Vol. 17 No. 37 - July 29, 2013

After eight years on campus, a unique flower in the University Greenhouse has bloomed for the first time.

The Devil’s Tongue flower began blooming about two weeks ago and is believed to be at the peak of its bloom with an estimated size of two feet in height and six inches in diameter. It shares the same genus as the Corpse Flower currently blooming at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C.

This plant is one of two Devil’s Tongue flowers located in the University Greenhouse, but is the first one to bloom. Tony Wilmes, a biology lab technician, said these particular flowers take a long time to mature, and only bloom about once every 10 years.

The Devil’s Tongue is available for public viewing, but visitors should be prepared for an atypical flower experience. Whereas most flowers release a sweet smell to attract bees and other insects for the purpose of pollination, the Devil’s Tongue uses flies to pollinate, and therefore smells similar to a dead animal. That particular quality is one of the main reasons the University has the Devil’s Tongue flower.

“Its a good specimen to demonstrate a different sort of pollinating method,” Wilmes said.

In fact, while a small section of the Greenhouse is allocated for research, a majority of the facility is used for teaching purposes.

Aside from the pungent Devil’s Tongue, the Greenhouse is home to more traditional flowers. Currently there are several orchids in bloom. It also contains some banana trees and several pitcher plants, which are carnivorous plants that trap and digest insects.

The University Greenhouse is typically available for public viewing between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the week. Visits can also be arranged through the Biology Department Office located in Magruder Hall 2004, or by calling 660.785.4597.

TSUnami, Truman’s women’s ultimate Frisbee team, finished in seventh place at the Division III National Championships in Milwaukee, Wis., May 18-19.

More than 700 men’s and women’s teams competed to attend the tournament, with only 32 qualifying. This is the second year in a row TSUnami has qualified for the national tournament.

After earning a No. 8 seed in the 16-team women’s tournament, TSUnami went on to finish tied for seventh place overall. On two occasions, the team went on four-point runs, one of which earned a come from behind win and a spot in the championship bracket.

Additionally, the team received the spirit award, which is voted on by each team captain after the game and totaled for the entire tournament. For the first time ever, a team was given a perfect five, which means each opponent gave the Truman team the highest possible score based on sportsmanship and positive athletic competition.

Student Activities Board fall membership applications will be available starting Aug. 22 in the SAB Office, located in the lower level of the Student Union Building, and online at sab.truman.edu.

Driven and creative students who are passionate about what happens at Truman are encouraged to apply. Applications can be turned into the Center for Student Involvement, located in the HUB, until 5 p.m. Sept. 10. Those selected for interviews must be available Sept. 13 and Sept. 14.

Any questions can be forwarded to John Riti, SAB president, at jjr1468@truman.edu, or stop by the SAB Office weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Chantell Johnson, who graduated this past May from Truman, was featured on the ABC’s Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition on July 30.

The two-hour program featured Johnson, whose dream was to return to Truman and complete her degree. The ABC team visited the Truman campus several times as they followed her yearlong journey and were on campus to witness her receiving her diploma. To watch the episode go to abc.go.com/shows/extreme-weight-loss/episode-guide/episode-308-chantell.

Students may register for 2013-14 parking decals via their TruView home page. Go to the lower right hand channel labeled “Update and View My Personal Information.” Verify your local address and update your telephone numbers and permanent address. Select “Register My Vehicle” and complete the required fields, specifically your vehicle description and license plate number.  

Freshman parking permits will be included in the Residence Hall check-in packet if the registration form is completed prior to Aug. 2. Late registrations, commuter parking permits and upperclassmen parking permits will be processed and distributed from the Parking Services Office, General Services Building 100, located in the Department of Public Safety at the corner of Franklin and Patterson streets. If you have questions or problems getting your parking pass, the Parking Services Office will be open Move-In day, Aug. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be expanded Parking Services Office hours 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 19-22.  

For more specifics about the parking rules and regulations, visit the Department of Public Safety website at police.truman.edu and click on Parking Services.

In an effort to assist the Oregon County Public Library in Myrtle, Mo., modernize its assortment of books, faculty and staff members have started a book drive on campus. Collection boxes are available in Magruder and Violette halls. For more information, contact Chad Montgomery at chadmont@truman.edu or Stachia Vorhees at svorhees@truman.edu.

Stephen Hadwiger, professor of nursing, presented “Working with Clients from Diverse Backgrounds” July 10 at the Adams County Health Department in Quincy, Ill.

The Truman Track & Field teams were recognized by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association as an All-Academic team while seniors Karen Grauel, Rachel McCarroll and Dimonique McGruder, along with junior Matthew Schaefer, were honored with individual All-Academic honors. The women had a team grade-point average of 3.42 and were one of 92 Division II teams to earn the All-Academic status. The men posted a 3.24 GPA and were one of 24 men’s teams to earn All-Academic.

The Board of Governors will meet at 1 p.m. Aug. 3 in the Student Union Building Conference Room.

The final summer orientation session will take place Aug. 16.

New Student Move-In Day is Aug. 17.

Classes begin Aug. 22.

InterFraternity Council (IFC) Info Night will take place from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 23 in Violette Hall 1000. Sponsored by Greek Life.

The Greek Interest BBQ will take place from 4-7 p.m. Aug. 25 on the Mall. Students will have a chance to meet and ask questions to members of Greek Life. Free food and refreshments will be served.

Truman officially became a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) July 1. TrumanBulldogs.com, will feature a sport-by-sport breakdown, running twice per week throughout the summer to help fans become familiar with the new league and its 15 other institutions.