A simple phone call, a little bit of digging, a quick scan followed by an email, then on to the next task. Daniel Titus didn’t give the matter a second thought, until he found out five years later his efforts played a small part in solving a decades-old murder case 1,200 miles away.

Pickler Memorial Library has more than 2.3 million items in its collection, among which are volume upon volume of old newspapers transferred to microfilm and microfiche. It is not uncommon for these historical documents to play a role in genealogical research. That’s what Titus thought he was dealing with in 2019 when he received a phone call asking to check an old obituary from the Kirksville Daily Express sometime in 1979.

“It was no big deal for us. We do stuff like that infrequently, but it’s not uncommon,” he said. “I just had to do a little sleuthing on a reel. I was able to find the obituary about the woman in question on our vast microfilm collection, and I emailed it on. I received a very grateful reply, and that was the last we heard about it until last week.”
 
As the library stacks maintenance supervisor, Titus is responsible for the accurate location of materials, as well as space management of inventory. What he didn’t know at the time was this one bit of information he was passing along was the final piece of a puzzle law enforcement was using to clear one man’s name and help confirm the identity of a murderer.

In 1996, Angie Dodge was raped and murdered in Idaho Falls, Idaho. A controversial conviction followed the next year, and in 2007, the Idaho Innocence Project took on the case. By cross referencing DNA evidence with profiles submitted to genetic databases used by people looking to identify relatives or discover their ancestry, investigators were able to clear the previously convicted person and narrow the list of potential new suspects. They had a DNA match, but the name did not align with the prime suspect, Brian Dripps. Through tracing the family tree, they learned Dripps had taken his adoptive father’s last name. The obituary Titus located identified his biological grandmother and listed his mother as having the last name Dripps. Through that confirmation, they were able to make an arrest, and Dripps confessed to the crime. It is widely believed to be the first instance in the country where genetic genealogy has been used to exonerate a defendant.

Titus was completely unaware of the role his efforts played in the matter until another out-of-the-blue correspondence came in early February when a producer from “Dateline” reached out in the wake of the exonerated man’s recent passing. This was the first time Titus learned of the repercussions from his routine customer service provided five years earlier. For his part, he is humble about the role he played, and more than anything, surprised.

“Any one of us working here would have done the same, I just happened to be the one to answer the phone that day. I just never expected to get a message about it five years later and for it to have had such a major impact,” he said. “I had a hard time believing that a simple search through old newspapers would lead to this. It just shows the importance of access to public information, the importance of libraries and why smalltown news matters.”

A Best of the Net and eight-time Pushcart Prize nominee, Moore is the author of four poetry collections, including “Full Worm Moon,” which won a 2018 Woodrow Hall Top Shelf Award and received honorable mention for the Conference on Christianity and Literature 2018 Book of the Year Award. Her other books include “Particular Scandals,” “Slipping Out of Bloom” and the chapbook “Election Day.” Moore has won the Janet B. McCabe Poetry Prize from Ruminate Magazine, the Editor’s Choice Award from Writecorner Press and the Rosine Offen Memorial Award from the Free Lunch Arts Alliance.

Moore’s poetry has appeared in hundreds of journals such as African American Review, Alaska Quarterly Review, Image, Missouri Review Online, New Ohio Review, Poetry Daily, Prairie Schooner, The Southern Review, SWWIM and Verse Daily. Her poetry has also appeared in dozens of anthologies, including “Becoming: What Makes a Woman,” “Every River on Earth: Writing from Appalachian Ohio,” “How Higher Education Feels: Commentaries on Poems That Illuminate Emotions in Learning and Teaching,” “Taking Root in the Heart: Thirty-Four Poets from the Christian Century” and the forthcoming “Keystone: Contemporary Poets on Pennsylvania.” More information about her writing can be found here.

Moore currently resides in Indiana and is a senior online advisor and instructor of first-year composition for Eastern University’s LifeFlex program.

The Truman Forensics Team competed at the Missouri Association of Forensic Activities (MAFA) State Championship tournament earning a second-place overall team finish out of 19 schools and more than 300 entries at the tournament, Feb. 9-10.

In varsity TIPDA, a team debate event, Stout and fellow senior Ella Schnake earned first and state champions. Schnake also placed as third speaker and Stout was first and state champion speaker.

Freshmen Payten Luaders and Jesse Fields were semifinalists (top four teams) in novice TIPDA. Luaders also placed as fourth speaker.

In Novice IPDA, freshmen team members Adli Jacobs and Ashton Mullen were octafinalists (top 16). Jacobs also placed as sixth speaker.

Freshman Bryna Norman was top novice and placed second in poetry, in addition to placing fifth in program oral interpretation (POI).

Freshmen Kate Bailey placed sixth in POI while Zoe Walker was top novice and placed sixth in prose.

Sophomore Briggs Maynor placed third in duo with Schnake and second in poetry.

Fellow sophomore Alex Peterson was fourth in communication analysis (CA) and placed first and was the state champion in both impromptu and persuasion. Peterson also placed fourth in the individual pentathlon sweepstakes, earning her spot as one of the top point earners at the tournament. To participate in pentathlon, students had to compete in at least five different speech categories across two genres — interpretation, limited prep and public address. Peterson is currently ranked among the top five speakers in the state of Missouri.

Senior Jillian Humke placed second in both persuasion and duo with Schnake.

Senior Megan Ford placed fourth in both dramatic interpretation (DI) and prose.

In addition to earning first place and being the state champion in pentathlon for the third year in a row, Schnake also earned first place and the state champion title in CA, DI and prose. She also placed second in both impromptu and in duo with Humke and third in duo with Maynor. For earning the highest points across speech and debate combined at the tournament, Schnake also placed first and was the state champion in the overall forensicator category. The overall forensicator award acknowledges students who compete in at least five speech events and one format of debate, and top placements go to students who show a wide breadth of skillsets in both. This is the second year in a row Schnake was the first place top forensicator.

The team also placed first in speech and second in debate.

The debate team will compete virtually in the Grand Prix national’s warm-up tournament hosted by Western Kentucky University, March 16-17. Students will vie against some of the top debaters in the country and the highest-ranking students at this tournament tend to foreshadow their success at the National Forensic Association (NFA) tournament later in spring.

Having earned their spot on the tournament roster through a rigorous leg qualification system throughout the season, speech team members senior Schnake and sophomore Peterson will travel to the American Forensic Association (AFA) national speech tournament at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, April 5-8. For an individual speech to qualify for AFA, the student must receive two final placements that sum to five or less in that event. Schnake and Peterson have each qualified four events for the tournament.

Team members who have qualified for NFA will compete at Central Michigan University April 18-22, concluding the team’s 2023-2024 season.

Anyone interested in joining the team, or any alumnus of the team that would like to help coach/judge, can contact Ben Davis, director of forensics, at bdavis@truman.edu.

Rachel E. Humphrey, Mark Fellows, Matthew Bacon and Tyler Morgan

The School of Business is hosting its third TRU-Biz Forum at 3:30 p.m. March 20 in Violette Hall 1000.

The TRU-Biz Forum invites business leaders in a variety of fields to share their expertise and insights. The upcoming forum focuses on leadership-related topics with renowned experts in the area and will be moderated by students Alex Fellows and Stephanie Renasco Guzmann.

All students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome for inspiration and learning. Networking will follow the forum.

Brig. Gen. Rachel E. Humphrey (’95)
Commanding General, Deployment Support Command
Deputy Commander for Operations, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command

Mark Fellows (’94)
Senior VP and Head of Lead Management for Consumer Lending Business Lines, US Bank

Brig. Gen. Matthew Bacon
Senior Manager in Engineering, Nestlé Purina PetCare Company
Assistant Adjutant General, the Missouri National Guard

Maj. Tyler Morgan
Assistant Program Manager for Program Executive Office Soldier, U.S. Army

The spring Career and Graduate School Expo will take place the week of Feb. 26.

The expo is open to students of all majors and academic levels. This event is hosted by the Career Center twice a year as a way to help students prepare for graduate school, internships and job searches. The expo provides a chance for students to meet with a large number of representatives from businesses, non-profits, government, and graduate and professional schools.

The week will begin Feb. 26 with the chance for students to have their professional documents critiqued from 5-6 p.m. in the Student Union Building Alumni Room. A personal statement workshop, hosted by Dave Lusk, associate vice president for career development, will take place from 5-6 p.m. Feb. 27 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. Students will gain a clear sense of how to structure their statement and tips on how to begin the writing process, as well as what type of information to include.

From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 28 the Graduate School Expo will take place. This is an opportunity for those thinking of pursing graduate studies to connect with their future school. The Career and Internship Expo will take place from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 29. There students will get to talk to several employers visiting campus. Both expo events will take place in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms. Students will also have the opportunity to have professional pictures taken by Tim Barcus, campus photographer, from 11 a.m.-3p.m. in the Student Union Building Alumni Room both expo days.

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 register. 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 ucc3@truman.edu. These events will be accessed from #HireTruman.

Professional Document Critique
5-6 p.m.
Feb. 26
Student Union Building Alumni Room

Personal Statement Workshop with Dave Lusk
5-6 p.m.
Feb. 27
Student Union Building Activities Room

Graduate School Expo
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Feb. 28
Student Union Building Georgian Rooms

Career and Internship Expo
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Feb. 29
Student Union Building Georgian Rooms

An information session focused on Truman’s online Master of Science in Data Science and Analytic Storytelling will take place at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Doug and Diane Villhard Innovation Lab in the Pickler Memorial Library and via Zoom.

Students in this graduate program gain knowledge of efficient data collection and interpretation techniques. They also develop the skills needed to communicate the data through evocative and easy-to-understand visuals. A tech-related undergraduate degree is not required to pursue this program, all majors are welcome.

During this info session, Omar Gasmann, a current graduate student, will share insights about his experience in the data science program and career opportunities. Hyun-Joo Kim, director of data science, will discuss the program and help students decide if it is the right fit for them. Stephanie Wilson, graduate admissions counselor, will provide information regarding the application for admission process.

Students interested in attending can register here. Drink coupons to be used at Starbucks or Einstein Bros. Bagels will be distributed to those that attend in person.

Senior health science majors Robert Hartsell and Cameron McClure are looking for students to participate in their research project to help spread awareness about heart disease, diabetes and the relationship between these two diseases, as well as provide simple actionable steps to protect people’s health.

The world is constantly inundated with news on the latest cyberattacks and data breaches, so it is important to continuously pay attention to foundational measures surrounding basic security hygiene, as these methods still protect against 98% of attacks.

Multifactor authentication (MFA) and modern anti-malware solutions are several tools Truman uses to maintain good security hygiene. It was mentioned in the last Truman Today that Truman would be consolidating security software on windows workstations, utilizing the SentinelOne software for anti-virus and anti-malware detection, and this conversion is for all intents and purposes complete.

There are other changes in progress as well.

Just as rules have tightened up around malware, SPAM email and known phishing attempts on the campus network, rules regarding system access are also being tightened. As the system access rules are being honed, there could be times when legitimate access is affected. ITS will do their best to minimize any unintended consequences of these configuration changes, but access to some systems may be temporarily affected in the course of tuning security parameters.

Also, due to new requirements regarding Financial Aid, there are a few more changes under way.  One of the new requirements is annual security awareness training for employees. While some employees were required to take this training previously, this requirement is now being extended to everyone. The rollout for the security awareness training is planned for the spring semester, and more information will be available when the training is ready to launch.

Pageant nominees from Greek and non-Greek campus organizations will compete for the title of Mr. Alpha Sigma Gamma 2024 at the live pageant at 7 p.m. March 21 in Baldwin Hall Auditorium.

Live pageant events include interview plus formal wear, talent and swimsuit. Nominees will also compete for the title of “best legs” through a virtual donation drive. All funds generated from this event will go directly to the MO Better Foundation to improve the lives of individuals with physical disabilities in Missouri. Tickets can either be purchased in advance online for $5 and or purchased at the door for $7.

Both undergraduate and graduate students are invited to submit abstracts for the 2024 Student Research Conference that will take place April 18.

Abstract submissions are welcome for oral, poster, performance art, studio art and asynchronous virtual presentations. Abstracts need to be sponsored by a Truman faculty or staff member. Students should work with their faculty mentor before submitting the abstract. Abstracts can be submitted until 5 p.m. March 20.

Details for this year’s event are still in progress and the website will be updated as finalized. Complete abstract guidelines are posted on the Office of Student Research website. Inquiries about the Student Research Conference can be directed to the Office of Student Research at osr@truman.edu.

The Institute for Academic Outreach is accepting applications for summer employment with Joseph Baldwin Academy, JBA Junior and the ATSU-Truman Healthcare Academy.

Each academy is in search of preceptors and a night monitor for JBA. In order to be a preceptor, applicants must currently be a full-time student at Truman or have graduated in December and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application. Preceptors are expected to be supportive of the University goals, responsible, enjoy working with high-ability teenage students and be high-energy individuals.
 
Applicants should prepare a letter of interest which should include: the skills they possess that will assist them when working with high-ability teenage students; related work experiences; and why they are interested in the summer academy for which they apply. Applicants will also need to complete the online application and provide a current resume.
 
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all positions have been filled with qualified candidates. Information about each available position and the online application can be accessed at Summer Academy Employment.

Beta Alpha Psi will host a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) session from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. March 23 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.

Appointments are required. Truman students can make appointments online. Truman staff and community members must call 660.785.6064 to schedule. For more information, visit bap.truman.edu/vita.

Truman’s literary magazine, Windfall, is accepting submissions of poetry, prose and art from currently enrolled students. Submissions should be sent to windfallmagazine@gmail.com.

Truman’s Upward Bound program is currently seeking residential mentors and a night supervisor for summer academy.

Upward Bound participants are income-eligible students from northeast Missouri high schools. The academy is designed to help prepare underrepresented students for success in college.

Applicants must be juniors, seniors or graduate students. Dates of employment are May 29-July 3 with most weekends free. Successful applicants are responsible, high-energy, interested in working with adolescents and possess an understanding of educational barriers experienced by low-income/first-generation college applicants.

Applications are available online and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions have been filled. For more information visit the Upward Bound website.

Nominations are currently being accepted for this year’s Leadership Recognition Program.

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

Submissions for the LRP are taken online only. A link to the nomination form can be found at involvement.truman.edu/leadership-recognition-program. Multiple nominations for individuals or organizations are welcome. Details about all of the awards can be found in the nomination packet available here. Nominations will close at 11:59 p.m. March 20.

Questions about the LRP can be directed to the program coordinator at lrp@truman.edu or orgs@truman.edu. Union & Involvement services will host the Leadership Recognition Program ceremony April 23.

The Children’s Literature Festival will return to Truman’s campus April 12.

The event will feature 10 authors and one illustrator to share their books with fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students. More information about them can be found on the CLF website. In addition to the traditional CLF activities, the Truman Theatre Department will perform a free live theatre production of “Charlotte’s Web” at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. This classic tale is suitable for all ages and tells the story of how an innocent young pig and a smart spider charmed and amazed the humans around them.

Those attending the Literature Festival in the morning could eat lunch and attend the 12:30 p.m. performance of “Charlotte’s Web.” Those attending in the afternoon could arrive early for the 10 a.m. “Charlotte’s Web” performance, eat lunch and then attend the Literature Festival.

One person from each school should be designated as the school’s CLF contact person. The contact person should use this Google Form to register all classes from their school that will be attending, no later than March 1. A registration fee of $4 per student is due by April 1. There is no charge for adults attending as chaperones for school groups. An invoice will be emailed to the contact person after registration. Those interested in attending the “Charlotte’s Web” performance must fill out this form.

The Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation will offer the Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship, named in honor of Allan Walker Purdy. Born in 1914 on a farm near Macon, Purdy 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.

This program supports candidates who demonstrate leadership, character and academic performance. It is open to students who started higher education right after high school, as well as adult learners who are now pursuing or returning to complete a degree. Additionally, these students have a vision, are eager to make their contribution to the world and have the work ethic to bring their dreams to fruition.

The scholarship application period runs through April 15. More information, including details on how to apply, can be found here. The scholarship amount can vary based on an applicant’s circumstances. The general range will be $2,000-$5,000 based on expected family contribution (EFC), unmet need and other factors.

Applicants must: be a Missouri resident; be an undergraduate second-, third- or fourth-year student for the 2024-25 academic year; enrolled full-time and making satisfactory academic progress; and have a cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or higher. Recommendation from an instructor, counselor, advisor, current or recent supervisor, community leader or other similarly qualified individual is required.

The nationwide apartment search website RentCafe.com placed Kirksville at No. 9 in its rankings for the Midwest. In examining towns with populations between 10,000 and 300,000 people, with students comprising at least 10% of the total population, 237 college towns competed to make the list. Factors included affordability, livability and education, which included metrics such as student-to-faculty ratio and graduation rate.

Kirksville was the only college town from Missouri to make the list.

When starting the online application process, students will automatically be considered for all Foundation scholarships for which they qualify. While some scholarships are limited by major, many general awards exist.

These scholarships are available thanks to the private gifts of alumni and friends of the University.