Vol. 19 No. 21 - Feb. 16, 2015

The power of positive thinking helped junior Shelby Kovak earn a $5,000 study abroad scholarship from Achieve Today.

Achieve Today aims to help individuals pursue their talents and ambitions through various programs and scholarships. This year, the organization awarded scholarship gifts totaling $10,000. One scholarship is awarded in both the fall and the spring and is offered to all students in the United States to apply. Students could apply by submitting a video, audio or a written essay on the law of attraction and personal development.  

Kovak picked the topic of the power of positive thinking, as it is something she strives to uphold in her own life. Her video submission beat out 30 other videos and more than 50 essays of students nationwide to secure the award.

A sociology major and Spanish minor from Crystal Lake, Ill., Kovak plans to study abroad for eight weeks in Salamanca, Spain, this coming summer.  Her sister, Kirsten, a freshman at Truman, will also be participating in the trip. Their parents encouraged them to raise the money for the trip on their own. Before finals, Shelby began to research different scholarship opportunities online. In total, she applied for 15 different scholarships and was overwhelmed with emotion when she was awarded this scholarship.

In addition to Shelby’s scholarship, Kirsten, raised money by selling hand-made crocheted scarves and selling them to friends and family. Through their unique and talented ways, Shelby and Kirsten have successfully raised the money and are set for their summer adventures abroad.

The 32nd Annual Truman Piano Festival will take place Feb. 20 and Feb. 21 in Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.  

The festival includes performances by a feature guest artist, Truman students and a competition for the Truman Piano Fellowship, a four-year full-ride scholarship to an incoming Truman piano major.

This year’s featured guest artist is Dr. Pamela Mia Paul. Paul is both a brilliant performer and a deeply dedicated teacher. On stage, she has performed with the world’s great orchestras. She has given concerts throughout the United States, as well as in Europe, the People’s Republic of China, South Korea and Turkey both as soloist and as chamber musician. In the studio, or in the setting of a masterclass, she is an internationally sought-after pedagogue whose students hold teaching positions throughout the United States and Asia, and who have participated in and won competitions including the Nina Widemann Competition and the Naumburg International Piano Competition. Paul has commissioned and premiered works for the piano; Robert Beaser’s Piano Concerto, which was written for her, had its world premiere in the United States with the St. Louis Symphony, and in Europe with the Monte Carlo Philharmonic.


Paul received her Doctor of Musical Arts, Master of Music and Bachelor of Music degrees from the Juilliard School. She is currently Regents Professor of Piano at the University of North Texas and is a Steinway artist.

Truman Piano Festival Events
Feb. 20
8 p.m.
Paul will perform a solo recital that features the Brahms “Handel” Variations plus works by Mozart and Chopin

Feb. 21
9:30 a.m.
Paul will conduct master class featuring three Truman piano majors

1:30 p.m.
Competition for Truman Piano Fellowship

All events are open to the public, free of charge.

Dr. John Ishiyama will present “Understanding North Korea” at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 in Violette Hall 1010 as part of the Global Issues Colloquium.

Ishiyama returns to Truman to share his exploration of North Korea’s political elite self perceived role in global economy, and how the West and South Korea have impacted North Korea’s actions.

Ishiyama previously taught at Truman for 18 years before moving to North Texas to become University Distinguished Professor of Political Science, and also take over the editorship of one of the country's premiere political science journals, the American Political Science Review. He has published both journals and books on the topic of communist and post-communist regimes, democratization and political parties, and ethnic politics.

Suggested articles by Ishiyama:

“Assessing the Leadership Transition in North Korea: Using Network Analysis of Field Inspections, 1997-2012.” Communist and Post-Communist Studies, 2014.

“Elite Volatility and Change in North Korean Politics: 1997 to 2010.” Journal of Asian and African Studies, 2013.

Truman continues to receive high praise for helping students earn degrees while keeping the cost of their education low.

The most-recent accolades come from The Business Journals, which ranked Truman at No. 40 on its list of the best public colleges in America. The Business Journals looked at nearly 500 four-year public institutions nationwide and based its rankings on 19 indicators of academic excellence, affordability and diversity. The study's objective was to identify the public universities and colleges that offer the best educational experiences to their students.

According to the article accompanying the Feb. 12 release of The Business Journals’ rankings, 70 percent of U.S. students who earned bachelor’s degrees in 2013 went into debt to finance their educations, with typical graduates owing more than $28,000. By comparison, half of Truman’s students graduate without any student debt and the other half graduate with debt well below the state and national averages.

Cost was one of three core categories—out of six total—where Truman earned a five-star rating. Truman’s high marks from Forbes, Kiplinger’s, Washington Monthly and U.S. News and World Report were also taken into consideration by The Business Journals’ rankings. The complete rankings can be found online.

Praise from The Business Journals is just the latest for the University. Last week the Princeton Review included Truman in its new book, “Colleges That Pay You Back: The 200 Best Value Colleges and What It Takes to Get In.” Although Truman is a perennial fixture in Princeton Review listings, inclusion in this particular book is notable as it is the first to factor in data regarding academics, cost, financial aid, graduation rates, alumni salaries and job satisfaction. One of only 77 public schools to be included, the book noted Truman “offers a private school education at a public price” and that “comprehensive financial aid programs can be used to make sure that students are able to focus on their studies.”

As of July 1, 2015 Truman’s campus will be tobacco-free. This means that the use of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes) will be prohibited on campus grounds.

Students who are current smokers can seek help breaking their habit through the Student Smoking Cessation Program sponsored by Truman’s Health Center and University Counseling Services. This program is centered around a team of volunteer smoke cessation coaches made up of staff members trained to assist in the student’s cessation journey. They can provide personalized coaching and support plans as well as nicotine replacement items including gum, lozenges and patches. In addition, “Quit-kits,” containing habit-reducing products such as flavored chewing gum and toothpicks, will be provided cost free to students.

Students who are interested in becoming tobacco-free and believe they can benefit from the services of a coach or provision of nicotine replacement products and other habit-reduction products, can reach out to any of the following staff members,

Michelle Cannon-Breland, Office of Student Affairs: 660.785.4111

Lori Elschlager, Student Health Center: 660.785.4182

Brenda Higgins, Student Health Center and University Counseling Services: 660.785.4182

Miranda Kolenda, Student Recreation Center: 660.785.7739

Susan Limestall, Student Recreation Center: 660.785.7739

William Nelsen, Residence Life: 660.785.4227

Lyne Palmisano, Student Health Center: 660.785.4182

Megan Swingle, Residence Life: 660.785.4830

Teresa Tucker, Student Health Center: 660.785.4182

Vicky Wehner, Student Health Center and Disability Services: 660.785.4182

Thanks to the generous support of alumni and friends, more than $2,000 has been raised for the Robin Meyerkord Memorial Scholarship since Alpha Sigma Alpha’s centennial year celebration in November.

The Truman State University Foundation scholarship was established in 1986 in memory of Robin Meyerkord after her tragic death in a car accident. Meyerkord was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha and represented her sorority as the 1986 Greek Week Queen.

Co-Star of AMC’s “Breaking Bad” and equality and diversity activist, RJ Mitte, will speak at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 in Baldwin Auditorium. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are free for students and $10 for faculty, staff and general admission. Tickets can be picked up in the SAB Office in the lower level of the Student Union Building. Office hours are 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Free Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) screenings will be available in the SUB Georgian Rooms from 1p.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 17.

Supplies are limited and students will be helped, first come, first served. For more information, contact nursing@truman.edu. To learn more about STI facts and prevention visit the Center for Disease Control.

The Zuzu African Acrobats will perform their blend of traditional East African music and circus acrobatics at 5 p.m. Feb. 21 in Baldwin Hall Auditorium.

The Zuzu African Acrobats originated their high energy and rhythm driven show in Mombasa, Kenya, and since then have performed in more than 25 countries. Most recently the act has been featured on the hit television show “America’s Got Talent.” The Zuzu African Acrobats seek to update the traditional circus “spectacle” to create a modern version that appeals to younger audiences.

After the performance food will be available in the Student Union Building starting at 7 p.m.

Student Government is now accepting nominations for Educator of the Year, Research Mentor of the Year and Department of the Year. All nominations must be completed by Feb. 22.

Joseph Mooney, chief financial officer (CFO) for Lodging Hospitality Management will serve as the Spring 2015 Bentele/Mallinckrodt Executive in Residence.

During a campus-wide presentation at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 23 in Violette Hall 1000, Mooney will discuss “The Hospitality Industry: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Hotel Management Operations.” He will also be speaking in several classes while on campus.

Established in 1986, Lodging Hospitality Management (LHM) is an independently owned and operated lodging and hospitality management company. During the past 28 years, LHM expanded its portfolio with 17 hotel properties–both upscale, independent and brand affiliated hotels, eight restaurants and two commercial properties.

Mooney is the investor, leader, insurer of relationships and is responsible for the overall financial operations of the company and all its hotels, including establishing internal controls and measurements necessary for profitable and strategic top line growth. Mooney’s major accomplishments include initiating channel, product and program changes to increase sales by 300 percent. In addition, Mooney created process and product improvements to increase gross profit by 50 percent.

Prior to his tenure at LHM, Mooney rose through the ranks from corporate controller to chief financial officer/chief operation officers at the EAC Corporation (d.b.a. The EckAdams Company) and was with the company for nearly 30 years. His advancement through the financial, sales and operations areas honed his skills in leadership, analytical problem solving and team building in a variety of disciplines.

Mooney serves on the board of the CA St. Louis and is a member of several community organizations, including Ronald McDonald House and St. Vincent de Paul. He also serves on the board of Gateway Region YMCA and the Treasury Board for Enterprise Bank. Mooney’s three children are all graduates of Truman.

The IMCERA Group (Mallinckrodt) endowed the Raymond F. Bentele/Mallinckrodt Executive-in-Residence Program in 1993. The program brings top-level executives to Truman to share their experiences and perspectives with students and faculty.

Student Affairs is hosting a series of programs designed to improve student wellness by presenting ways to reduce stress in the following areas: financial, academic, social, future and physical. All programs are scheduled from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in McClain Hall 208.

Money Mondays

Bank Accounts and Services
Feb. 23

Credit and Debt
March 16

Investing and Financial Planning
March 30

Taxes and Insurance
April 13

Evaluating Benefit Packages
April 27


Wellness Wednesdays

Prescription Drug Abuse/Misuse
Feb. 18

Alcohol Awareness
March 4

Sexual Health and Safety
March 25

Smoking Cessation
April 8

Relationships
April 22

Incentives: In addition to free materials and drawings for attendees at each session, Student Affairs is providing both individual and student organization incentives to participate in these programs. Students may earn a Personal Development Certificate and recognition on their co-curricular record for participation. Student organizations can be eligible for financial incentives (up to $300) if at least 30 percent of their membership attends three or more of these programs. These wellness related events are made possible thanks to the generosity of those Truman parents who donated to the Student Wellness Initiative.

The Center for Student Involvement is now taking nominations for Leadership Recognition awards, including Outstanding President of the Year, the Senior Leadership Award, Outstanding New Organization and more.

Nomination packets can be picked up from the CSI Office in the Student Union Building or nominations can be made online at csi.truman.edu/leadership.

Nominations can be made through March 6. For more information, email csilrp@gmail.com.

The Environmental Studies Committee is looking for students to present during their Conference this April.

The goal of the conference is to help raise awareness about the many sustainability and environmentally related projects that are currently taking place on campus, in Kirksville, and in surrounding communities. Undergraduate students, graduate students and professors are invited to present research projects, slam poetry or other initiatives. Topics can include, but are not limited to, applications of life and physical sciences, sustainability projects at Truman and in the surrounding communities, philosophy of environmentalism, environmental aspects of global health, and environmental connection to art and literature.

Additionally, artists and photographers are invited to create art in any media inspired by any aspect of the environment to be displayed at the conference.

Students who are interested in presenting at the Environmental Studies Conference can submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations to Alex Hromockyi or Alison Robson.

The conference will take place April 11 and will be free for those who wish to attend. 

USA Today will be accepting applications for 2015 collegiate correspondents to report from their campus this summer from March 15 until March 30.

The collegiate correspondent program offers students a unique chance to hone their writing skills while writing for a major publication. Students will also gain experience writing for large audiences and working under strict deadlines. Responsibilities of the collegiate correspondent include producing one news story weekly, quick communication with USA Today staff and remaining current on world events.

In addition to a stipend, participating students gain mentorship from USA Today editorial staff, the opportunity to publish their work on USA Today’s college site and possibly have their work published to USA Today website.

A strong applicant is motivated and passionate about bringing engaging stories to readers. Students can learn more or apply here.

Truman students, faculty and staff are all invited to participate in TruFit, a free eight-week fitness challenge, beginning Feb. 23.

Students wishing to compete should gather a team of 2-10 participants and choose a team captain and name. While registering, each team will set a physical activity goal in minutes per week. Throughout the week participants engage in physical activity of their choice to accumulate minutes towards their goal as their teammates support and encourage them. Teams will compete to see who can accumulate the most minutes over the eight-week challenge.

The deadline for teams to sign up is March 1.

TruFit is sponsored by The President’s Committee for Campus Wellbeing and the Student Recreation Center.

For more information, visit TruFit’s webpage or contact Miranda Kolenda at 660.785.7739

The Missouri State Archives will host a free daylong digitization workshop at 10 a.m., March 27 in Student Union Building Georgian Room A.

This workshop aims to help small historical institutions create digital archives of their records. This initiative is made possible through the State and National Archival Partnership Grant that funds this workshop and additional workshops across Missouri.

To register, contact Brian Rogers at 573.526.1981.

Students are invited to participate in the Iowa Alumni Chapter’s networking event. This free and informal event will take place at Chocolaterie Stam in Des Moines. Chocolates, light hors d’oeuvres, coffee and tea will be provided. Those interested in attending can RSVP by March 6 to Cindy Spiker at iowaalumni@truman.edu.

Bulldogs & Bonbons Networking Event
with the Iowa Alumni Chapter

5:30-7 p.m.
March 9
Chocolaterie Stam
2814 Ingersoll Ave
Des Moines

Ali Patterson, a junior mathematics major, was named 2014-2015 Great Lakes Valley Conference Fall Scholar-Athlete of the Year. She was recognized for her commitment to excellence in both academics and Truman’s volleyball team. Besides achieving a 4.0 grade point average last semester, she also helped the team to its first GLVC championship last fall. Each year the league selects one student-athlete in each sport to be awarded the GLVC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The award is based on athletic accomplishment and academic performance. Conference members nominate one student from their team each year. Nominees must have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.30.

Thomas Trimborn, professor emeritus of music, had his review of the soundtrack recording of Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” published in the current issue of the Lincoln Herald, the longest running journal on the life and times of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. John Williams’ score was performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and was nominated for an Academy Award. 

PwC Info Table
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Feb. 18
Violette Hall Counter

Career and Grad School Week
Feb. 23-26

SCORE Mock Interviews
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Feb. 23
Career Center

Etiquette Dinner
5:30 p.m.
Feb. 23
Student Union Building Georgian Room B

Nonprofit Poster Display
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Feb. 24
Student Union Building HUB

Employer Info Sessions
6 p.m.
Feb. 24
Student Union Building

Nonprofit Panel Discussion
6 p.m.
Feb. 24
Student Union Building Activities Room

Career Week Speaker: Dan Coughlin
7:30 p.m.
Feb. 24
Student Union Building Activities Room

Career and Grad School Expo
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Feb. 25
Student Union Building

Employer Info Sessions
6 p.m.
Feb. 25
Student Union Building

Expo Interviews
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Feb. 26
Student Union Building

PwC On-Campus Interviews
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
March 4
Career Center

Deloitte On-Campus Interviews
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
March 5
Career Center

Ernst and Young On-Campus Interviews
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
March 24
Career Center

Peace Corps Info Table
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
April 1
Student Union Building

Peace Corps Info Table
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
April 2
Student Union Building

Alumni Mock Interviews
8 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 10
Career Center

KPMG On-Campus Interviews
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
April 10
Career Center

Applications are now available online for the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program for students participating in study abroad programs and internships during the summer 2015 and fall 2015/academic year 2015-2016 terms. Summer 2015 and Fall/academic year 2015-2016 online applications are due by 11:59 p.m. central time, March 3. For more information, visit the Gilman website at www.iie.org/programs/gilman-scholarship-program.

The Account Control Technology (ACT) Foundation is taking applications for their Second-Year Scholarship Program for Fall 2015. This scholarship is designed for first-year students who will be enrolled as college sophomores in the Fall of 2015. The Foundation will award 25 scholarships, each worth $1,000, in 2015 through the program to qualifying students at four-year colleges and universities nationwide.  Guidelines and the application itself are available for download from the Account Control Technology Foundation’s website. Applications are due by March 15.

Alpha Delta Kappa, Sigma Chapter of Burlington, Iowa, is offering two $1,000 scholarships to Des Moines County undergraduates who will be majoring in education. Further eligibility requirements include the applicant must show qualities of leadership and demonstrate success in academics. While financial need will be considered, it will not necessarily be the primary qualification. For further information, stop by the Financial Aid Office, McClain Hall 103. Applications are due by March 31.

Truman State University Foundation scholarship applications for Truman students in 2015-2016 are available now. This is the largest Foundation scholarship application period of the year. Applications are due by midnight, March 17. To apply, log into TruView and go to the Student tab, Student Finances channel. These scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends of Truman State University.

The Jack J. Isgur Foundation Scholarship applications are available to students aspiring to teach the humanities. The foundation promotes the humanities in the education field by awarding scholarships for students who aspire to teach literature, the fine arts, music, art, poetry and dance. Scholarships are available to junior and senior levels of undergraduates, as well as graduate students. For more information or to obtain an application for this scholarship, visit the foundation’s website. Applications are due by May 15.