Vol. 25 No. 21 - February 15, 2021

Features

  • Health Center and UCS to Start Expanded Services

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    Truman students will soon have access to expanded physical and mental health care services thanks to a new partnership with a local provider.

    Starting March 8, Complete Family Medicine will oversee operations of both the Student Health Center and University Counseling Services. As a subsidiary of Hannibal Regional Healthcare System, a non-profit agency, Complete Family Medicine has the capacity to offer additional resources to students including expanded hours, increased access to a physician and access to off-site providers when needed.

    “Physical and mental well-being are cornerstones of a successful student experience,” said University President Sue Thomas. “By partnering with a professional, non-profit health care provider, we will be able to offer enhanced services to support our students’ needs.”

    The Student Health Center and University Counseling Services will remain housed in the McKinney Center. All current employees will be retained, and by partnering with Complete Family Medicine both services will have access to additional personnel when needed.

    Services will be accessible year around. During the school year, new hours of operation will be from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

    Dr. Jordan Palmer will be the medical director overseeing both clinics and will provide office hours in the Student Health Center. As an alumnus of Truman and A.T. Still University, he brings an understanding of the campus and local community.

    “Being an alumnus, I know the culture at Truman. I know the environment that the faculty and staff and students work to create so that we can have students go on to do great things when they’re done with their education,” Palmer said. “All of that knowledge will make this effort even more successful, and it’s going to make for a great partnership.”

    Equitable care is a priority of the arrangement. In the early stages of this new collaborative effort Truman will subsidize care, and students will not see any increase in the cost of services. Because Complete Family Medicine is part of a larger network with experience in multiple facets of health care, they can provide services on a sliding scale. Their experience with medical billing, referrals and insurance providers will streamline services.

    “We’re a non-profit. We’re not here to squeeze out every penny, either from the University or the students who come to see us,” Palmer said. “The goal is to be a premiere student health center and student counseling center that other universities look to because we’ve implemented models and processes of care that are making our students as healthy as possible so they can be successful in and out of the classroom.”

    Students seeking services through the Student Health Center or University Counseling Services will have the option to handle their care through private insurance, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs benefits or private payments. By providing students more initial access, they should benefit in the long term.

    “We want students to come and see us early on so we can tackle small problems before they become big problems,” Palmer said.

    All contact information for both clinics will remain the same. Students can contact the Student Health Center at 660.785.4182 and UCS at 660.785.7444 or ucs@truman.edu. More information regarding Complete Family Medicine can be found at cfmcares.com.
  • Career and Grad School Week Returns in Virtual Format

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    This year’s Career and Graduate School Expo will take place virtually Feb. 23-25.

    To start off the festivities, the Career Center will host an all-virtual Expo Bootcamp, Feb. 23. A professional statement workshop will take place from 5-6 p.m. From 6-8 p.m., there will be a resume workshop, a presentation to register for the Career Fair and a presentation on how to do a successful interview.

    The next event will be the Virtual Graduate and Professional School Expo where students will get a chance to speak with recruiters from grad schools and learn about opportunities in their field. This will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 24. To finish the week off, the Virtual Career and Internship expo will take place 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Feb. 25.

    To learn more or to register for these events, go to hiretruman.truman.edu then to Student/Alumni Login followed by events, career fairs and select career fair of choice. Click on attend in the upper right corner of the page to formally sign up. With any questions regarding times or function of the event, go to career.truman.edu or email the Career Center at ucc3@truman.edu. These events will be accessed from #HireTruman.
  • Students Can Win $3,000 in Bulldog B.I.T.E.

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    Students with an affinity for business can submit their ideas for the sixth-annual Bulldog B.I.T.E. elevator pitch contest until March 5.

    An elevator pitch outlines the concept or idea for a product, service or project in a short period of time, typically from 30 seconds to three minutes. The length of the pitch mirrors the time spent waiting for and riding an elevator in a high-rise building. The purpose of the pitch is to spur the interest of a potential investor or financial backer.

    Bulldog B.I.T.E., which stands for Business Innovation by Truman Entrepreneurs, is open to any student or team of students — up to three members — enrolled during the 2021 spring semester. A student or team may submit only one pitch concept for the contest. Participants may pitch a for-profit or not-for-profit concept.

    Students will submit a concept or idea for a product, service or project in a video pitch no longer than two minutes by 10 p.m. March 5. The video should not include any props, except the product prototype, and should be one continuous shot. Students must also include an executive summary of their concept. The executive summary must contain: name of the individual or team members; problem or issue being addressed by the concept; product description; target market; competitive advantage of the concept; value creation; and expected future use of prize money.

    Judges will select six teams to virtually attend the live pitch competition from 4-6 p.m. April 9 to present their product to a panel. The top three finalists will receive cash awards: the cash prize for first place is $3,000; second place is $2,000; and third place is $1,000.

    The Bulldog B.I.T.E. is sponsored by Villhard Growth Partners and is coordinated on campus by the Office of Advancement.

    For complete details and entry information, visit bulldogbite.truman.edu.
  • Annual Piano Festival to Occur Feb. 19-20

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    The 38th annual Truman Piano Festival will take place Feb. 19-20 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.

    This year’s featured guest artist is Truman’s own Lok Ng, assistant professor of music in piano. At 8 p.m. Feb 19 she will perform a solo recital that features works by Frederic Chopin, Sonata No. 2 “Funeral March” and the four ballades. At 9:30 a.m. Feb. 20 she will conduct a master class featuring Truman piano majors. Due to the pandemic, the Feb. 19 recital will be available online at truman.edu/concerts.

    A native of Beijing, Ng began her piano studies at an early age and was studying under Zhau Ping-Guo at the Central Conservatory of Beijing, the most prestigious music school in China, by the age of 11. Throughout her career, she has participated in master classes with many world-renowned pianists, including Vladamir Feltsman, Earl Wild, Nelita True, Vladimir Shakin and Douglas Humpherys. She has also been a prizewinner at several piano competitions including second place at the Liszt-Garrison International Piano Competition, first place at the MTNA Young Artist piano competition and first place on two occasions at the UNLV concerto competition.

    Ng immigrated to the United States in 1992 where she earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in piano at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, followed by her D.M.A. in piano performance at the University of North Texas. She also earned a post-doctorate professional studies certificate in piano at Manhattan School of Music, studying under Zenon Fishbein. Ng serves as an arbitrator at piano competitions around the United States. She has helped with piano juries of the STMTA (Southern Tier Music Teachers’ Association) competition at Binghamton University, the MTNA Young Artist Piano Competition in New York and the NYSMTA Heddy Kilian Competition.

    This year Dr. Spencer Baker, assistant professor of piano at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, will judge the scholarship auditions virtually.  The master class and Feb. 20 auditions will not be open to the public.
  • National TRIO Day Spotlights Truman Programs

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    McNair scholars Ashley Taylor, Albana Ismaili, Christina Carapia-Chaparro, Del Hannay, Quin Quintana and Kim Ramos

    Truman will celebrate its Upward Bound and McNair programs during National TRIO Day, Feb. 27.

    The Federal TRIO programs are designed to foster greater educational equity through their work with qualified students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education. This year for National TRIO Day, Truman’s programs will focus on sharing the impact they both have on and off campus. In McNair, they will concentrate on recruitment for the Pre-McNair Fellows program during the week of Feb. 22-26. Current McNair scholars will take over the programs Instagram to share what TRIO means to them and how to get involved. They will also discuss Pre-McNair and the history of TRIO on KTRM radio at 6 p.m. Feb. 24. Upward Bound will be doing a social media campaign to highlight National TRIO Day and join McNair during the radio show.

    The McNair program supports students from historically underrepresented groups who are interested in pursuing graduate education, especially doctoral degrees. The Pre-McNair Fellows program is open to any McNair-eligible freshmen or sophomores who want to get a sense of the services offered and do career and grad school exploration with one of the certified senior peer mentors. Interested students can find out if they are eligible and get more information about Pre-McNair by completing this form found on the program’s website.  

    Through Upward Bound, Truman students help high school students in six northeast Missouri counties prepare and apply for college. Even during the pandemic, they are able to take necessary precautions and conduct in-person meetings at area high schools. Teams of Truman students – both undergrads and MAE – travel to high schools each week to provide tutoring, mentoring, encouragement and assistance with college exploration and application.

    TRIO programs exemplify the mission and vision of Truman “to open opportunity, promote access and social mobility, foster excellence, recognize merit and do all things that urge our students to make themselves productive, free and equal.” Both programs must submit new funding proposals through a competitive federal grant application process every five years. Truman’s Upward Bound Project has been continuously funded since 1966 and McNair program has been continuously funded since 1992.
  • Forensics Picks Up Awards in Virtual Tournament

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    Students from Truman’s Forensics Union attended the virtual Gorlok Gala speech and debate tournament at Webster University the weekend of Jan. 29-31. The team earned new qualifications for the national tournament in multiple events.

    Junior Macy Cecil competed in the double octofinals in Lincoln-Douglas debate, earning her a qualification on her first tournament of the season. On the speech side, senior Audrey Baker took fifth place in prose interpretation and fourth place in persuasive speaking. Junior Jackson Elder earned an excellence award for impromptu speaking, placing him in the top 20% of a field of more than 80 speakers. He also received the fourth-place prize in extemporaneous speaking.

    Freshmen Jillian Humke and Larissa Wratney received third place in duo interpretation. Humke also earned an excellence award in after-dinner speaking and Wratney earned third place and top novice honors in after-dinner speaking. Lastly, freshman Ella Schnake earned a top novice award in poetry and impromptu speaking, as well as an excellence award in poetry and a fourth-place finish in impromptu speaking.

    The team earned fourth place overall in the speech sweepstakes points categories, their highest finish at the Gorlock Gala in many years. Truman will also receive the Traveling Gorlok Award for the year, for accruing cumulative points over a period of time.

    For more information on how to get involved, visit forensics.truman.edu or contact Craig Hennigan at chennigan@truman.edu.
  • New App Provides Added Communication and Safety Features

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    Truman students, faculty and staff now have a new app option to assist with communication and safety efforts.

    Rave Guardian is a reliable way to communicate effectively, utilizing multiple channels to enhance full dissemination. In addition to its use in emergency situations, the Rave Guardian app has many everyday, non-emergency uses. The app has contact information for offices that students use most frequently – including Financial Aid, the Student Health Center, the University Counseling Center and the Recreation Center – as well as maps and resource information.

    Enhanced safety features include immediate and on-demand panic buttons, two-way texting, anonymous tip reporting of suspicious behavior and a unique “virtual walk” escort that utilizes GPS tracking.  

    Rave Guardian can be downloaded for free at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android.

Announcements

  • COVID Risks Can Have Long-term Repercussions

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    As more infectious variants of COVID-19 reach the Midwest, people need to be more vigilant than ever to prevent exposure to and spread of the virus.

    Members of the Faculty Senate COVID-19 Working Group, Nancy Daley-Moore, Scott Alberts and Christine Harker, recently discussed the University’s numbers for the week of Feb. 9. While the number of cases decreased, the group continued to encourage everyone on campus to take precautions. Small risks, such as meeting with people in close quarters or going out to a restaurant, can still lead to active cases, especially as new strains of the virus become more prevalent. Also, because long-term effects of the virus are still unknown, even minor risks have potential long-term repercussions.
        
    The group also noted the vaccine alone will not return things to normal. It is unclear whether or not vaccinated individuals can spread the virus. Until herd immunity is reached through mass vaccinations, everyone – even those who have been vaccinated – should continue to wear a mask, wash their hands regularly and maintain social distance.

    A recording of the Faculty Senate COVID-19 Working Group conversation can be found here.
  • Summer Classes Allow Students to Work at Their Own Pace

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  • Nominate an Extraordinary Professor or Research Mentor

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    Students are able to nominate Truman faculty members to be recognized at the annual Academic Accolades Banquet in April.

    Every year the student body selects one professor and one research mentor to receive the Educator of the Year and the Research Mentor of the Year awards. This is an opportunity for students to show appreciation to their favorite educators and research mentors for their commitment to the Truman community and highlight their accomplishments.

    Professors are also able to be nominated for the Faculty Mental Health Honoree of the Year award. This award is intended to honor an educator who is not only dedicated to education but to aiding students in one or more of the eight dimensions of wellness: emotional; financial; social; spiritual; occupational; physical; intellectual; or environmental.

    To make a nomination, complete this form before 11:59 p.m. Feb. 15. Contact sqp6573@truman.edu with any questions.
  • OSR Seeks TruScholars Summer Research Proposals

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    The Office of Student Research is accepting TruScholars proposals for research and creative scholarship conducted during the eight-week summer term, June 7-July 30. During the program, students should devote full-time effort to their project and faculty mentors should be continuously available for consultation and collaboration. Projects will be funded up to a maximum value of $5,750, including a $3,500 max student stipend and $1,750 max mentor stipend. Complete guidelines for the TruScholars applications can be found at the Office of Student Research website. Applications are due Feb. 15. Questions can be directed to osr@truman.edu.
  • Phi Sigma Pi Virtual Recruitment Starts Feb. 15

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    Phi Sigma Pi will host its spring recruitment from Feb. 15-19. RSVP here to receive the Zoom link for the first three events of the week. The rest of the week is invitation only, invitees will receive details after attending the open events.

    Information Night
    7 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.
    Feb. 15
    Zoom

    Scholarship Night
    8:30 p.m.
    Feb. 16
    Zoom

    Fellowship Night

    8:30 p.m.
    Feb. 17
    Zoom

    Invite Only Event

    Feb. 18
    Zoom

    Invite Only Event
    Feb. 19
    Zoom
  • ABC to Host Series of Events

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  • Violette Hall Parking Lot Closed Until Feb. 17

    Violette Hall parking lot will be closed through Feb. 17. This is to allow for delivery of heating oil.
  • National Society of Collegiate Scholars Hosts Informational Session

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    The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is hosting an online informational session at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18. This event is open to any student who is interested in joining or learning more about the organization. Topics including fundraising for Active Minds and the Alzheimer’s Association, as well as community service and networking opportunities for future careers, will be discussed. All prospective members must have a 3.0 GPA or above. Questions can be directed to Hannah Fortner at trumans.nscs@gmail.com.

    Feb. 18
    7:30 p.m.
    Zoom Meeting ID: 959 9447 1110
    Zoom Meeting Password: Pursue
  • Open Forum Scheduled for Rec Center Director Candidate

    The open forum for the final candidate for the director of campus recreation position has been rescheduled. His resume and Zoom link can be found here. The session will be recorded and posted for anyone that cannot attend in person or via Zoom.

    Todd Welscott
    2 p.m.
    Feb. 19
    Student Union Building Alumni Room/Zoom
  • Temporary Change to Bookstore Hours

    The Truman Bookstore will close at 12 p.m. Feb. 19 and will remain closed all day Feb. 20 due to inventory. Call 660.785.4211 with any questions.

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  • Food Packs Available for Students

    Truman students experiencing food insecurity can utilize the Truman Food Bank. Pre-made food packs can be picked up with a Truman ID at the SERVE Center located in Student Union Building 1106 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday or Friday. Students can also submit a request here.

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  • Tax Prep Sessions Now Scheduling Appointments

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    Beta Alpha Psi will host Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) sessions from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 20 and Feb. 27 in Violette Hall 1424.

    Clients who come to VITA should bring: social security cards for spouses and dependents; bank routing numbers and bank account numbers for direct deposit; wage and earnings statements such as W-2, 1098T and 1099; and a copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns if available. VITA services will be completed by IRS-certified volunteers and will also offer free electronic filing to receive a faster return.

    Due to COVID-19 restrictions, VITA services will only be offered to Truman students and staff. To prevent crowding and maintain social distancing, appointments are required. Walk-ins will be turned away.

    Call 660.785.6064 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit bap.truman.edu/vita.
  • Basic Life Support Course Offered

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  • Musical to Run Online Feb. 24-27

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    Truman theatre’s third production of the year is a musical entitled “[title of show]” that will run nightly at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24-27.

    To continue to create a safe and socially distanced atmosphere the musical will be presented entirely online. All of the actors are Truman students, each with their own space where they will be preforming in front of a camera while the entire production is streamed live from the James G. Severns Theatre.

    This musical by Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell, “[title of show]” follows two struggling writers on their journey to write a musical for a new theatre festival. However, the deadline for submission is only three weeks away. In an attempt to beat the clock, they enlist the help of their friends to create an original musical. With the cast in place, they hit another roadblock: what should they write about? They decide to follow the saying “write what you know” and embark on a unique adventure to write a musical about writing a musical. Taken from the space on the festival’s application form which asks for the “title of show” they draw the title inspiration for their work.  

    “[title of show]” is appropriate for audience members 13 and older. It contains profane language, but ultimately features an inside look at the tough work of being a creative artist. Runtime is approximately 90 minutes.

    Tickets are $6 and available now at boxoffice.truman.edu. Once a ticket has been purchased detailed information on how to access the live stream will be provided. There is a limit of 250 audience members per performance.   

    For more information, contact the Truman Theatre Box Office at 660.785.4515 between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Virtual Research Competition Open to All Graduate Students

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    Truman’s third annual Three-Minute Thesis Competition will take place Feb. 27, providing students an opportunity to highlight their graduate-level research.

    For the competition, participants will create a single slide that conveys their study. They will then have three minutes to discuss their research and its importance. Any original graduate research qualifies. It can be a scientific study, a discussion on a student’s creative writing adventure or musical composition. Current graduate students cannot submit research completed as an undergraduate.

    Due to the pandemic, the local and regional competitions are virtual. Students will record a three-minute presentation following the guidelines set forth by Queensland University. They will also need an introductory slide that will includes their name, title of presentation, faculty member and department. The single research slide appears right after, and as soon as the student starts speaking, the timer begins.  

    The first-place prize is $75, with second place earning $50. The winner of the competition is then eligible to compete in the regional Midwest Association of Graduate Studies competition.  

    Registration can be completed at Truman’s Three-Minute Thesis Competition website. The deadline for submitting a video is Feb. 24. The previous system for judging requires updating due to the virtual format. Final details will be provided when they are available. For more information, contact Julia Edgar, associate professor of communication disorders at jedgar@truman.edu.
  • Rec Offers Free Body Composition Testing

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    The Student Recreation Center is offering free body composition testing from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 24 and 2-4:30 p.m. Feb. 25 in room 218. Participants are eligible for a blood pressure reading, body mass index and three-site skinfold measurements. Participants can sign up for a 15-minute appointment at the weight room desk or by emailing dreamweaver@truman.edu.
  • Bulldog Break Highlights Gift and Estate Planning

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    The next edition of Bulldog Break, a webinar series sponsored by the Office of Advancement, will present “Navigating Your Future with Gift Planning.”

    In this one-hour webinar, Truman alumni with extensive experience in the field of gift/estate planning will help navigate the subject of gift planning, as well discuss a variety of giving options that can help donors support causes important to them while also taking care of their families. The panelists will also answer questions submitted by webinar attendees.

    This Bulldog Break will take place at 12 p.m. Feb. 24 via Zoom. To register for one of the free 100 spots, click here. For more information, email bulldogforever@truman.edu.
  • Homecoming Committee Applications Accepted Now

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    Click here to apply.
  • Colloquium Examines Afghanistan/Pakistan Borderland

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    “Lessons Unlearnt: Imperialism and Resistance in the Afghanistan/Pakistan Borderland” will take place 7 p.m. Feb. 25 on Zoom.

    This presentation will feature Sameetah Agha, a professor of social science and cultural studies at Pratt Institute. She is also the author of “The Limits of Empire: Sub-Imperialism and Pukhtun Resistance in the North-West Frontier.” Agha will focus on the imperial history of the Afghanistan/Pakistan borderland while situating the contemporary American experience in the context of Pukhtun history and resistance.

    For further information, visit the Global Colloquium’s webpage at globalissues.truman.edu.
  • Environmental Committee Seeks Project Proposals

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    The Environmental Sustainability Fee Accountability Committee is currently seeking proposals for improving sustainability on Truman's campus. Any member of the Truman community can propose a project idea to the committee for consideration. In the past they have funded projects such as updated compost equipment, solar power for the University Farm and reusable water bottle fillers. Proposals can be completed using this form. The deadline for proposal submission is midnight Feb. 26. Contact Liam Connolly at wmc7667@truman.edu with any questions.
  • Leadership Recognition Program Accepting Nominees

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    The nomination form for the 2021 Leadership Recognition Program is now open.

    This program is designed to honor Truman students, advisors and organizations for their dedication to their peers, campus and Kirksville community through various leadership roles during the year.

    Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate exceptional student leaders, advisors, organizations and events on campus, particularly candidates whose achievements stood out after a year of constant adaptation to change.

    The access link to the nomination form and packet can be found online at involvement.truman.edu/lrp. Nomination forms are due by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 28. The awards ceremony will take place April 13 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms. There will be more than 30 awards to distribute.

    Questions can be directed to Munkhjin Bat-Ireedui at csilrp@gmail.com. For more information visit involvement.truman.edu/lrp.
  • Now Hiring Student Ambassadors

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    Click here for more information about becoming an ambassador. The photo above was taken before the pandemic.
  • Student Research Conference Seeks Abstracts

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    The online submission site for the Student Research Conference is now open and abstracts can be submitted until 5 p.m. March 16.

    The 2021 Student Research Conference will take place April 22 as a hybrid event. Asynchronous virtual oral, poster, performance art and studio art presentations, as well as a limited number of face-to-face oral presentations, will be facilitated. This conference is a University-wide celebration of student research, scholarship and creative achievement. Both undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit abstracts.

    Complete abstract guidelines can be found on the Office of Student Research website. All abstracts need to be sponsored by a Truman faculty or staff member. Students should work with their faculty mentor before submitting the abstract. For any questions about the Student Research Conference email osr@truman.edu.
  • Master of Athletic Training Applications Due April 1

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    The Truman Master of Athletic Training program is currently accepting applications for the 2021 cohort that begins July 1.

    Students interested in health care can consider a career in athletic training, which encompasses injury evaluation, rehabilitation and treatment, as well as program administration. Athletic training works closely with medical professionals to provide overall care and treatment to a variety of physically active individuals.

    For more information contact Brandy Schneider or visit truman.edu/mat. Application deadline is April 1.

Notables

  • Michael Ashcraft

    Michael Ashcraft, professor of philosophy and religion, gave a presentation Feb. 5 at the Religion and Academia Reframed: Connecting Religion, Science, and Society in the Long Sixties conference sponsored by the University of Bern, Switzerland and the Institute for the Science of Religion. His paper was entitled “Robert N. Bellah, J. Gordon Melton and the New Religious Consciousness.”
  • Jack Magruder

    Jack Magruder, president emeritus and professor emeritus of chemistry, received the Governor Mel Carnahan Public Service Award for Education, Feb. 11. Presented by the University of Missouri’s Harry S Truman School of Public Affairs, the awards recognize outstanding Missourians for their contributions to public service through their professional or volunteer activities.
  • Financial Finalists

    Thomas Bindbeutel and Gracie Trokey are one of four teams to advance to the finals of the IARFC National Financial Plan Competition. Normally only three teams are selected, but for the first time in the history of the competition, the board selected four teams to advance. The selected teams will virtually present their final presentations April 22. This competition is sponsored by the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants. It is open to undergraduate university students who are enrolled in a financial services curriculum. From a fictional case narrative, the students are requested to craft a financial plan to present throughout the competition.

COVID-19 Updates

  • Regional Vaccine Event Rescheduled for Feb. 18

    The regional COVID-19 vaccine event originally scheduled for Feb. 10 has been rescheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at The Crossing, 810 E. Shepherd Ave., in Kirksville.

    The Adair County Health Department, local and regional health care and community partners, and the Missouri National Guard will be coordinating the mass vaccination and directing traffic at The Crossing.

    Those who registered for the Feb. 10 event should keep the same scheduled appointment time. Due to cancellations, there are some appointments still available, so registration has been reopened to fill them. Visit the Adair County Health Department website and click on the registration link on the homepage to register. Those who do not have internet service can call 660.730.6100 and 660.730.6200 to register.

    This regional event is primarily for adults age 65 and older and high-risk individuals including adults age 18 and older with cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, heart conditions, weakened immune system due to organ transplant, severe obesity (BMI >40), sickle cell disease, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, pregnant women or individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome. Any remaining long-term and residential care workers, hospital and health care workers, emergency workers, including first responders, ambulance, law enforcement, fire, corrections and juvenile corrections, emergency management and public works may also register. Anyone who does not fall into these groups is not eligible for the Feb. 18 vaccine.

    The Moderna vaccine will be administered Feb. 18. All participants should bring their signed consent form with them. Those forms are available on the Adair County Health Department’s website under the “Forms” tab or may be picked up at the Adair County Health Department’s clinic entrance.

    Frigid weather has forced the vaccine to be administered at a walk-in clinic at The Crossing. Masks are required, and social distancing will be practiced to the extent possible. Anyone with a health condition that makes walking difficult should park in the blue handicap-designated spaces in front of The Crossing and wait for assistance. Participants will check in with their consent forms at the registration area, proceed to the vaccine area, then sit in a waiting area for 15 minutes where they will be monitored for any adverse reactions to the vaccine before being released to return to their vehicles.

    Those receiving the Moderna vaccine Feb. 18 will receive the second dose of the same vaccine March 18 at the same scheduled time.
  • Limited Moderna Vaccines Available During February

    Northeast Regional Medical Center will be receiving weekly COVID-19 vaccine allocations through the month of February to assist with public vaccination efforts.

    NRMC’s delivery of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is an allocation of 100 first doses. Individuals 65 and older, and any adults with serious health issues, are eligible to register at this time. Individuals meeting the criteria can register providing their name, date of birth and telephone number via:

    • Phone voice message: 660.785.1829 (660.785.1VAX)
    • Email: 0166_CI_NRMC1VAX@chs.net
    • The hospital operator is not able to accept registrations.
    Once you have submitted your appointment request, a hospital representative will reach out to you within 24 to 48 hours to schedule.

    Future clinic dates are being scheduled through February. NRMC has not yet been told the number of doses that will be received in the coming weeks. Updates will be provided as additional vaccine is made available.
  • Second Dose of Vaccine Scheduled for Jan. 27 Recipients

    Those who received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine at the Jan. 27 drive-through should return Wednesday, Feb. 17, for their second dose. The Adair County Health Department has scheduled a walk-in clinic at The Crossing, 810 East Shepherd Ave., in Kirksville to administer the crucial second dose.

    The clinic is scheduled from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Vaccine recipients should arrive at The Crossing at the same time as their first dose was scheduled Jan. 27.

    This clinic is not for the general public.

    Frigid winter weather has forced the vaccine efforts indoors, requiring vaccine recipients to walk into the building. However, the health department will attempt to accommodate individuals who have health issues that make walking difficult with curbside administration of their second dose Feb. 17 as resources permit.
  • COVID Risks Can Have Long-term Repercussions

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    As more infectious variants of COVID-19 reach the Midwest, people need to be more vigilant than ever to prevent exposure to and spread of the virus.

    Members of the Faculty Senate COVID-19 Working Group, Nancy Daley-Moore, Scott Alberts and Christine Harker, recently discussed the University’s numbers for the week of Feb. 9. While the number of cases decreased, the group continued to encourage everyone on campus to take precautions. Small risks, such as meeting with people in close quarters or going out to a restaurant, can still lead to active cases, especially as new strains of the virus become more prevalent. Also, because long-term effects of the virus are still unknown, even minor risks have potential long-term repercussions.
        
    The group also noted the vaccine alone will not return things to normal. It is unclear whether or not vaccinated individuals can spread the virus. Until herd immunity is reached through mass vaccinations, everyone – even those who have been vaccinated – should continue to wear a mask, wash their hands regularly and maintain social distance.

    A recording of the Faculty Senate COVID-19 Working Group conversation can be found here.
  • Local Facebook Page Provides Community COVID Information

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    The Adair County COVID Stops with Us committee recently established a Facebook page to provide information about community efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The page pulls together resources and local organizations, provides accurate information from health authorities, encourages healthy practices and recognizes those who help stop the spread of COVID-19.

    In December, the group began its weekly recognition program to highlight the work of those in the community committed to making a positive impact. Each week, three “champions” – one for the medical field, the education sector and the community at large – are acknowledged for their efforts. Nominations are ongoing and can be made here.

Scholarship Opportunities

  • Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship

    The Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation will offer the Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship, named in honor of Allan Walker Purdy.

    Purdy was born in 1914 on a farm near Macon and was the first in his family to attend a four-year college. He worked in the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture before becoming the campus’s first director of scholarships and student financial aid.

    The scholarship is designed to provide merit-based scholarships to emerging leaders who are outstanding students and have a need for additional resources for higher education. The scholarship amount can vary based on an applicant’s circumstances. The general range will be $1,000-$5,000 based on expected family contribution (EFC), unmet need and other factors.

    Applicants must be a Missouri resident, typically a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA, a U.S. Citizen, and a sophomore, junior or senior attending a Missouri public four-year university or the State Technical College of Missouri. Deadline to apply is June 30, 2021. Applications should be submitted online through Scholarship Central at moslf.org. To access more information about this scholarship, click here, or contact the Financial Aid Office at 660.785.4130.