Vol. 14, No. 23 - March 2, 2010

This year’s Faculty and Staff Campaign is being headed by Amber Johnson, chair of Society and Environment, and Ralph Cupelli, assistant to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Recently, faculty and staff received information about supporting the Truman Foundation through the 2010 Faculty and Staff Campaign.

Campaign goals include $170,000 in gift support and a participation rate of 60 percent.

Faculty and staff members may designate their gifts to any of the foundation’s 464 funds or direct their gifts to the Truman Fund for Excellence, a fund used to support the University’s areas of greatest need.

There will be a drawing April 1 for prizes, including the reserved parking spots for one year. Any gift to the campaign qualifies individuals for the parking spot drawing, and first-time gifts to the campaign qualify individuals for the Truman apparel package drawing.

This fall, Truman entered into the public phase of “Bright Minds Bright Futures,” a comprehensive, five-year campaign to raise $30 million.

Every gift will count toward both this year’s Faculty and Staff and the “Bright Minds Bright Futures” campaign goals.

For more information about the campaign, go to http://isupport.truman.edu or http://campaign.truman.edu.

Students and employees from Truman and A.T. Still University of Health Sciences are organizing to support an effort to convince Google to bring one gigabit data fiber connections to every home and business in Kirksville.

Several Truman and ATSU representatives, along with leaders from the city of Kirksville, area utilities, businesses and interested citizens, began the process of responding to an open request for information from Google at a meeting Feb. 23.

According to Google, the company plans to install and test fiber-to-the-home Internet networks in one or more selected locations around the country. The connections would be more than one gigabit per second, which is more than 100 times faster than most services today. Google asked communities to submit a proposal outlining why they would be ideal candidates for the experiment.

Bryan Krusniak, director of ATSU’s Department of Information Technology and Services, began organizing key players from both universities, the city and several local businesses last week to help give the proposal form. As of March 1, a Facebook group supporting the initiative included nearly 1,800 fans, and a campaign website is under development.

“A key component to making this proposal successful is demonstrating to Google that Kirksville wants and needs this kind of service,” Krusniak said. “We need to prove that we can do great things with the added bandwidth. That means bringing lots of voices to the table to brainstorm ideas about what this would mean for the community. It also means we need the community to demonstrate widespread support for the project.”

On its website, Google imagines, “sitting in a rural health clinic, streaming three-dimensional medical imaging over the web and discussing a unique condition with a specialist in New York,” “downloading a high-definition, full-length feature film in less than five minutes” or “collaborating with classmates around the world while watching live 3-D video of a university lecture.”

Kevin Minch, director of the Truman Institute and one of the early collaborators on the initiative, said, “The potential academic applications are significant. Not only can this enhance our capacity to perform research and allow students to collaborate at a distance, but winning access to this network could really help Truman further fulfill its statewide educational mission by providing extra-high quality distance learning opportunities that are consistent with Truman’s mission.”

Minch echoed Krusniak’s call for public involvement and described efforts already under way to get the Truman community involved.

“Anyone can submit a nomination to Google advocating for Kirksville as a site for this project,” Minch said. “Additional applications strengthen our argument. We are also working with members of Truman’s Student Senate to sponsor a viral video contest encouraging students to design short advertisements for YouTube and the web-based portion of Kirksville’s application.”

The Truman Institute will sponsor a public rally at 8 p.m. March 4 in Violette 1000 on the Truman campus. Video cameras will be present to record testimony by members of the University and Kirksville communities about how they would use the enhanced bandwidth to enhance their lives and work. Comments will be edited and used to provide additional support to the application.

“We want to use the same kind of innovative technology that Google uses to promote its products to sell Kirksville,” said Todd Kuhns, web services manager for Truman ITS and a member of the Kirksville City Council. “That means viral video, the web and social networking. Our students are masters of these media and can demonstrate the potential for what more bandwidth could do for Kirksville.”

People interested in learning more about the initiative can visit the group on the web at  http://www.fiber4kirksville.info/ or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Google-Fiber-For-Kirksville/302090707335?ref=search&sid=36105437.1858266783..1&v=wall.

Truman is partnering with Indian Hills Community College, in Ottumwa, Iowa, for an exhibition in the University Art Gallery.

The exhibit includes artwork from Truman students and Indian Hills faculty members. The exhibit highlights Truman’s relationship with Indian Hills, a community college from which Truman receives several transfer students.

Mark McWhorter, artist and chair of the art department at Indian Hills, is judging the works of Truman students, which were submitted by Feb. 25. Students were invited to submit up to three pieces for consideration. Numerous honors and awards will be given to the pieces.

McWhorter will conduct a public talk at 5 p.m. March 2 in Ophelia Parrish 2210. An opening reception will follow at 6 p.m. in the University Art Gallery.

The free exhibit runs through April 13 and is open to the public.

Contact Aaron Fine at afine@truman.edu with questions or visit http://art.truman.edu/artgallery.asp for more information or gallery hours.

Truman Forensics won the state title Feb. 20-21, for the first time since 2004.

Other awards included the Bob Derryberry Overall Award, given to the best team in the tournament. The debaters also won the Harold Lawson Overall Debate Award.

These awards are named after former, influential Missouri coaches. The speech competitors also took third place for overall individual events sweepstakes.

“This weekend’s victory highlighted how far we have come this season, not just as individual competitors, but as a team,” Debate Coach Kristopher Stroup said. “Winning debate sweepstakes was great preparation for nationals, but the real prize was the overall award, which highlighted the contributions of both sides of the program and is a terrific measure of team quality across the board.”

Truman also earned several individual state champion awards, including Christian Johns in Lincoln-Douglas speaking, Mel Kapitan in impromptu speaking, Samantha Jones in poetry interpretation and Kyle LaVelle in extemporaneous speaking.

Other awards included Andrew Grojean who took fourth in after dinner speaking, sixth in impromptu and second in pentathlon. Jessica Petrie took second in impromptu, second in extemporaneous and second in persuasion. Jones and Grojean also placed third in duo interpretation.

Top Novice Awards included Jones in poetry, LaVelle in extemporaneous and after dinner speaking and Petrie in impromptu, communication analysis and persuasion.

Additional debate awards include Susan Taylor who placed second, Elizabeth Hatting fifth and Sarah Backhaus sixth. Lincoln-Douglas speaking included quarterfinalist awards for Hatting, Johns, and Backhaus, while Taylor made it to the semi-finals. In parliamentary debate, Johns received a fourth place speaking award and Backhaus fifth. Other notables in this partner format included octofinalist awards for the team of Petrie/Taylor, and semifinals for Johns/Hatting. Backhaus and Dylan Clark won second overall.

Anyone interested in forensics should contact Kristi Scholten, director of forensics, at kscholten@truman.edu.

The Truman State University Foundation awards 10 $1,500 scholarships annually to students who are participating in a summer, faculty-led study abroad experience.

The students who have been selected as recipients in 2010 will study abroad in various programs, including Archeological Dig/Mideast Study Tour, China, Costa Rica, Europe in Transition, Sacred Sites of Greece and Transcultural Experience in the Philippines.

More than $444,000 in scholarships have been awarded from the Truman State University Foundation in 2009-2010. These scholarships are made possible through generous contributions from alumni, parents and friends of the University.

Applications for 2010-2011 Foundation scholarships are available online now at https://secure.truman.edu/isupport-s/. The deadline to apply is midnight, March 5. Foundation Study Abroad scholarship applications will be available in the Center for International Education this fall.

For more information or questions, contact the Office of Advancement at 785.4133.

Richard Coughlin, dean of the library, has agreed to serve as Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs beginning May 10 until the Provost position is filled.

Coughlin will be assisting current provost Troy Paino during the transition to his new position as University President.

“Dean Coughlin is a trusted and respected administrator who knows the University well,” Paino said. “I am deeply indebted to him for his willingness to serve in this capacity in the interim. I know he will do a wonderful job assisting me during the transition.”

Paino has already formed a search committee for the next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Truman. The Search Committee includes Janet Gooch, professor and chair of communication disorders, committee co-chair; Priscilla Riggle, dean of the School of Arts & Letters, committee co-chair; Clifton Kreps, professor and chair of classic and modern languages; Teresa Heckert, professor of psychology; Sally West, professor of history; Stephen Allen, professor of business administration; James Guffey, professor of mathematics and statistics and president of Faculty Senate; Janet Romine, librarian; Rebecca Charles, assistant registrar; Kathy Powell, assistant to the provost; and Isaac Robinson, vice president of Student Senate.

The committee met Feb. 19 and was asked by Paino to work fast in hopes of finding someone willing to begin by the start of next academic year.

The position announcement went out the final week of February.

The committee will begin reviewing application materials in April, conduct off-campus interviews with semi-finalists by mid-April and invite the finalists to campus during the last week in April and first week in May.

If for any reason the committee decides to delay interviews until the fall, campus will be notified.

The committee will submit a list of “acceptable” candidates with a summary of their strengths and weaknesses to Paino.

At the end of the process, after receiving input from the search committee and the entire campus community, he will decide who can effectively work with him, faculty, staff, students, the President’s Executive Staff and academic administrators in helping set the course for Truman.

Truman State University Foundation scholarship applications for Truman students in the 2010-2011 academic year are now available. Applications are online and are due by midnight March 5. To learn more, go to https://secure.truman.edu/isupport-s/.

McManis Family Scholarship is being offered for the first time this year. This scholarship was established in 2005 by Michael A. and Marcia M. McManis with their daughters Erin E. McManis and Kristen V. McManis, both of whom are Truman alumna. Applicants must be a student of high character and demonstrate financial need. First preference is given to education or pre-MAE students. Second preference is given to interdisciplinary, history or political science majors. To apply, go to https://secure.truman.edu/isupport-s/. The McManis Scholarship is due March 5.

National Science Foundation Incentive Scholarships of $500 may be available to students who take one or more math or computer science courses not required by their majors. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, have a financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA, and may not be math or computer science majors. (Math and computer science minors are eligible). To apply, fill out the online application at http://smacs.truman.edu. Students who apply by March 5 will receive first consideration for funding. For more information contact Dana Vazzana at dvazzana@truman.edu.

The St. Louis Chapter of the Hispanic/Latino Employee Association of AT&T (HACEMOS) awards annual scholarships to meritorious Hispanic college students or college bound high school seniors and graduates. All Hispanic college students residing in the St. Louis metropolitan area (including Missouri and Illinois) are eligible to apply. Applicant must be a Hispanic resident of the United States as classified by the U.S. Census. College students and high school seniors or graduates who have a parent who has been a member in good-standing of HACEMOS for at least two years are also eligible to apply. A completed application must be received by March 15. Application for this scholarship are available through the Truman State University Financial Aid Office, McClain Hall 103.

The J. R. Popalisky Scholarship Fund of the Missouri Section of the American Water Works Association is offering a $1,000 scholarship is to encourage enrollment in educational studies related to career fields associated with water supply. Applications are available in the Financial Aid office in McClain 103. Deadline for submission of this application is March 24.  

The Press Club of Metropolitan St. Louis is inviting eligible media communication, and journalism students to apply for scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year. Students of journalism or related fields who are residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area (City of St. Louis; Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles, St. Louis, and Warren counties in Missouri; and Bond, Clinton, Jersey, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties in Illinois) are eligible to receive these scholarships. Applications are available online at http://www.stlpressclub.org/scholarships.html. Deadline for applications is March 30.

The Missouri Insurance Education Foundation will award scholarships to deserving students attending Missouri colleges or universities in a program that could lead to positions in the insurance industry in Missouri. The $2,500 C. Lawrence Leggett Scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior Missouri resident majoring in insurance or a related area of study in a Missouri college or university. In addition to the Leggett Scholarship, the foundation has made an additional scholarship available in the amount of $2,000. Applications are available on their website at http://www.mief.org and due March 31.

The Jack J. Isgur Foundation is accepting applications from students enrolled in the field of education in the humanities, such as literature, fine arts, music, art, poetry and dance. The Foundation awards scholarships to students studying at colleges and universities who indicate an interest in teaching courses in the above-described areas in school districts located in the State of Missouri, preferably rural school districts. The scholarship is available to those at the junior and senior levels, as well as graduate students. For further information, and an application, stop by the Truman State University Financial Aid Office. Deadline for submission is April 15.

The Foundation of the Stadium Managers Association (SMA) offers its student scholarship to provide tuition assistance and an opportunity for outstanding students currently enrolled in an accredited Sports Management and Sports Administration programs with an emphasis on facility and/or event management to learn more about the professions through networking with leaders in the field in an educational, and information setting. This $2,500 annual scholarship award includes student membership in the SMA. For an application and more information regarding this scholarship go to http://www.stadiummanagers.org, click on Foundation. Application deadline is April 15.  

The William M. Reiss Foundation is offering scholarships to graduates of publicly supported high schools located within the city limits of Belleville, Ill. Official college transcripts are required and a copy of the Student Aid Report from the FASFA is recommended. Stop by the Financial Aid Office at McClain Hall 103 for more information on how to apply for this scholarship. Deadline to apply is May 1.

The John Gyles Education Awards are available each year to students in both Canada and the United States. They are the result of a private, benevolent endeavor established in 1990. Full Canadian or American citizenship is a requirement. Awards are available to both male and female students for all areas of post secondary study. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Criteria other than strictly academic ability and financial need are considered in the selection process. Selected students will receive up to $3,000. The filing date for mailing applications is May 1. Applications are available online at http://www.johngyleseducationcenter.com.

The BigSun Organization is proud to be able to continue to help young athletes succeed in their academic pursuits by offering a $500 scholarship. All student athletes are eligible for this award, regardless of the sport. Deadline for submission is June 24. Visit http://www.bigsunathletics.com to learn how to apply.

AES Engineers is pleased to be able to continue providing $500 scholarships to students regardless of courses being studied who meet certain criteria. Scholarships are intended for future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study. This award is available to high school seniors and all students attending a post secondary educational facility. Students are not required to be taking Engineering courses to be eligible. Students must submit an essay of no more than 1,000 words in answer to one of the two questions that are posted online at http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm. Deadline for entry is October 8.

Activity: NCAA March Madness
Division: Open
Deadline: First of March
Captains’ Meeting: NA
Play Begins: First of March

Activity: Volleyball
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Mar. 2
Captains’ Meeting: Mar. 3
Play Begins: Mar. 15

Activity: Co-Rec Volleyball
Division: Open
Deadline: Mar. 2
Captains’ Meeting: Mar. 3
Play Begins: Mar. 15

Activity: Closest to the Pin
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Mar. 16
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: TBA

Activity: Indoor Soccer
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Mar. 16
Captains’ Meeting: Mar. 18
Play Begins: Mar. 22

Activity: Co-Rec Indoor Soccer
Division: Open
Deadline: Mar. 16
Captains’ Meeting: Mar. 18
Play Begins: Mar. 22

Activity: Swim Meet
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Apr. 6
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: Apr. 8

Activity: Ultimate Frisbee
Division: Open
Deadline: Apr. 13
Captains’ Meeting: E-mail
Play Begins: Apr. 17 & 18

Activity: Punt Pass & Kick
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Apr. 13
Captains’ Meeting: Apr. 15
Play Begins: Apr. 22

Activity: Track Meet
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Apr. 13
Captains’ Meeting: Apr. 15
Play Begins: Apr. 22

Activity: T-Shirt Design Contest
Division: Open
Deadline: Apr. 29
Captains’ Meeting: NA
Play Begins: NA

Activity: Wrap Up Meeting
Division: Open
Deadline: NA
Captains’ Meeting: Apr. 29
Play Begins: NA

All information, rules and registration requirements are online at http://recreation.truman.edu/intramuralrec.asp, or contact the Intramural Office at 785.4467. Captains’ Meeting is at 4:30 p.m. in the SRC Conference Room.

Taner Edis, associate professor of physics, had a chapter published in Michael R. Matthews, ed., Science, Worldviews and Education (Dordrecht: Springer, 2009).

SAB is hosting “Poker Night” at 7 p.m. March 2 in the Student Union Building Down Under. Come to the Down Under for Texas Hold ‘Em Poker, free food and door prizes.

Alpha Phi Omega is hosting a Bake Sale from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 3-5 in McClain, Magruder and Violette halls. Baked goods will be available for 50 cents each.

The Weekly Lunch Series continues at 12:30 p.m. March 3 in the Student Union Building Spanish Room. The library staff will share the present and future visions for the Library and its services during their presentation, “Library Services: What’s Happening Now and Our Look to the Future.”

The next Physics Colloquium will take place at 4:30 p.m. March 3 in Magruder Hall 1096. The topic of presentation is “Random Adventures in Physics and Weirdness,” presented by Taner Edis, associate professor of physics. Visit http://physics.truman.edu/colloquia/mainstage.asp for more information.

Student Affairs is offering a trip to Moab, Utah, May 9-16 for activities such as hiking, mountainbiking and rafting. A meeting for interested students will take place at 9 p.m. March 3 in Violette Hall 1010. Cost for students is $300 plus food. The trip is sponsored by a Student Life Initiative Grant from Student Affairs. E-mail Liz at ljorn@truman.edu for more information.

The Center for Teaching & Learning is hosting a Webinar at 1 p.m. March 5 in Pickler Memorial Library 205 on how to successfully apply for Community Engagement Classification. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching began its registration process for the new Carnegie campus classification, Community Engagement. The classification is an elective classification established by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 2006, and was issued for a second time in 2008. For more information visit http://classifications.carnegiefoundation.org/descriptions/community_engagement.php.

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) will meet at 4:30 p.m. March 5 at the University Club House, located at 516 E. Patterson. Contact Marc Becker at marc@truman.edu or call 785.6036 for more information.

The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Chorus will present “True Award Winners” with a guest appearance by True Men at 7:30 p.m. March 6 at Salem Evangelical United Church of Christ in Quincy, Ill. Tickets are free for faculty, staff and students with a University ID. Visit http://www.qsoa.org for more information.

May 2010 graduates can begin ordering graduation items at http://www1.herffjones.com/college/graduation/index.cfm or stop by the Truman Bookstore for details. Orders are due March 5. Mark your calendars for the graduation fair April 20-21 in the Student Union Building.

Nominations for the Still Spirit Awards are now under way. The Still Spirit Award recognizes leadership and the spirit of volunteerism of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, founder of A.T. Still University. Nomination forms are available at http://www.atsu.edu/spirit and must be submitted by March 19. For more information, contact vhalterman@atsu.edu.