Vol. 29 No. 19 - January 27, 2025
Features
Students Volunteer for MLK Day Service Event
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 70 students volunteered at the “Harmony in Action: A Journey Towards Unity and Hope” service event, Jan. 20.
In the morning students were dispersed to six different service sites; the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Family Connection Center, the Kirksville Art Association, the Kirksville Historical Museum, the Adair County YMCA and the Adair County Public Library. At these sites, students helped with food packing, cleaning, painting, trash pick-up, dusting, shelf arranging and more.
A highlight site for the event was the Family Connection Center, a family crisis center that will be opening this summer. The center will be a safe haven and resource hub that addresses the poverty needs of the Kirksville community. It will help families find resources and aid, but also provide items such as food, clothing and diapers. The students at this location helped paint in preparation for its opening.Percussion Ensemble to Perform at State Conference
Last summer, Truman’s concert percussion ensemble I was selected from a competitive application process to present a featured concert at the 87th Annual Missouri Music Educators Association’s In-Service Conference, Jan. 29-Feb. 1, in Osage Beach.
The annual conference typically attracts more than 1,700 music educators, students, professional performers and composers from Missouri and beyond. In addition to select performances, the four-day event presents numerous pedagogical clinics, workshops and exhibits. It is also the host of Missouri’s high school all-state bands, orchestra, jazz ensemble and choir event, representing many of Missouri’s finest high school musicians. This will be Truman’s concert percussion ensemble sixth invited appearance at MMEA under the direction of Michael Bump, professor of music.
The ensemble will present a “Pre-MMEA” performance at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.Mohler and Sadanala Earn Innovation Awards
Gayathri Sadanala (left) and Sarah Mohler accept their APDC Academic Innovation Awards.Sarah Mohler, associate professor of English, and Gayathri Sadanala, assistant professor of computer science, are the winners of the fall 2024 APDC Academic Innovation Award.
For her project, “Using Skillabi Data for Classroom Reflection and Mock Interviews,” Mohler constructed a final-day-of-the-semester activity in which students reflected on course outcomes and Skillabi data that demonstrated the job skills students acquired in the major. Students then used these reflections in mock interviews to practice articulating those skills to future employers, gain confidence in the skills they acquired, and increase their success navigating the job market.
Sadanala’s project, “Advancing Student Excellence through Peer-Led Pedagogy,” enhances student engagement and learning outcomes by implementing peer-led sessions and collaborative assessments, empowering students to take an active role in their education while fostering critical skills like research, communication and teamwork.Dogs Helping Dogs
Alumni (from left) Martha, Pam and Austin Sykes are putting their love of dogs to use and filling a business need in Kirksville.
The next time Spike is in need of a spa day, he won’t have to go very far now that three alumni have opened a dog care facility in Kirksville.
After graduating from Truman in 2021 with a degree in accounting, Kirksville native Austin Sykes knew he wanted to start a business in his hometown.
“I did a lot of market research and talked to the community about some good business ideas for this area,” Sykes said. “After some research, I found out that Kirkville has limited options in the city limits for dog care services.”
That need for services lined up with Sykes’ interests. He had numerous dog-sitting jobs in high school and college. His grandmother raised dogs, and Sykes spent countless hours helping to socialize the puppies. Just as he helped his grandmother with her business, as Sykes’ idea came into focus, he also found family support to get it off the ground.
“I spoke with my wife and mother, and they both thought this would be a great idea,” he said. “They both decided to be partners in the business with me.”
Like Austin, his wife, Martha (Glastetter) Sykes (’21, ’22), and mother, Pam (Flynn) Sykes (’96), both earned degrees in accounting from the University. Martha also received a master’s degree in accounting and picked up her CPA license in 2022. A native of Washington, Missouri, she works full-time for a local accounting firm, in addition to providing her expertise to the family business. Pam worked for several years as a private accountant. Now in retirement, she helps Austin with the day-to-day responsibilities of business.
“I am excited to be a part of this family business,” Pam said. “Being able to meet all of the incredible dogs is great, but being able to achieve this dream with my son and daughter-in-law is truly amazing.”
In 2024, the trio opened Begging to Stay. In addition to boarding, the business offers grooming services and dog day care. Located on Illinois Street, the facility includes a 6,000 square foot building, 5,500 square feet of turf and four large play areas.
“I always had a plan to open my own business at some point. I did not think it would be this quick, but I am very happy that it worked out and that I get to do this,” Sykes said.
After a few months of operation, the company already has approximately 60 regular customers and usually around eight dogs using the day care services.Organization Offers Free Help with Tax Preparation
Beta Alpha Psi will host Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) sessions from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 22, March 1 and March 29 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 and will be available to schedule beginning Jan. 27. Truman students can make appointments online. Truman staff and community members should call 660.785.6064 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit bap.truman.edu/vita.Rec Center Offers First Aid Classes
The Student Recreation Center is offering American Red Cross adult and pediatric first aid/CPR/AED classes.Class types available include: adult and pediatric; adult only; and pediatric only. After completing all course requirements, participants will receive a two-year certification. Classes take place in two parts. Participants must attend both classes to receive certification, as well as complete the entire online learning session. Three separate two-part sessions are scheduled in the month of February:
Feb. 10-11
7-8 a.m.
Feb. 12-13
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Feb. 19-20
5-6 p.m.
Classes will take place in the Student Recreation Center Conference Room. More class dates will be released based on interest.
All Truman-affiliated individuals aged 16 and up are eligible to participate. This includes: students, staff, faculty, spouses and dependents. Participants under 18 must attend with a parent or guardian. Cost for the class is $50 for individuals or $87 for couples.
Class will be taught by Amanda Porter, Student Recreation Center assistant director of operations. Registration is due by Feb. 3 and can be completed here.
Announcements
First Pop-Up Pantry of the Semester Set for Jan. 28
The first pop-up pantry of the semester will take place form 2-5 p.m. Jan. 28 in the Student Union Building Down Under. Students are encouraged to check out the food available, as well as select personal hygiene items, at no cost. The food pantry is available to all Truman students and there are no income eligibility requirements for use.Activities Fair Provides Opportunity for Involvement
The Activities Fair will take place from 12-5 p.m. Jan. 29 in the Student Union Building. This event is an excellent opportunity for students to find organizations to join on campus. A full list of organizations can be found here. For more information contact Union and Involvement Services in the Student Union Building 2000, at 660.785.4222 or by email at orgs@truman.edu.Organizations Looking for New Members
Ofstad Program Welcomes Actor, Writer, Director
As part of the Ofstad Visiting Scholar Program, award-winning actor, director, playwright, novelist and adventurer Keith Scales will read selections from his work, “Passages from Overlook City,” at 1 p.m. Jan. 30 in Baldwin Hall Little Theatre. A light lunch will be served. This event is free and open to the public.
Scales was continuously active in the Pacific Northwest theater community from 1970-2009, working as a freelance professional actor, director, teacher, designer, organizer and grant writer. A familiar face to Portland and Seattle theatergoers, Scales acted in more than 200 plays and directed nearly 100.
In 2009 Scales relocated from Oregon to the Ozarks to concentrate on the creation of original works for page, stage and screen. He still teaches, consults and directs on occasion, but is now committed to a daily writing regime.
Scales will also be on campus Jan. 27-31 teaching a special Ofstad course, “Stories Well-Told,” on the narrative elements in fiction, non-fiction and drama. The focus of the class will be on developing students’ individual voices, as well as employing theater improvisation exercises and techniques to offer an exhilarating opportunity to learn storytelling from the inside out. The class will be appealing to creative writing students, English students and theater and musical theater students, as well.Student Recreation Center Hiring Intramural Referees
The Student Recreation Center is hiring intramural referees for the spring semester. Scholarship, work-study and institutional pay options are available. Applications can be found here and are due by Jan. 31. Questions can be emailed to imsports@truman.edu.File for FAFSA Before Feb. 1
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be filed now for the 2025-2026 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.
Students can also contact the Truman Financial Aid Office directly with any questions at any time in McClain Hall 103, by email at finaid@truman.edu or phone at 660.785.4130. The Financial Aid Office website also has a variety of helpful resources for students and their families.
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 2025-2026 FAFSA will use 2023 tax year information with a priority deadline of Feb. 1, 2025 for Missouri residents. It is strongly recommended to apply or renew before Feb. 1. Details about the FAFSA can be found online at studentaid.gov.Applications Open for SAB
Now Hiring Student Ambassadors
The Office of Admission is looking for enthusiastic student leaders with a passion for sharing their Truman experience.
Applications are open for student ambassadors for the 2025-26 academic year. Student ambassadors guide visiting students and their families on campus tours, assist in the recruitment of prospective students and positively represent the University.
Scholarship, work-study and volunteer opportunities are available. Institutional positions are available, but limited. Applications are open online and are due by Feb. 14. Contact Madison Stogsdill, orientation student ambassador coordinator, with any questions.Lunar New Year Celebration Features Food and Prizes
The Chinese Language and Culture Association will host a Lunar New Year Gala, celebrating the year of the snake, Feb. 15 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room. This event will include free dinner, live action and prizes to be won. Scan the QR code on the event poster to RSVP. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the festivities will commence at 6 p.m.Cardinal Key Hosts Spring Rush
Cardinal Key is a national honors society dedicated to service. They will host rush events from 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 18, 6-8 p.m. Feb. 19 and 3 p.m. Feb. 22. Those interested should fill out the rush application prior to the events.Summer Undergraduate Research Program Accepting Proposals
The Office of Student Research is accepting TruScholars proposals for research and creative scholarship conducted over the eight-week summer term, June 2 through July 25. Grant applications may request up to $5,750 and can include a $3,500 max student stipend and a $1,750 max mentor stipend.
More information about the TruScholars program is available on the Office of Student Research website. Applications are due by Feb. 21. Any additional questions about TruScholars can be directed to osr@truman.edu.Tutoring Available for Students
The Center for Academic Excellence’s Tutoring Center offers free tutoring to all Truman students.
The center is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Students can book a tutoring session with an academic peer tutor for class-specific tutoring or learning strategy support here. Walk-ins are also welcome depending on tutor availability.
For the spring 2025 semester, the Tutoring Center will be located on the first floor of Pickler Memorial Library past the cafe at the tables outside the CAE main office (PML 109) and advisor’s offices. Tutors will have name tags and table stands.
Contact Violet Odzinski, center coordinator, at vodzinski@truman.edu for any questions.
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.
Environmental Committee Accepting Project Proposals
Environmental Sustainability Fee Allotment Committee (ESFAC) is currently seeking proposals for improving sustainability and environmentalism on campus. Any individual or organization in good standing with the University can submit an application for funding for a project that aims to enhance sustainability on Truman’s campus. In the past they have funded projects such as updated compost equipment, bee houses, solar power for the University Farm and reusable water bottle fillers.Applications should be well thought out and as detailed as possible, however the committee will help to refine submissions. Proposals can be completed using this form. The deadline for proposal submission is 12 a.m. March 16. For more details about the application process and guidelines, visit senate.truman.edu/archives/officialdocuments, or reach out to Willow Reese, committee chair, at sb85256@truman.edu.Judges Needed for Local Speech and Debate Tournament
Kirksville High School is looking for judges to assist with its first speech and debate tournament, Feb. 28 and March 1.
MSHSAA speech and debate includes interpretation events, which are more performance based; public address events, which are more like a traditional speech; and debate events. Anyone who has experience speaking in front of others, or has watched someone speak in public, has the necessary skills to be a judge. All volunteers are welcome including faculty, staff, students and community members. A small stipend per round judged will be provided after the event. Judges do not have to be available for the full day of competition.
Those interested in judging can fill out this form.
Notables
Truman Earns Public Colleges of Distinction Recognition
Truman has earned the 2024-2025 Public College of Distinction recognition. Institutions qualify for this distinction by successfully delivering high-impact practices as well as adhering to the four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.