Vol. 27 No. 1 - August 22, 2022

One of Truman’s oldest traditions, the Kohlenberg Lyceum Series provides a unique opportunity to broaden the cultural experience for the University and Kirksville communities by bringing well-known speakers, dance troupes, musicians and other performers from all parts of the world to campus. In-person lyceum events were suspended in spring 2020 due to the pandemic and are now returning with a full schedule of performances.

The season will kick off with The Keeshea Pratt Band, Sept. 16. Pratt is an award-winning singer that performs all genres of music. She has appeared at several festivals such as Chicago Blues Festival and Crescent City Blues Festival in New Orleans.

The St. Louis Ballet will perform, Oct. 19. Consisting of 24 internationally acclaimed dancers, they are recognized as the only professional resident ballet company in the St. Louis region.

Alumna Susana Mendoza will take the stage as the fall Holman Family Speaker, Nov. 14. Mendoza (’94) was the first Hispanic independently elected to statewide office in Illinois when she was elected as comptroller in 2016.  

Truman’s own University Steel Band will perform Dec. 3 with their holiday steel concert. Directed by Michael Bump, professor of music, Truman Steel performs the traditional steel pan music of Trinidad and Tobago.

Northeast Missouri’s own Rhonda Vincent will headline the next performance, Jan. 27. Vincent and her band, The Rage, are the most awarded band in bluegrass history. She is an eight-time Grammy nominee and was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2020.

The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra will take the stage, Feb. 24. They are a 16-piece jazz orchestra that has won 11 “Best Big Band” awards in the DownBeat magazine Readers and Critics Polls.

All of these performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Baldwin Auditorium.

The lyceum is also introducing “Films and Finger Foods” in the Del and Norma Robison Planetarium. The first movie will be the 1968 horror classic “Night of the Living Dead,” Oct. 29. The second movie will be screened May 6 and has yet to be determined. Hors d’oeuvres will be served in Magruder Hall prior to the show. A special guest speaker will provide background information and insight on the film. Seating is limited.   

All events will take place at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free but tickets are required and can be reserved at the Sue Ross Arts Center in downtown Kirksville, the Advancement Office in McClain Hall 205 and the SAB window in the Student Union Building. For additional information, visit lyceum.truman.edu, call 660.785.4133 or email lyceumseries@truman.edu.

A committee consisting of faculty and staff from around campus worked through the 2021-2022 academic year, researching, visiting sites and attending webinars in order to determine how Truman esports should look and operate. An esports facility will be housed in Barnett Hall, and will come together by the start of the fall 2022 semester.

Truman esports teams will compete in, but not be limited to, “League of Legends” and “Rocket League.”

“Esports have become very popular among colleges across the country,” said Jared Young, director of academic affairs operations. “Schools are using them not only as an extracurricular opportunity, but also as a recruitment tool. There is student demand for an esports team, and we want to be able to provide them that experience.”

An esports student survey conducted in the spring semester helped determine some of the initial plans for the esports team. Many details remain to be determined, but approximately 16 students are expected to make up the inaugural team. Students can fill out an interest form here.

The education services company included Truman in the 2023 edition of its annual college guide, “The Best 388 Colleges.” This book features only about 14% of America’s four-year colleges and is one of The Princeton Review’s most popular publications. The company chooses which colleges make the list based on data it annually collects from administrators at hundreds of colleges about their institutions’ academic offerings.

The Princeton Review also considers data it gathers from its surveys of college students who rate and report on various aspects of their campus and community experiences. The rankings in this edition are based on the company’s surveys of more than 160,000 students at the 388 schools in the book.    

In the profile on Truman, students cited that the University offers “an amazing education at a great price.” Students also said that the University is “just the right-size” and that the smaller class sizes translate into great “student-professor relationships that help with mentoring and future networking opportunities.”

The Princeton Review’s school profiles and ranking lists in “The Best 388 Colleges” are posted at princetonreview.com/best388.

This new three-digit number makes it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis support. People can call, text or chat 988 to be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, address immediate needs, make referrals for ongoing care and offer follow-up services. If a higher level of care is needed, the crisis specialist will work with the caller and other supports to connect them to a mobile crisis response team that can assist in-person. Using 988 reduces avoidable emergency department or hospital admissions and prevents stressful interactions with the criminal justice system.

While 988 is available nationally, it is up to each state to ensure that crisis services are sufficiently funded and accessible to anyone at all times. Missouri’s seven Lifeline centers will handle all in-state contacts made to 988 and will have 24/7 coverage of all calls, texts and chats. In addition to answering calls, 988 is also about providing emotional support to people when they need it most and connecting them with resources for continuum care.

Although 988 is the new number, the previous Lifeline phone number, 800.273.8255, will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. Truman University Counseling Services is also available for walk-in crisis during their business hours of 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday. For more information about crisis services, visit truman.cfmcares.com.

The University and Department of Public Safety have multiple resources available to keep campus safe, including a communication app, emergency text messaging, foot patrols and escorts, and recently added security cameras.

The Rave Guardian app is available for download to assist with communication and safety efforts. It 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 every day, non-emergency uses. The app has contact information for offices that students use most frequently – including Financial Aid, the Student Health Center, University Counseling Services and the Student Recreation Center – as well as maps and resource information. Enhanced safety features include immediate and on-demand panic buttons, two-way texting with a Truman police officer to report a crime, 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.

TruAlert sends a text to all enrolled cell phones in the event of an emergency on campus. Those interested can sign up for this service through TruView by going to the main page under “Update and View My Personal Information” then clicking on “Emergency Text Messaging.” Multiple numbers can be assigned, so parents can stay informed as well.

DPS also offers the option for students, faculty, staff and visitors to request a SAFE Team escort while on campus. The Student Assistant Foot Patrol and Escort team members are student employees and uniformed officers who patrol the campus and provide a walking escort from building exit to building entrance or parking areas. These escorts are provided with a flashlight and radio with direct contact to the University Police Department. The SAFE Team is available seven nights per week during the regular academic year when classes are in session. To request an escort call 660.665.5621 and a SAFE Team member will be dispatched to help.

This summer, Truman also installed cameras across campus to help increase security. These cameras are mounted on poles in parking lots as well as on the exterior of buildings.

The DPS website, police.truman.edu, features a variety of information, including the University’s Emergency Response Guide, crime and safety data, details on vehicle and bicycle registration, and the campus lost and found. 

Brett Barger, a junior music education major, traveled to Ortona, Italy, for a week to participate in the Festival Suoni d’Abruzzo. There he performed both chamber music and with an orchestra, including Brahms' “Sonata No. 1,” Mozart’s “Divertimento No. 4” (clarinet trio), two of Spohr’s “Leider” with soprano and piano, Mozart’s “Clarinet Quintet” and the principal clarinet part on Mendelssohn’s “Symphony No. 4.”
 
Lucas Shroyer, a senior clarinet performance major, participated in the Bay View Music Festival in Michigan for several weeks where he received lessons and played chamber music with a number of different ensembles. The first three weeks included the wind institute, which consisted of intensive wind quintet training featuring rehearsals, coaching sessions, individual lessons and master classes. They had frequent ensemble and solo performance opportunities, including various weekly recitals and concerts. After the wind institute, Shroyer had the privilege to play in the pit orchestra for “The Sound of Music,” which was also produced as part of the music festival.

“I had a great time at the Bay View Music Festival this summer,” Shroyer said. “My favorite parts of the camp were the high-intensity, focus and standards, as well as the beautiful area of Michigan in which it took place.”
 
Ajdin Krdzalic, a junior clarinet performance major, attended the Lift Clarinet Academy in Colorado where he played in master classes, took lessons and gave solo performances. The academy consisted of about 20 students from all different parts of the United States and Canada. Each day of camp was filled with rehearsals for quartets and dedicated practice time. Outside of practicing, students would participate in clinics and master classes given by three faculty members from other universities. The students got lessons from each faculty member, which Krdzalic said was his favorite part of the camp. At the end of the week, each quartet gave a performance and everyone joined together to play in one big clarinet choir.

“Lift Clarinet Academy was an awesome experience and I’m super thankful that I got accepted and went. It was super cool to have so many people from all over who were passionate about the same thing as me,” Krdzalic said. “The camp was a blast and I was so thankful to make new friends and new connections outside of Truman with people that like the same thing that I do. I definitely learned a lot and I’m excited to share that new knowledge with Truman.”

Krdzalic also had the honor of being invited to perform with a wind symphony at the National Phi Mu Alpha Convention at Powell Hall in St. Louis, Missouri.

Aug. 22
National Be an Angel Day
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Barnett Hall, Pickler Memorial Library and Magruder Hall
Donuts to be served at each location.

Fitness Classes Begin
6-7 p.m.
Student Recreation Center
Full listing can be found here.

Monty’s Birthday Party
6-7 p.m.
Missouri Hall
Come celebrate Missouri Hall mascot Monty the Moose’s birthday with President Thomas. There will be snacks, music and party games. In addition, there will be a chance to take a photo with President Thomas and Monty at a photo booth.

House Meeting: New Success Strategies
Residents will attend a house meeting hosted by their student advisor between Aug. 22-26. See a student advisor for date, time and location of each house meeting.

Start Date to Submit Roommate Agreements
Residents will be emailed a link to complete a digital roommate agreement. All residents with a roommate will need to complete a roommate agreement. Completed agreements will be submitted online directly to the student advisor. Residents have until Sept. 2 to submit their roommate agreement online.

Bonus Bucks
20% bonus for every $100 deposited on a dining card. Ends Sept. 2.

Aug. 23
Donuts Part Two
6-7 p.m.
McClain Hall and Fountain
Donuts to be served at each location.

Slack Line on the Quad
4:30 p.m.

“Puppy Chow” with the President
6-7 p.m.
BNB/Dobson Hall
Come make chow with President Thomas. Popcorn, chips and drinks will be available outside in the BNB courtyard.

Intramurals
Sign up to play at IMLeagues.com
Sign up for 3v3 basketball by Aug. 26; league play starts Aug. 29
Sign up for cornhole by Aug. 31
Sign up for team disc golf by Sept. 1
Sign up for sand volleyball by Sept. 2

Bonus Bucks
20% bonus for every $100 deposited on a dining card. Ends Sept. 2.

Roommate Agreements
Due by Sept. 2.

Aug. 24
Welcome Back Swag Give-Away
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Quad

Karaoke with President Thomas
6-7 p.m.
Ryle Hall
Residents will have a chance to experience a personal concert by President Sue Thomas in Ryle Hall. Residents will also have the opportunity to show off their excellent singing ability to each other and the president.

Aug. 25
National Banana Split Day
2-4 p.m.
HUB in the Student Union Building
Free banana splits.

The REC’s Birthday
In honor of the Student Recreation Center’s 25th birthday, there will be prize giveaways and snacks offered throughout the day. Check Instagram for details.

Slack Line on the Quad
4:30 p.m.

SAB Meeting
6 p.m.
Student Union Building Conference Room
The first Student Activities Board meeting for the 2022-2023 school year.

President Thomas Residence Hall Visits
6-7 p.m.
Ryle Hall

Aug. 26
Back to School Bash
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Student Union Building
Challenge yourself with the mechanical bull outside or mobile escape rooms in the Student Union Building.

Fraternity and Sorority Life Interest BBQ
4 p.m.
Quad

Student Government Meeting
5 p.m.
Student Union Building Conference Room
The first Student Government meeting for the 2022-2023 school year.

Aug. 29
Open House – Student Health Center/University Counseling Services
4-6 p.m.
McKinney Center
Students, faculty and staff are invited to drop by and meet the therapists, nurse practitioners, nurses and supporting staff for the Student Health Center and University Counseling Services. This is a chance to learn more about the services offered and tour the facilities. Free lemonade and cookies will also be available.

Bonus Bucks
20% bonus for every $100 deposited on a dining card. Ends Sept. 2.

Roommate Agreements
Due by Sept. 2.

Aug. 30
Pictures with the President
6-7 p.m.
West Campus Suites
WCS residents will be able to pose with President Thomas and take a picture with her to kick off their year at Truman.

Aug. 31
National Trail Mix Day
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Quad

Treats with President Thomas
6-7 p.m.
Campbell Apartments
Go door-to-door to reverse trick-or-treat with President Thomas and the residents of Campbell.

Activities Fair – Find Your Flock
12-5 p.m.
Student Union Building
This event is a great way to learn more about numerous campus and community organizations.

Sept. 2
National College Colors Day
10-11 a.m.
Fountain Area
Rally Towel Give-A-Way to those wearing purple.

Bonus Bucks
Last day to purchase bonus bucks.

Roommate Agreements
Last day to submit roommate agreements.

Open house will be a twice annual event that gives students, faculty or staff a chance to interact with staff in a more relaxed environment. They will be able to talk and get to know the therapists, nurse practitioners, nurses and supporting staff better and to ask any questions they may have. There will also be posters about therapists that are unavailable during the event.

Truman Publications can also assist in the creation of posters or fliers to help promote campus events. Publications request for a work order can be found here.

For all other questions, email pr@truman.edu.

Foundation loans can come in the form of short-term loans, long-term loans, access loans and cultural loans. Applications go through the Financial Aid Office and are repaid directly to the University. Banks and outside lenders are not involved in the process.

To be eligible for a Foundation loan students must be enrolled on a full-time basis and be in good academic standing. Students also need to demonstrate an ability to repay the loan in a timely manner. Deferments of up to five years are available for cultural and long-term loans, provided the student is enrolled on a full-time basis.

In addition to scholarship assistance, the loan program is an example of the immediate impact of donations to the Truman State University Foundation. Gifts from alumni and friends allow Truman to provide assistance directly to students as they pursue their education.

For more information on the Foundation loan program, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@truman.edu, at 660.785.4130 or in person at McClain Hall 103.

Since 1914, Fraternity and Sorority Life has provided tens of thousands of Truman students and alumni with a community where they can enjoy college. Fraternity and Sorority Life is guided by four values: growth, scholarship, leadership and unity. The community currently has more than 19 different organizations from three different councils: Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. In the 2021-2022 school year, the Fraternity and Sorority Life community accounted for approximately 20% of the University’s student population. Additionally, 90% of these students would recommend joining a fraternity or sorority to their friends and strongly agree that joining a fraternity or sorority made their college experience better. Fraternity and Sorority Life members also had a higher cumulative GPA than the general student body during the 2021-2022 school year.

Some of Fraternity and Sorority Life’s accomplishments this past school year include raising more than $47,000, which includes the $19,000 raised during Greek Week. This year’s Greek Week efforts went toward the YMCA for the free meals they provide for children in Adair County. Members of the Fraternity and Sorority Life community also performed more than 4,000 hours of community service throughout the year during events such as the Special Olympics and at the Food Pantry for Adair County.

Instructional designers can help enhance presentations, infuse courses with technology, answer questions about digital accessibility, improve use of existing technologies, assist in finding open education resources or design an online course. They can also assist with developing course materials such as Blackboard courses, multimedia elements, eLearning units and digital video and audio clips.

Morning and afternoon times are available on Mondays and Thursdays and can be scheduled here.

The program offers two degrees – a Master of Arts in Counseling: Mental Health Counseling and Master of Arts in Counseling: School Counseling.
 
The Master of Arts in Counseling: School Counseling program is geared toward meeting the academic, career and personal/social needs of culturally diverse students in elementary, middle and secondary schools as certified and licensed school counselors.

The Master of Arts in Counseling: Mental Health Counseling program specializes in community-based work as licensed professional counselors.

The counseling program seeks to equip caring, committed and culturally aware individuals from all backgrounds with the knowledge and skills required to become professional counselors in school and community settings.
 
Cohort size is limited, and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. For priority consideration, apply here by Nov. 1. For more information about either program visit counseling.truman.edu or email Karl Witt at karlwitt@truman.edu.

The Student Health Center has at-home COVID tests available. The Student Health Center is open throughout the summer, providing in-person services to students. Summer hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. To schedule an appointment, call 660.785.4182 or email studenthealth@cfmcares.com. More information can be found at truman.cfmcares.com.

Thank you to all the move-in day volunteers. There were more than 300 volunteers from 30 different organizations.

Alpha Gamma Delta
Alpha Gamma Rho
Alpha Kappa Lambda
Alpha Sigma Alpha
Baptist Student Union
Beta Theta Pi
Bullets Rugby
Campus Christian Fellowship
Delta Zeta
Gamma Chis
Lambda Chi Alpha
Sigma Alpha
Sigma Kappa
Sigma Tau Gamma
TSUnami Ultimate Frisbee