Association will host its first meeting at 8 p.m. Sept. 1 in Magruder Hall 1000. Students can learn more about the organization and pick up registration materials. For more information contact Hana Khidir at hhk467@truman.edu.

The Department of Public Safety will be conducting four van driving classes between Aug. 26 and Sept. 4. The three-hour classes will take place at 2 p.m., Aug. 26 and 27, and at 3 p.m., Sept. 3 and 4. All classes will be conducted at the Public Safety Building. Class size is limited, so those wanting to attend can make reservations by calling 785.4177 or e-mailing joycemul@truman.edu. 

Prim Rose Recruitment will take place 6:15-7:15 p.m. Sept. 2 in Baldwin Hall 252. For more information e-mail primroserecruitment@gmail.com.

Students are invited to attend the Activities Fair from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 4 on the Quadrangle. Approximately 150 chartered student organizations, along with various  departments and outside vendors, will display the services they have to offer to students. In addition to entertainment, lots of free items will be given away to students. Contact the Center for Student Involvement at 785.4222 for more information.

High Street Dancers will host tryout clinics starting Sept. 8 in the small gym, located in Pershing Building 130. Students who enjoy jazz, hip-hop and lyrical dancing can come to the clinics Sept. 8 and 11, to learn the combinations for the 2008-2009 tryouts. A review will take place Sept. 12 from 7:30-9 p.m., and tryouts will take place Sept. 13 at 9 a.m. There is a $3 tryout fee. High Street Dancers perform at many campus and local events. For more information contact Melody Jennings at 785.7259 or jennings@truman.edu.