Vol. 29 No. 13 - November 11, 2024

Features

  • Alumnus Returns as Executive-in-Residence

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    Mark Taggart (’95) will serve as Truman’s next Bentele/Mallinckrodt Executive-in-Residence.

    Taggart is the chief financial officer for Toyota Material Handling North America, president of Raymond Leasing, chairman of Toyota Industries Commercial Finance U.S., chairman of Toyota Industries Commercial Finance Canada and chairman of Toyota Industries Lease Mexico. In his various executive leadership roles at Toyota, he partners with the executive leadership team to shape the strategy of TMHNA’s major group companies — Toyota Material Handling and The Raymond Corporation — from his offices in Coppell, Texas, Columbus, Indiana, and Greene, New York.  

    In 1995, Taggart graduated with a business administration degree from Truman. While in school, he was a member of Blue Key, Alpha Phi Sigma, Big Brother/Big Sisters and served as a Residence Life advisor. His wife Melissa (Wines) Taggart also graduated from Truman in 1995 with a health science degree and is now a technical consultant for MSS Consultants. They have two daughters and a son, Sarah, Grace and Benjamin. Grace graduated from Truman in 2023 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree and works as a women’s oncology nurse in Phoenix, Arizona, for Mayo Clinic Hospital.

    Taggart will visit Truman from Nov. 20-21. During his time on campus, he will present a fireside chat titled “American Industrial Renaissance” at 4 p.m. Nov. 20 in Violette Hall 1000.
  • Street Art Project Finds a Home on Ophelia Parrish

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    Students install their artwork outside of Ophelia Parrish.

    The north side of Ophelia Parrish is the location of the newest – albeit, temporary – student-created art project.
     
    This semester, students in Printmaking I, II and III have participated in a wheat-pasting project. In this style, paper artwork is installed on a surface with a liquid adhesive made from wheat flour and water. Because it is versatile and temporary, the practice used to be a popular way to display posters and other public signage. Laura Naioti, associate professor of art, had her students experiment with wheat-pasting after using it herself on a smaller scale in some spots around Kirksville.
     
    The wheat-paste art on Ophelia Parrish was installed in mid-October. The project required large linoleum blocks, as well as large rolls of mulberry paper, and was made possible through funding from the Art Department. Along with adding a splash of beauty to campus, the project’s accessibility categorizes it as street art.
     
    “Street art is considered to be community-oriented because a viewer does not need to enter an art space to be greeted with the art,” Naioti said.
     
    As for the aesthetic of the work, the class brainstormed a concept together and decided to depict fauna that is native to Missouri, and to include other elements that relate to the food chain on either side of the depicted creatures.
     
    “We also tried to incorporate a decorative design element that would make the images look good if tiled in a repeat pattern of the same image or tiled together,” Naioti said. “I encouraged students to consider negative space, texture and contrast reversal in their imagery. Ultimately, we wanted to celebrate native fauna and ecosystems in an accessible way.”
     
    Anyone interested in viewing the art should do so sooner, rather than later. Because the wheat-paste mixture is water soluble, this installation is intended to be temporary and is subject to the elements. There may be more wheat-paste projects popping up beyond campus in the future. Naioti is in conversation with some local building owners to do similar projects in the community.  
     
    “I particularly want to paste the imagery downtown in Kirksville to bring some vibrancy and add art to the townscape,” she said.
  • Tag Day Celebrates Truman Donors

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    This week hundreds of donated items will be marked with distinctive purple tags in honor of Tag Day.

    Each year, generous donors give back to Truman. Their donations help make the Truman experience possible. Established in 2013, Tag Day shows appreciation to these donors and raises awareness of how they impact day-to-day life at Truman.

    In celebration of Tag Day, the Office of Advancement will give away free hot chocolate and cookies from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Doug and Diane Villhard Innovation Lab in Pickler Memorial Library. Additionally special boards will be located in Starbucks in the Pickler Memorial Library and the entrance to the Baldwin Auditorium throughout the week. Prizes are available for individuals who scan the QR code and share information about themselves and their Truman experience.
  • Truman Faculty Member to Serve as Keynote Speaker for Philosophy and Religion Conference

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    The 34th Annual Philosophy and Religion Conference will take place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 16 in Baldwin Hall 114.

    At 1:30 p.m., Josh Mund, assistant professor of philosophy and religion, will deliver the keynote address titled, “Speciesism Reconsidered: Do We Have Stronger Moral Obligations to Other Human Beings Because They Are Members of Our Species?” Mund is a new Truman faculty member and an ethicist whose research focuses on human interactions with animals. In recent years, he has written about defenses of humane animal agriculture, especially the view that farm animals would not exist without the practice of animal agriculture. His current projects investigate whether death – if it is free from pain – can be bad for animals, and whether pet owners should be morally troubled by the origin of their pets’ food.

    During the conference students from Truman and other universities will present original papers from a variety of topics in philosophy and religion. This event is free and open to the public. Visit phre.truman.edu and select “Philosophy and Religion Conference” for the conference schedule and more information.
  • Truman to Test Emergency Notification System Nov. 14

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    Truman will conduct a test of the emergency notification system at 10:45 a.m. Nov. 14.
     
    Students, faculty and staff that have signed up to receive Truman emergency alert text notifications will get a TruAlert text and email message letting them know it is a test. Those that have not signed up for emergency text messaging can do so through TruView.
     
    Sign in to TruView and click on the “Everyday Tools” tab. Click the “Update Emergency Text Messaging Information” under “Update and View My Personal Information” (lower right screen). A maximum of three phones can be registered to receive texts. Confirm information in the same manner.
     
    In addition to text and email messages, an emergency alert will be displayed on all Truman computer systems (Windows and Mac) where the Alertus software has been installed. This should include nearly all workstations on campus. There will also be alerts sent to digital signs in Violette Hall, Magruder Hall, Ophelia Parrish and Health Sciences, to the Truman channel on the cable TVs in residence halls, and to classrooms with the Truman touch-pad control system installed.

Announcements

  • Vienna Boys’ Choir to Perform in Lyceum Series

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    The world-famous Vienna Boys’ Choir will take the stage at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 in Baldwin Auditorium for the next installment of the Kohlenberg Lyceum Series.

    Based in Austria, the Vienna Boys’ Choir is composed of sopranos and altos between the ages of nine and 14. They perform for nearly 500,000 people each year. The ensemble is a modern-day descendant of the boys’ choirs of the Viennese Court dating back to the late Middle Ages. This performance will include Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, Christmas hymns and holiday carols.
     
    Tickets are available now and can be picked up downtown at the Kirksville Arts Association. Tickets are also available on campus at three convenient locations: the Union and Involvement Office in the Student Union Building; the Advancement Office in McClain Hall 205; or the Admissions Office in the Ruth W. Towne Museum and Visitors Center.
     
    Any remaining tickets will be available the day of the event beginning 30 minutes before the performance.  
     
    Tickets for the 2024-25 Kohlenberg Lyceum Series are provided free of charge thanks to the generous support of local sponsors, the Friends of the Lyceum program and the Truman State University Foundation.
     
    For more information about the Kohlenberg Lyceum Series, visit lyceum.truman.edu or contact the Advancement Office at 660.785.4133.
  • Coffee (and Chocolates) with the President Focuses on Artificial Intelligence

    President Sue Thomas will host the first Coffee (and Chocolates) for the academic year at 11 a.m. Nov. 19 in the Student Union Building Conference Room. The University continues to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on campus, which was first introduced at a coffee last year. For this session, members of the AI Working Group will review a draft of the AI Policy. The goal is to craft the best way to unlock AI’s potential for enhancing teaching, learning and University services at Truman, and this draft policy is a way to provide the necessary guidance. All interested faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in this discussion.

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  • Big Week of Giving Helps Benefit Pantry for Adair Country

    The annual Big Week of Giving event to support Pantry for Adair County will take place Nov. 11-15. There will be table from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. each day in the Student Union Building where food and monetary donations will be collected. There will also be donation boxes at the library and every residence hall desk. Student organizations interested in volunteering by tabling can contact serve@truman.edu.

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  • Percussion Ensemble to Perform Fall Concert Nov. 11

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    The Truman Concert Percussion Ensemble I will present its fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.

    The program will feature works by Samuel Barber, Brian Blume, Viet Cuong and Victor Marquez-Barrios, associate professor of music. The latter will be a work written for the Truman Percussion Ensemble, commissioned by the Missouri Music Teachers Association, and premiered Nov. 9 at the University of Missouri’s Sinquefield Music Center in Columbia.

    The ensemble is directed by Michael Bump, professor of music and director of percussion studies. Admission is free. For more information, contact Bump at mbump@truman.edu.
  • Pizza Social to Commemorate Veterans Day

    To commemorate Veterans Day, there will be a pizza social from 6-7 p.m. Nov. 11 in Magruder Hall 1096 where participants will be writing holiday/thank you cards for local Army reservists deployed overseas.

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  • Learn About Graduate Programs at Info Sessions

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    An informational session about gifted education will take place from 4-4:30 p.m. Nov. 12 via Zoom. This session will be led by Jeanne Harding, director of graduate studies and advisor for gifted education. She will discuss Truman’s gifted education program as well as teaching certification requirements. The webinar is free and anyone interested can register here.

    An informational session about data science and analytic storytelling will take place at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 14 in Baldwin Hall Little Theatre and via Zoom. During this info session, Kaytee Wood, a current graduate student, will share insights about her 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. Five-dollar drink coupons for Starbucks or Einstein Bros. Bagels will be distributed to those able to attend the event in person.
  • Scavenger Hunt Explores Campus Accessibility

    ACES is hosting a disabilities awareness scavenger hunt from 6-7 p.m. Nov. 12 to explore accessibility on campus and learn more about disability awareness. The scavenger hunt will start in the Student Union Building Down Under. Teams of 3-5 can sign up here. There is no admittance fee required.

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  • TRU-Entrepreneur Speaker Series Features Biotech Alumna

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    Jeanette (Robbins) Hill (’84) will speak from 12:30-1:20 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Doug & Diane Villhard Innovation Lab located in the Pickler Memorial Library, as part of the TRU-Entrepreneur Speaker Series.

    Hill is a biotech entrepreneur and currently founder and CEO of NanAby, which is developing new technology to catalyze captured CO2 into permanent and useful products. Previously, she founded and sold an award-winning company, Spot On Sciences, that developed medical devices to allow a blood sample to be taken at home with a finger stick.  

    All totaled, Hill has more than 20 years of experience in research and management positions in small and large companies, working on preclinical drug testing and pharmaceutical research. She received a Ph.D. in bio-organic chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis and has published research in protein engineering, liver disease and diabetes. Hill is originally from Palmyra, Missouri, and graduated from Truman with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1984.
  • Cardinal Key Hosts Interest Night

    Cardinal Key will host an interest night event at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Student Union Building Down Under. Females with the credits of a sophomore are eligible to rush for Cardinal Key.

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  • Ofstad Scholar to Discuss Linguistic Expertise in the Job Market

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    As part of the Ofstad Visiting Scholar Program, alumna Christine Knapp will present a lecture at 12 p.m. Nov. 15 in the Student Union Building Conference Room 3000.

    Knapp is a seasoned linguist and Truman alumna who has applied her expertise in a variety of fields, from public education to tech and human resources. During her time at an HR tech startup, she crafted and implemented natural language processing rules to reduce recruitment bias and increase candidate pool quality in published job descriptions. She also constructed proprietary taxonomies to help data scientists better understand labor market and hiring trends. Before pivoting to the tech industry, Knapp used her linguistics knowledge as a public-school teacher to better serve her K-12 ESOL students.

    In her lecture Knapp will explore how linguistic expertise is shaping roles in taxonomy, data science, natural language processing, product management and user experience. She will demystify the linguistic job title in tech and share practical tips for navigating the job market. She will also discuss how to decode job descriptions and apply linguistic skills in today’s evolving tech landscape.
  • Theatre Season Features the Musical “Ride the Cyclone”

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    Students rehearse for the upcoming musical, “Ride the Cyclone.”
     
    The Truman Theatre season will continue with the quirky, edgy musical, “Ride the Cyclone,” Nov. 15-17.
     
    Six teen chamber choir members meet their fate on a doomed roller coaster ride. In limbo, a mechanical fortune teller offers them a chance to return to life. As they face their fate, each character reveals their dreams, regrets and unique stories through catchy tunes and dark humor. This cult hit blends comedy, tragedy and enchantment, leaving audiences laughing, reflecting and feeling great about life.
     
    Music, lyrics and book for “Ride the Cyclone” are by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell. A fairly new work, the final version of the script was completed in 2023, and the show has developed a cult following on TikTok. Truman’s production is under the direction of student director Regan Bohanan.
     
    Performances of “Ride the Cyclone” will take place in the Severns Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15-16, along with a matinee at 2 p.m. Nov. 17. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at boxoffice.truman.edu or at the theatre prior to each performance. For more information, contact boxoffice@truman.edu.
  • A Cappella Fest Set for Nov. 16

    Minor Detail will host an a cappella fest 7 p.m. Nov. 16 in the Baldwin Auditorium. This fest will feature Truman’s own Minor Detail, Sweet Nothings and True Men along with The Naturelles from Univerity of Missoui and The Hibernotes from Missouri State University.

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  • Anthropology Club Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

    The Anthropology Club is hosting an event for Native American Heritage Month from 6-7 p.m. Nov. 20 in the Del and Norma Robison Planetarium. Dr. John Smelcer will discuss Native Alaskan Myths.

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  • Candlelight Vigil Set for Nov. 20

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    Women’s Resource Center is hosting a Transgender Day of Remembrance: Candlelight Vigil at 6 p.m. Nov. 20 on the Kirk Memorial stairs. Tabling for the event will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 13, 18 and 19 at the Student Union Building.

    Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on Nov. 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. TDOR was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. The vigil commemorated all the transgender people lost to violence since Hester’s death, and began an important tradition that has become the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.

    The candlelight vigil allows Truman students to participate to honor all those transgender people whose lives were lost to anti-transgender violence that year, and learn about the violence affecting the transgender community. Transgender Awareness Week takes place the week before Transgender Day of Remembrance and brings attention to the transgender community. Transgender people and their allies educate about who transgender people are, share their stories, and advocate about issues of prejudice, discrimination and violence that affect the transgender community.
  • Food Pantry Open During Thanksgiving Break

    The food pantry will be open from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 25-26 for any students staying on campus.

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  • Athletic Fee Accountability Committee Accepting Proposals

    Any member of the Truman community can propose a project idea to the Athletic Fee Accountability Committee for consideration. These projects should enhance the athletic facilities or equipment on Truman’s campus. The purpose of this proposal is to introduce the project to the committee. Proposals should include as much information as possible, but the committee will also help to refine submissions. Submissions can be submitted here by Dec. 1.

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  • Nonprofit Arts Fellowship Seeks Applicants

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    An informational session about Gyo Obata Fellowship will take place from 5-6 p.m. Dec. 4 via Zoom. Tara Morton, manager of foundation fellows for the Gateway Foundation, will discuss the foundation’s 2025 Gyo Obata Fellowship, how students can apply and the benefits this fellowship might have for students.

    The program is looking to recruit undergraduate student applicants for a competitive, paid, 10-week fellowship in the summer of 2025. Fellows will be placed in an arts administration role at an area nonprofit, from fields such as education/programming, development/fundraising, marketing and communications, management, curatorial and more. The program is seeking student applicants from many fields of study.
  • Summer Jobs Available Through Truman Academies

    The Institute for Academic Outreach is seeking applications for each academy for programs ranging from one to three weeks during June and July. Stipends vary based in the length of the program and nature of the work. Applications are currently being accepted and will continue until the positions are filled. Information about each available position can be accessed at tiacademies.truman.edu/employment or by emailing Michelle Wilson at mwwilson@truman.edu.

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  • Missouri Health Symposium to Take Place on Campus

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  • Housing Renewal Now Open for Next Year

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    Students interested in living on campus during the 2025-2026 school year can now make arrangements to do so.

    Living on campus provides students with a built-in community of peers, in addition to offering a variety of amenities. All campus residence halls feature furnished rooms, access to laundry facilities and a meal plan. On-campus residents also have all of their utility costs included in the price of their room. More information about applying to live on campus for the 2025-2026 academic year can be found online here.

    “Students who live on campus perform better academically because of the close connections to fellow students that develop,” said Jamie Van Boxel, director of residence life. “It is also more convenient to focus on your academics when you are close to your classrooms, study areas, labs and performance spaces. Having an on-campus meal plan makes it easy to eat a well-balanced meal without taking the time to shop for groceries, prepare meals and do the dishes. When you compare housing options side by side, living on campus has value when it comes to the conveniences, flexibilities and supportive environment offered to residents living on campus. Successful students often find that living on campus was part of their success in college.”

    There are many on-campus living options to choose from, including single-, double- and triple-occupancy residence hall rooms and single- and double-occupancy apartments available in Campbell. Upperclass students can select deluxe double residence hall rooms or a deluxe double apartment in Campbell. Deluxe double residence hall rooms offer more living space at the same price as a standard double room. Deluxe double apartments allow each roommate to have their own private bedroom in a shared apartment. Deluxe double spaces are limited and upperclass students who apply for housing and follow the room self-selection timeline outlined on the website will have priority in being able to select deluxe accommodations while supplies last.
     
    “Returning students living on campus have more options than a first-year student because returning students self-select their room earlier,” Van Boxel said. “Returning students can group up with their friends to take over a section of a residence hall or a group of apartments in Campbell. Returning students also have the opportunity to live in larger rooms or in an on-campus apartment with more space with a roommate of their choosing.”

    The housing portal is open now and can be accessed through TruView. Room selection will take place in the spring semester. Questions about the housing process can be directed to Residence Life at 660.785.4227 or reslife@truman.edu.
  • ResLife Hiring Resident Advisors

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    Residence Life is looking for students who will create welcoming environments, develop connections with on-campus residents and foster a learning-centered community to apply as resident advisors for the 2025-26 school year. Resident advisors will have their room and meal fees fully covered.

    Anyone enrolled in classes, who has lived on campus for at least one semester and maintained a 2.75 GPA, is qualified to apply. The application is open now until Jan. 14. Visit reslife.truman.edu or email reslife@truman.edu for more information.
  • New Security Measures Coming for Tuition Payment System

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    As part of Truman’s ongoing efforts to combat fraud, maintain a high level of security and keep personal information secure, multi-factor authentication (MFA) will soon be added to the tuition payment system.

    MFA is one of the most effective ways to ensure the person logging into a student account is who they say they are. Once the system goes live later this fall, students will be required to identify themselves with a one-time password received via email, text or mobile app each time they log in to their account. If they do not have a security profile, they will be prompted to create one and enroll in MFA.

    The following options are available to create a profile:
    • Authentication app (preferred): The user gets a time-sensitive code from an app like Google Authentication, Microsoft Authentication or Authy. Authentication apps are the most secure and popular options, especially since many use biometrics to log in for extra security.
    • SMS code: The system texts a one-time passcode to the user’s mobile phone.
    • Email code: A one-time code is emailed to the user.
    Truman recommends creating both a primary and backup profile to receive passcodes.

    An email will be sent out to students and authorized users once the system goes live.

Notables

  • Burden and Craven Attend Housing Conference

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    Zac Burden, assistant director of residence life, and Maysun Craven, Campbell Apartments and Blanton-Nason-Brewer Hall director, attended the annual conference of UMR-ACUHO in Springfield, Missouri, Oct. 30-Nov. 1.

    The Upper Midwest Region of the Association of College and University Housing Officers is a regional professional organization for staff working in residence life and campus housing. The conference brought together professionals from Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Manitoba. Burden and Craven participated in a wide array of educational sessions to strengthen their efforts to enhance the experiences of students living on campus.

    Craven was a participant in the case study competition with a hall director from another university. Their proposal to solve a challenging scenario was highlighted by judges for being innovative, thoughtful and thorough.

    Burden was recognized for the second year in a row as a top five presenter at the conference. His presentation this year focused on how Truman Residence Life works to better connect students to their communities and the institution through expanded use of creative branding in the residence halls. This includes nearly 25 years of utilizing hall mascots and colors during Truman Week and beyond. The presentation highlighted a creative partnership between Residence Life, Publications and Student Engagement staff at Truman. Burden presented a second session with assessment firm Elentra on strategies for successful assessment of residence life operations.
  • Students Raise Money for World Polio Day

    Students in HLTH 405, Global Public Health, raised $1,050 for the PolioPlus Fund toward global polio eradication. Those funds are matched 2:1 by the Gates Foundation, resulting in a tripled contribution of $3,150 to help reach every child with the polio vaccine. Moses Yohanna was the most successful student fundraiser, collecting $335. The Student Public Health Association (SPHA) contributed $175 and the sisters of Alpha Sigma Gamma contributed $150.

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