Vol. 26 No. 6 - September 27, 2021

This year’s Career and Graduate School Expo will take place virtually, Sept. 27-Oct. 1.

The Expo is open to students of all majors and academic levels. This event gives students the opportunity to participate in a variety of professional development activities.

The week will begin with the chance for students to have a free professional photo taken from 11:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sept. 28. At 5 p.m., Dave Lusk will host a personal statement workshop. Then from 6-8 p.m. an Expo Bootcamp will take place to learn the basics, such as appropriate dress and resumes.

The next event is 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. Sept. 29. To finish the week off, the Virtual Career and Internship Expo will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 30.

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/career-grad-school-week/schedule-of-events or email the Career Center at careers@truman.edu. These events will be accessed from #HireTruman.

The Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame was established in 2020 by a group of veteran volunteers, including Truman alumnus John Sastry (’88).

Sastry serves as the chief executive officer and chairman of the hall. He became involved in the project after he attempted to nominate a fellow member from his time in the service to the Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame.

“I had learned this soldier had passed away, and I wished to honor his memory,” Sastry said. “I contacted the National Guard to query where I could submit his nomination and they told me that they did not have a hall of fame. A hall had been talked about for years, but had been bogged down for several years due to politics.”

Sastry then filed articles of incorporations with the state of Missouri, recruited a diverse Board of Veteran Directors and formed a partnership with the city of Kirksville.

Several cities were interested, but Kirksville checked all of the boxes for him and the board of directors. They wanted a location outside of Jefferson City with a strong military connection. Kirksville is where John J. Pershing attended college before serving as the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. The city is also the site of the Battle of Kirksville where Union forces defeated a Confederate regiment in 1862.

Kirksville also met their criteria for a community that was enthusiastic about the hall’s presence. When Sastry contacted the city they were advocates for the hall from the very first email he sent.

“I want to single out two important people who really made Kirksville a viable location for the hall,” Sastry said. “Debi Boughton, the director of tourism, who tirelessly advocated for us, and Blytha Ellis, the director of the Adair County Historical Society, who has provided us a temporary home.”

Sastry also has deep connections to Kirksville, which made the process all the more exciting for him. He was an enlisted member of the 1/128th Field Artillery (Battery B) in Kirksville while serving simultaneously as an Army ROTC cadet at Truman. The full board of directors and advisory board are made up of Truman graduates who were equally excited about the move. Among the full board of directors are Col. Nick Mikus (’75), Lt. Col. Tim Hartman (’89), Von Abbott (’79) and Steve Davis (’86), with Glenn Jacobs (’91) and Col. Clyde Johnson (’65) on the advisory board.

Until a permanent home is secured, the hall will be located at the Adair County Historical Society for two years. The board is working to establish a permanent location and hopes to have more news to share sometime at the end of next year.

The inaugural class will be inducted at 11 a.m. Oct. 1 at the Rieger Armory in Kirksville. This event is open to the public and is an opportunity to visit the newly established hall. Out of 10 finalists, a group will be selected and named at the ceremony. Students from Kirksville High School will be there to announce the selected inductees and read their biographies. Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe will be the keynote speaker. The Army Brass Band will perform, and Truman ROTC and color guard will be in attendance as well. Monster Energy is sponsoring this event, and the first 150 attendees will receive a gift bag.

At the Adair County Historical Society visitors can expect to see plaques and informational exhibits commemorating the inductees. Those announced at the ceremony are individuals who have served in the Missouri National Guard and who have made a significant contribution to the National Guard’s achievements, tradition or history.

Kimmerer lives on an old farm in Syracuse, N.Y., where she tends gardens both wild and cultivated. She is a professor of environmental biology for the State University of New York. She is also the founder and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment, whose mission is to develop programs based on the wisdom of indigenous and scientific knowledge for sustainability.

“Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses,” Kimmerer’s first book, was awarded the John Burroughs Medal for outstanding nature writing. Her other writing has appeared in Orion, Whole Terrain and many other scientific journals. In 2015, she addressed the general assembly of the United Nations on the topic “Healing Our Relationship with Nature.” As a writer and scientist, her interests in restoration include restoration of ecological communities and relationships to land.

At the conclusion of her presentation, Kimmerer will take questions. Truman students, faculty and staff, as well as other members of the community, are welcome to join in person or watch online. Faculty supporting the Cognitive Science, Environmental Studies, Folklore and Women’s and Gender Studies minors organized this event to commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Junior and senior students could win up to $250 from Truman, and $10,000 nationally, through the Robert L. Gould Scholastic Award competition.

SS&C, a financial technology company, sponsors the annual Robert L. Gould Scholastic Award to recognize outstanding university students who produce academic papers on topics related to investment management strategies, theories and trends. The concept for this year is related to gamification and investments. As technology is explored in everyday lives, how could gamification impact or encourage appropriate investing behaviors and what are the real or potential positive and negative consequences of using gamification in this environment?  

In addition to the national award, the University will offer cash prizes to the top three papers from Truman students. Locally, first place will earn $250, second place will receive $150 and third place will get $100. All three will be submitted to the SS&C for the national competition.

Papers should be submitted to Chuck Boughton, instructor in business administration, at boughton@truman.edu by Jan. 14. Submissions should be in Word format only. Local awards will be announced after the Jan. 31 submission to the Gould judges. For more information email boughton@truman.edu.

The committee was also joined by student Madison Ingerman-Fitzgerald, who helped the group take a deep look at the two surveys recently completed by students and employees. Results indicate the known vaccination rate is 65% for employees and 50% for students. While these numbers are promising, an increase in the rate would help mitigate spread in the Truman and Kirksville communities. The committee postulated many individuals who did not respond to the survey were likely vaccinated, but could not be confirmed. The recently announced incentive program was implemented to increase the known vaccination rate.

Among other topics, the discussion touched on the extension of the mask policy, as well as advice for how to handle more activities taking place indoors as the semester progresses further into fall. A complete recording of their conversation can be found here.

In an effort to increase vaccination rates, the University is implementing two incentive programs – one for student groups and another for employees.

Recent surveys indicate the known vaccination rate is 65% for employees and 50% for students. While these numbers are promising, an increase in the rate would help mitigate spread in the Truman and Kirksville communities.

Student clubs/organizations, athletic teams and residence halls are eligible to receive a cash award for their group if 85% of the registered members have verified being vaccinated with the University. Cash awards are related to the size of the organization: groups with less than 10 members can earn $50; groups with 10-19 members can earn $100; groups with 20-29 members can earn $200; and groups with 30 or more total members can earn $300.

Club/organization official rosters will determine the total size of the group. Rosters are due by Oct. 1, through the normal process with Union & Involvement Services. Athletic teams will be based on official rosters. Residence halls will be based on student advisor groups.  

While left to the discretion of the organization, the cash award may be used for things such as speakers, events, travel, organization purchases or philanthropic donations.  

Specific details about the incentive program, including how to provide vaccination verification, will be sent on Wednesday. For student organizations, these details will be sent to the organization and advisor emails on file with Union & Involvement Services; please be sure those emails are up to date. Athletics and student advisors will be emailed the details for their groups.   

The Student Health Center will host vaccination clinics for both first and second shots Sept. 30 and a second-shot clinic Oct. 28.

For employees, the incentive program includes the possibility of an additional two paid days off. If the University reaches a vaccination rate of 75% among all employees, Nov. 23 will be awarded as a paid day off and offices will be closed. If a rate of 85% is achieved, Nov. 22 would also be awarded. Additional details for employees will be emailed on Wednesday.

For student groups and employees to earn the incentive, vaccination verification must be provided by midnight, Nov. 1.

Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Thanks to everyone who has already been vaccinated and to those who will soon be vaccinated; it truly matters for our community.

The weekend will kick off with a performance by the Statesmen Marching Band at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 1 on the quad. The planetarium will host “Final Frontier Friday: Race to the Moon” at 6 p.m. in the Del & Norma Robison Planetarium located in Magruder Hall. Admission is free with limited seating and the showtime is 30 minutes. Truman Theatre will perform “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” by Christopher Durang at 7:30 p.m. in the Severns Theatre located in Ophelia Parrish. Tickets are required and can be purchased at boxoffice.truman.edu. Jazz bands will also perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Baldwin Hall Auditorium.

The annual Red Barn Arts and Crafts Festival will take place 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 2 in downtown Kirksville. There will be arts, crafts, music, dance, food and much more. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. there will be a welcome tent set up on the quad where families can receive a free gift and schedule of events. Library tours will be available from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Pickler Memorial Library. This is a chance to tour the library and view a variety of historical items in the Special Collections Department. SAB will host a photo mosaic event from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on the quad. New or old pictures can be brought for a chance to be included in a photo mosaic wall.

The University Art Gallery in Ophelia Parrish 1114 will host open galleries from 12-4:30 p.m. Oct. 2. The main gallery features “New Work” by Truman faculty members Rusty Nelson, Matt Derezinski and Aaron Fine. The Charlyn Gallery features “Recording Place” by Marcie Miller Gross. Women’s soccer will face the University of Southern Indiana at 2:30 p.m. at the Bullldog Soccer Park. No ticket is required. SAB will sponsor a speed painter performance from 4-5 p.m. in the Baldwin Auditorium. Football will face Lindenwood at 6 p.m. at Stokes Stadium. Tickets are required and can be purchased at the gate or online here. Deadline for ordering tickets is 11 a.m. Sept. 29. The planetarium will host “Stellar Saturday: Satellites” at 6 p.m. Tickets are required and are $5 per person. Kids age 3 and under get in for free. Seating is limited and showtime is 60 minutes. University Orchestra will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. in Ophelia Parrish 1393. Truman Theatre will perform “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” by Christopher Durang at 7:30 p.m. in the Severns Theatre located in Ophelia Parrish. Tickets are required and can be purchased at boxoffice.truman.edu. The day will end with an evening at the observatory at the University Farm.

Men’s soccer will face McKendree University at 12 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Bulldog Soccer Park. No ticket is required. Wind Symphony will perform a concert at 2 p.m. in the Baldwin Hall Auditorium. The weekend will end with a women’s soccer game versus McKendree University at 2:30 p.m. at the Bulldog Soccer Park.

The schedule will continue to be updated. Visit truman.edu/parents-families/family-day for more information.

The Education Department is hosting an ice cream social at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Red Barn pavilion. Students are encouraged to come to mingle with fellow education students and faculty as well as representatives from different education clubs. RSVP here. For more information, email ang4652@truman.edu.

Pickler Memorial Library is hosting a fall book sale from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 28-30 outside on the south side of the library. Accepted payments are cash or check.

Students’ mental health is always a priority and within the Truman community there are so many who want to be of assistance, but may not know what to do if someone needs help. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Through the University’s partnership with Complete Family Medicine, Truman students and employees have access to valuable, free, online training programs offered through Preferred Family Health. Suicide prevention and training programs are available on their website, including QPR and Mental Health First Aid. The University is also looking into some in-person training options and will provide more information when it is available.
 
Students also have the opportunity to download MySSP on their phone which provides a variety of resources, including the ability to initiate an online chat with a licensed counselor. The app is available through Google Play and the App store.  

University Counseling Services remains a valuable resource available to all students. UCS will not deny services to any student based on their financial situation. There are several options available that will reduce the cost substantially or even eliminate it entirely.

The first event in the MAE Professional Development Series will take place at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 via Zoom. It will feature Saint Rice, director of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, who will talk in depth about the social justice disposition. RSVP for the event is available here. For more information, email la6272@truman.edu.

The Hispanic American Leadership Organization is hosting a game night experience at 5 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Student Union Building Georgian A 2106. To help celebrate Hispanic heritage month, participates will explore the immigration system while playing a game. For more information email vrh4865@truman.edu.

People who reserve a tailgate spot in advance will be granted early access to the tailgate lot and admitted ahead of the post-parade crowd. Those who wish to reserve a spot can register here. All requests must be approved by Alumni Relations. Review the Homecoming Tailgate Policies prior to the event.

Spaces will be reserved for requests submitted by Oct. 4. Non-reserved space at the tailgate will be first-come, first-served at the event. For any questions email bulldogforever@truman.edu.

On-Campus Sessions
Oct. 5
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Oct. 19
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Nov. 2
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Nov. 16
5:30-6:30 p.m.

In collaboration with the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, the Hispanic American Leadership Organization is hosting a movie night at 6 p.m. Oct. 7 in Baldwin Hall Little Theater. The movie will be “My Family,” which takes a look into three generations of dreams. For more information email vrh4865@truman.edu.

The new Blackboard tool, Ally, will be officially activated for all spring 2022 courses. So far, 46 instructors have been trained and 236 fall courses have been enabled with Ally.

Both faculty and students will benefit from this tool. Faculty will have the ability to perform accessibility checks on course content and edit materials posted in Blackboard that need improvement. Students will have the ability to choose from several course content formats such as MP3 text-to-speech, e-reader supported files and Beeline Reader files which help readers keep track of their place in text.

Training sessions for faculty have begun and will continue through October. Faculty are encouraged to take advantage of these workshops to gain experience in Ally before the spring semester. Registration and schedule of available workshops can be found here. Many workshop dates and times have been added or changed to accommodate teaching schedules. Preregistration is required so that Ally can be enabled in participants courses to provide guided training. Other helpful links are Learning Technology’s support web page, which can also help answer any questions.

The 31st Annual Philosophy and Religion Conference will take place Nov. 6 in a hybrid format.

Students can now submit papers to be featured at the conference. The submission deadline is Oct. 8. Papers from any area of philosophy and/or religion are welcome. This may include fields such as classics, anthropology and others. Papers should be no longer than 25 minutes reading time (approximately 2,000 to 2,500 words).

Papers should be submitted to Dereck Daschke, professor of philosophy and religion, with the subject line: Undergraduate Philosophy and Religion Conference. Students should separate all identifying information, including name and school, from the body of the paper in either format – include this information only in a separate cover sheet or in the body of the email. The title of the paper should be listed in both documents.

The conference will be a hybrid-style event with in-person presentations for local students and non-local students who would like to travel to Truman campus. Zoom will also be available for students who would prefer to attend online. This conference is free and open to the public. Both in-person and Zoom link will be advertised at a later date.

Truman has earned the distinction of being named the best “hidden gem” in the state of Missouri.

College Raptor Inc., a college matching platform, recently released its seventh-annual list of hidden gem schools for each state. In order to qualify, institutions must have less than 7,000 undergraduate students, have a 10% or higher acceptance rate and offer five or more unique majors.
 
More information on the hidden gems rankings can be found here.