Vol. 28 No. 30 - April 22, 2024

Peter McPoland will perform at 6 p.m. April 26 in the Student Union Building Georgian Rooms.

At just 20 years old, McPoland creates the kind of finespun folk-pop that feels both beautifully lived-in and undeniably original. McPoland picked up guitar at the age of 14 and taught himself to play, finding lessons to be too regimented. Within a year he’d started writing his own songs, mining inspiration from folk artists like John Prine and Gregory Alan Isakov. As shown on breakout hits like his self-released single “Romeo & Juliet,” the Texas-raised artist has an incredible gift for capturing the most nuanced emotional experiences, then bringing that expression to life in idiosyncratic detail.

Admission is free and tickets are not required. Water will be provided.

 
From on-campus research with Truman faculty, to summer internships at other institutions, Kenny Damper has tried to take advantage of every opportunity that has come his way as an undergraduate.

 Damper hopes to one day put his biology degree to use as an animal researcher, specifically to help big cats. He has a fondness for lions, tigers and other natural predators that would terrify most people. As a McNair scholar, Damper is working toward advanced degrees and has already been accepted to a master’s program in wildlife ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research project will involve barred owl removal in northern California.

Although Damper has racked up countless hours in Magruder Hall doing research and participating in class labs, he has been able to maintain his love of music by playing with the jazz ensemble course.

Check out this installment of “The Spotlight Series” to hear more about Damper’s Truman experience.

Eileen Finley has been awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Grant (ETA) by the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

Finley is a graduating senior majoring in German and political science and international relations, with a computer science minor. While completing this competitive fellowship, she will spend 10 months teaching English language and American studies in Saxony, Germany.  

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program operates in more than 140 countries throughout the world. It is funded by an annual appropriation from Congress to the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education.

Students interested in the Fulbright program can attend a writing workshop hosted by the Fulbright Committee from 3:30-4:30 p.m. May 1 in McClain Hall 208. The workshop with provide advice and the chance to work with a faculty mentor on developing the application. Students graduating by the end of the 2024-25 academic year who plan to complete a Fulbright application in the fall of 2024 should start their application immediately.

Missouri students with an associate’s degree now have the opportunity to receive a 50% discount on tuition while earning a bachelor’s degree from Truman.

TruPlus is a new initiative established by Truman to provide a way for in-state students to affordably continue their education. For the 2024-25 academic year, in-state students who have earned their associate’s degree are eligible for half-off tuition on 12-17 credit hours for an annual savings of more than $4,000.

“Cost can be one of the biggest barriers to education,” said Allison Schweizer, director of admission. “TruPlus gives students another path to a bachelor’s degree, and it makes their education more affordable.”

TruPlus is a particularly beneficial option for high school students taking advantage of Missouri’s A+ Scholarship Program. After using their A+ Scholarship to earn an associate’s degree at a Missouri community college, they can attend Truman and earn a bachelor’s degree at a 50% discount.

Another advantage to TruPlus is access to academic advising to ensure students are taking the courses that will be beneficial when they transfer. TruPlus students can be automatically admitted to Truman when they apply as long as they meet certain GPA requirements.

“TruPlus streamlines the process for students and helps them take advantage of every academic and economic option they have when pursing their education,” said Schweizer.

Students who participate in TruPlus are still eligible for a number of Truman’s competitive scholarships, which could also make the overall cost of their education more affordable.

The TruPlus option is open to any Missouri resident with an associate’s degree. There are no requirements related to when the degree was earned or the institution that granted it. For more information about TruPlus and other transfers options available at Truman, visit transfer.truman.edu, email transfer@truman.edu or call 660.785.4114 to talk with an admission counselor.

Alpha Sigma Alpha is sponsoring their annual philanthropy, Puppy Love for Tally, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 22-25 on the quad to raise money for the Adair County Humane Society.

For a small fee anyone interested can meet and play with adoptable animals from the humane society. All proceeds will go directly to the Adair County Humane Society, which is a no-kill shelter. The funds raised assist with a variety of expenses including medical bills and food for the animals.

Puppy Love for Tally was started in honor of a deceased sister, Tally Stevens, who passed away in a car accident. The philanthropy was established to always remember Stevens’ life and family. She had a strong passion for animals, which is why Truman’s chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha established this philanthropy in conjunction with the humane society.

In celebration of National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day, Truman’s Giving Week gives beautiful bulldogs the chance to come together to make a difference for Truman students by giving back. Matching funds are available for the following campaigns thanks to the generosity of lead donors.

Bertha Thomas Legacy Scholarship
The Bertha Thomas Legacy Scholarship was established in 2023 to honor Thomas for her substantial contributions to students, campus and the Kirksville community. Thomas spent the majority of her career as the assistant dean of Multicultural Affairs where she helped create safe spaces and support systems for all students, especially those from historically underrepresented groups. Gifts to the Bertha Thomas Legacy Scholarship will be matched 1:1 up to $3,000 through the generosity of Floyd Simpson III (’02).

Embedded Tutoring Program
The Embedded Tutoring program places a tutor in select classrooms to assist student learning. Classes with embedded tutors have increased overall GPA and students self-report higher grades. Gifts to the Center for Academic Excellent Embedded Tutoring program will be matched 1:1 up to $3,000 through the generosity of an anonymous sponsor.
Farm-to-Table Initiative
Farm-to-Table is a collaboration with the University Farm to bring healthy, fresh, organic produce and goods directly from the nearby land to the dining hall tables. The Farm-to-Table Initiative also provides educational opportunities for students, allowing them to learn about supply chains and the importance of eating locally and in-season. The first $4,300 donated to the Farm-to-Table Initiative will receive a 1:1 match thanks to the generosity of Cindy Spiker (’93) and Michele Hoyne (’90).

Forensics
Students in the Truman Forensics Union compete in both in-person and virtual events. Gifts to the Forensics Fund will be matched 1:1 up to $10,000 through the generosity of Nishant Bhajaria (’03) and an anonymous alumni couple. At the same time, $5,000 are eligible for a 1:1 match from the start, and an additional $5,000 in matching funds are available if 50 individuals donate to the Forensics Fund during Giving Week.

Gregg Nesbitt Football Scholarship
Gregg Nesbitt spent 40 years coaching and 14 seasons as Truman’s head football coach. This scholarship honors his retirement and his many years of service to the University. Nesbitt is succeeded in his role by his son, Kellen Nesbitt, who served as assistant head coach since 2010. Gifts to the Greg Nesbitt Football Scholarship will be matched 1:1 up to $10,000 through the generosity of McLeod Express, LLC which is owned by Mac McLeod (’85).

Health and Exercise Sciences Experiential Fund
The HES Experiential Fund will allow students to travel to present research, attend conferences and deepen connections with Truman alumni and health and exercise sciences faculty. The fund is designed to provide multi-purpose support for students to participate in experiences that will expand their understanding of their academic field and their future careers. Gifts to the HES Experiential Fund will be matched 1:1 up to $12,500 through the generosity of Calaneet Balas (’97).

In celebration of the impact of Truman donors, members of the Foundation Board are offering a 2:1 match to a Foundation fund of choice.

More information about the featured campaigns is available online and will be shared on the Truman Alumni Facebook page. Donors who give $70 or more in the month of April are also eligible to receive an exclusive Truman-branded puzzle.

Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt will begin at 10 a.m. April 22 with prizes available until April 27. Students can bring a picture of the 12 natural items listed on the scavenger hunt document to the Sustainability Office in Violette Hall 1310 in exchange for a free sticker and voucher for one free item from the clothing swap.

Terracotta Pot Painting
6-7:30 p.m.
April 22
Student Union Building Down Under
Paint mini terracotta pots to add to or start a house plant collection. The Compost Project will be providing compost and wildflower seed grab-bags for those who want to get their hands dirty.

Stargazing Open House
7:30-9 p.m.
April 22
University Observatory at the University Farm
Bring a blanket and get a constellation tour complete with myths from some amateur astronomical enthusiasts in the club.

Slacklining
4:30-6 p.m.
April 23
Quad
Slacklining is the art of walking on a flat line strung between two trees. In case of rain, slacklining will be canceled.

Print Club Screen Printing Demo
7-8 p.m.
April 24
Ophelia Parrish 2260

Slacklining
4:30-6 p.m.
April 25
Quad
Slacklining is the art of walking on a flat line strung between two trees. In case of rain, slacklining will be canceled.

Earth Fest
3-5:30 p.m.
April 26
Student Union Building front lawn
Earth Fest is an opportunity for campus and community organizations to come together to celebrate sustainability. There will be live music from True Men, Minor Detail and Dirt on the Coroner. Shelter puppies and kittens will also be there. Events co-occurring with Earth Fest include the Greenhouse Plant Clinic and the Clothing Swap. Student Government will also have sustainable items such as shampoo/conditioner bars, menstrual cups and vegan food.

Clothing Swap
3-5:30 p.m.
April 26
Student Union Building front lawn
Bring clean clothes, no graphic tees other than Truman ones, to the Sustainability Office in Violette Hall 1310 during open hours and fill out the simple form to record your donation.

Greenhouse Plant Clinic
3-5:30 p.m.
April 26
University Greenhouse
Got a plant whose health is giving you grief? Place it in the greenhouse staff’s capable hands and get diagnosis and treatment as applicable.

Environmental RHA Trivia
7-9 p.m.
Ryle Hall Main Lounge
Participate in an environmental-themed trivia night, with the questions written by staff in the Sustainability Office.

Outdoor Mushroom Production Workshop
12-3p.m.
April 27
University Farm
The University Farm will host two free outdoor mushroom production workshops from 12-3 p.m. April 27 and May 4. Students will learn the basics of outdoor mushroom production and inoculate their own mushroom log to take home.

Earth Week Send-Off Party
8-10 p.m.
April 27
Thousand Hills Park Group Campsite

AgSc 306: Market Gardening will be selling produce grown at the University Farm from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 23 and April 30 in front of the Student Union Building.

Marco Ilardi will speak at 12 p.m. April 25 in the Doug & Diane Villhard Innovation Lab located in the Pickler Memorial Library, as part of the TRU-Entrepreneur Speaker Series.

Ilardi has been a managing partner at V2 Ventures for the past six years. He has officially funded, built and sold a total of eight companies in the digital publishing, advertising technology and marketing technology industries. Ilardi is renowned for nurturing enduring relationships and fostering innovative talent. His pivotal role in launching, growing and selling successful digital marketing companies showcases his visionary insight, unwavering dedication and passionate commitment to innovation.

Proficient in digital strategy, mobile advertising, performance-based marketing, audience development and product development, Ilardi’s impressive background also includes being the former president at Adknowledge and senior vice president at FOX Interactive Media. His dedication to empowering entrepreneurs and driving innovation firmly establishes him as a prominent industry leader.

James Carter will discuss his distinguished career in political public service during a presentation at 7 p.m. April 25 in Violette Hall 1010 as part of the Economic Speakers Series.

Carter has been active in political public service since graduating from the University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science, followed in 1993 by a Master of Public Administration from George Mason University. He has served in both Democratic and Republican administrations in the capacities of: The National Economic Council; deputy assistant secretary for economic policy in the U.S. Treasury; deputy undersecretary for international affairs and senior advisor to the secretary in the U.S. Department of Labor; chief economist and senior tax advisor in the U.S. Senate Budget Committee; and director for the Center of American Prosperity. He currently serves as a senior fellow for the America First Policy Institute.

During his presentation, Carter will speak on networking lessons learned through a lifetime career in public service working across the aisle with both political parties. He has served on the Board of Directors of BIPAC, a bipartisan organization working to improve the political climate in America, and on the Board of Directors for the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter. He has taught “Politics and Public Policy” at George Washington University and “The Practice and Politics of U.S. Tax Policy” at Johns Hopkins University. Carter is also a member of the Business-Government Relations Council and founder and proprietor of Concerned Economists. He has authored more than 200 publications in national newspapers such as Forbes, Investor’s Business Daily, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Politico, among others.

For nearly a decade, Carter was vice president of government affairs at Emerson, a diversified global manufacturing and technology company based in St. Louis. In addition to managing Emerson’s global, federal and state government affairs, his lobbying portfolio included tax policy, international trade and management of the company’s political action committee.

Since his time at the University Carter has continued to give back to his alma mater, helping more than 20 Truman students serve in internships in Washington, D.C. He is a 2014 recipient of Johns Hopkins University’s “Excellence in Teaching” award, and he appeared in season three of “House of Cards,” playing a U.S. senator.

Carter’s presentation is sponsored by the Department of Economics. It is free and open to the public.

Volunteers are asked to arrive at the stadium by 12:40 p.m. for directions prior to the doors opening at 1 p.m. Shortly after commencement begins, volunteers are free to leave or stay for the ceremony.
 
Anyone willing to volunteer, or anyone with questions about volunteering, can contact Nancy Asher at nasher@truman.edu or Kaytee Wood at kwood@truman.edu, or call 660.785.4145. For those who volunteer, more detailed information will be sent closer to the actual date.

Pickler Memorial Library is launching the new FOLIO platform May 22. FOLIO will be a fresh foundation on which the library can build new and innovative services.

Work is already underway to move MOBIUS and Pickler Memorial Library to the FOLIO library platform. As part of the migration, MOBIUS will temporarily suspend requesting through the MOBIUS catalog and on-site borrowing at other MOBIUS libraries, April 18. Requesting will be re-enabled May 22 when the new catalog launches.

Starting May 7, online access to library accounts will be unavailable until the new system is in place. Reading history will not migrate to FOLIO and must be printed before May 7 in order to keep it.

For more information about the migration, visit the library’s website. Any additional questions can be directed to the Library Service Desk at 660.785.4533 or one of the research and instruction librarians.

Momentum Campus Ministries, the Lutheran Student Fellowship and the Baptist Student Union, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will host a campus blood drive from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 29 in the Student Union Building Down Under. Pizza, cookies and refreshments will be provided to participants.

Summer months are correlated with a decrease in blood drive participation. With a shelf life of less than 50 days, having blood on-hand to use for transfusions and emergency medical procedures is critical and can help save lives. Register here to participate in this drive.

The Fulbright Committee will host a writing workshop from 3:30-4:30 p.m. May 1 in McClain Hall 208. Students graduating by the end of the 2024-25 academic year who plan to complete a Fulbright application in the fall of 2024 should start their application immediately. The campus deadline is Sept. 2. The workshop with provide advice and the chance to work with a faculty mentor on developing the application. Questions can be directed to Meg Edwards, associate professor of political science and international relations.

Conference Travel Scholarship applications are for students presenting the results of their research or creative scholarship at a conference taking place January-June 2025. Students must have completed or be currently involved in a faculty-mentored research experience and plan on presenting at the conference. The scholarship will cover up to $500 of conference registration, lodging and travel expenses.

GIASR applications are available for research and creative scholarship conducted in fall 2024. Grant applicants may request up to $750 and can cover student stipends, supplies and travel to conduct research.

Complete guidelines for the Conference Travel Scholarship and GIASR applications can be found at the Office of Student Research website. Applications for both funding opportunities are due by 11:59 p.m. May 1. Questions regarding the applications can be directed to osr@truman.edu.

Students can file or make changes to their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-2025 school year at studentaid.gov.

All students in need of financial assistance are encouraged to complete the FAFSA. Federal Student Aid is the largest provider of financial aid for college students in the United States. Even though a student may not qualify for grants or work-study, all students are considered for the Federal Direct Loan (no co-signer required). Filing the FAFSA does not commit students to taking a loan, but it does allow for more options.

The 2024-2025 FAFSA requires students to report income and tax information from an earlier tax year. For the 2024-2025 FAFSA students will use their 2022 tax information. Details about the FAFSA can be found online at studentaid.gov.

For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 660.785.4130 or finaid@truman.edu. The Financial Aid Office website also has a variety of helpful resources for students and their families.

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.

Meg Edwards (left), associate professor of political science and international relations, and Julianna Rice, senior political science and international relations major, attend the MPSA conference in Chicago.

Meg Edwards, associate professor of political science and international relations, and Julianna Rice, senior political science and international relations major, attended the 2024 Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) Conference in Chicago, Illinois, April 4-7. They participated in a panel and presented their paper, “Homeschooling in the United States: Policy Evolution and Identity Construction.” Edwards also presented her paper, “Performing Populism: Leadership Fashion in Comparative Perspective,” and served as an invited participant on a Midwest Women’s Caucus Roundtable, “Being Asked to Do More with Less: Increasing Service Burdens as Enrollments and Budgets Decline.”