Vol. 19 No. 30 - April 27, 2015

Features

  • Vatican Astronomer to Give Commencement Address


    Brother Guy Consolmagno, S.J., an astronomer at the Vatican Observatory and president of the Vatican Observatory Foundation, has been announced as the commencement speaker for the ceremony taking place at 2 p.m. May 9 in Stokes Stadium.

    A native of Detroit, Mich., Consolmagno earned undergraduate and masters’ degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in planetary science from the University of Arizona. He was a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard and MIT, served in the Peace Corps in Kenya and taught university physics at Lafayette College before entering the Jesuits in 1989.

    Affiliated with the Vatican Observatory since 1993, Consolmagno’s research includes exploring connections between meteorites, asteroids and the evolution of small solar system bodies; observing Kuiper Belt comets with the Vatican’s 1.8-meter telescope in Arizona; and applying his measure of meteorite physical properties to understanding asteroid origins and structure. Along with more than 200 scientific publications, Consolmagno is the author of a number of popular books including “Turn Left at Orion” with Dan Davis, and most recently “Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial?” with Paul Mueller. He also has hosted science programs for BBC Radio 4, been interviewed in numerous documentary films, appeared on “The Colbert Report,” and for more than a decade he has written a monthly science column for the British Catholic magazine, The Tablet.

    Consolmagno’s work has taken him to every continent on Earth. In 1996, he spent six weeks collecting meteorites with a NASA team on the blue ice regions of East Antarctica. He has served on the governing boards of the Meteoritical Society; the American Astronomical Society Division for Planetary Sciences (of which he was chair in 2006-2007); and IAU Commission 16 (Planets and Satellites). In 2000, the small bodies nomenclature committee of the IAU named an asteroid, 4597 Consolmagno, in recognition of his work. In 2014, he received the Carl Sagan Medal from the American Astronomical Society Division for Planetary Sciences for excellence in public communication in planetary sciences.

    commencementspeaker2015.jpg
    Brother Guy Consolmagno
  • Hirsch Earns Excellence in Education Award

     
    Jerry Hirsch, professor of history, received the 2015 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education from Gov. Jay Nixon, April 7 in Jefferson City.
     
    Hirsch was one of the 15 outstanding faculty members, each representing a Missouri college or university, to be recognized at a luncheon hosted by the Council on Public Higher Education for their commitment to excellent education for Missouri citizens.
     
    Hirsch began his career at Truman in 1989. He received his bachelor’s degree from Antioch College and both his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a member of the American Folklore Society, the Organization of American Historians, the American Historical Society, the Southern Historical Association and the Society for Disability Studies.

    HirschGovernorsAward.jpg
    Jerry Hirsch accepts the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education at a ceremony in Jefferson City, Mo., April 7. Hirsch was accompanied by Elizabeth Clark, dean of the School of Social and Cultural Studies, left, and Sue Thomas, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost.
  • Seniors Encouraged to Get Cupola Photos Before Leaving


    As graduation approaches, Truman seniors are encouraged to connect with part of Truman’s history by taking a photo at the original cupola that sat on top of the historic Kirk Memorial for many decades.

    The restored campus icon now resides outside the east entrance to the Ruth W. Towne Museum and Visitors Center. University photographer Tim Barcus will take free photos for graduates at the cupola from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. May 6.

    Students, alumni and friends can take cupola photos anytime and are encouraged to share their cupola photos on the Truman or Alumni Facebook pages or Twitter pages with #BulldogForever.

    The cupola has been a symbol of the University for years, and in 1996, its weathervane was welded in place to forever point northeast in honor of the University’s previous name, Northeast Missouri State University. When Kirk Memorial underwent improvements in the summer of 2013, it was discovered that some of the wood in the cupola had rotted. A new cupola, which was created to look like the original, was constructed primarily of aluminum, and includes insulation and roofing material to protect the dome structure. In keeping with tradition, the weathervane on the new cupola, installed Aug. 15, 2013, was also welded in place to point northeast.

    For other campus traditions visit truman.edu/about/facts-about-truman/traditions.

    CupolaGroup2015.jpg
  • Open Houses Scheduled to Showcase Agave Blossom 50 Years in the Making


    Around mid-March, several student workers noticed something strange peeking over the tallest leaves of the more than 6-foot-tall agave plant growing in Truman’s greenhouse

    Today, a nearly 20-foot stalk towers over the plant and reaches out through the roof of the greenhouse. No, the greenhouse staff has not planted magic beans— instead, campus is being treated to the final stage of the Agave Americana’s 50-year life cycle.

    The plant’s entire life has been leading up to this moment, where it sends a stalk shooting up more than 20 feet into the sky so that it can flower and produce seeds. After the plant finishes its flowering cycle it will soon die.

    agave2.jpg
    The agave's stalk grew more than 10 feet in a month, requiring a ceiling panel of the greenhouse be removed to give it space to grow.

    Originally from the dry region of central Mexico, the tall stalk was needed to help agaves spread their seeds over great distances. The lifespan of an average agave can range from 25-80 years with most agave, and all Agave Americana, being monocarpic, meaning they only flower once in their lifetimes.

    The agave has fascinated humans for centuries, who have found many uses for the prehistoric looking plant. Today, agaves are often sought out for their aesthetic appeal and are grown ornamentally in gardens across the country.

    This is what most likely brought Truman’s agave to the campus greenhouse. While the full history of the plant is unknown, an anecdotal history exists through the stories of Truman staff and faculty. Some can remember the plant being fairly large when it was first moved to the greenhouse around 30 years ago.

    Regardless of how the agave arrived on campus, it cannot be denied that is quite a sight. While it is around 20 feet tall, the plant could reach even greater heights. Elisabeth Hooper, associate professor of biology, speculates that the plant will still have a couple more weeks of growing before it reaches full bloom in the upcoming month.  

    agave1.jpg
    Passersby can catch a glimpse of the agave protruding from the greenhouse.

    In anticipation of the blooming, the greenhouse will host open houses from 4-6 p.m. May 1, 8, 15 and 22. It is located at the south end of Magruder Hall on Patterson Street. Guests are asked to enter through the west door, near the loading dock. If raining, guest may enter through Magruder Hall 2034. Tours for larger groups will be available by appointment. To schedule a tour, contact Hooper at lhooper@truman.edu or Jenna Canfield at jcanfield@truman.edu.

    Although this flowering means the end of this plant’s life, the greenhouse staff hopes to continue to grow agaves by replanting small offshoots, called pups, that sprout up around the mother plant.

    In nature, agaves thrive in open and dry conditions, but they also make good houseplants that require minimal care. Members of the public can keep their own piece of this historic moment by looking for the plant’s pups at the next campus plant sale.

    agave3.jpg
    Elisabeth Hooper, associate professor of biology, stands along the notable plant that is expected to bloom in the upcoming month.
  • Truman Forensics Named Third in the Nation


    Truman State University’s Forensic Union was named third in the Lincoln-Douglas Debate sweepstakes at the 2015 National Forensic Association Championship Tournament, hosted by Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

    Two students advanced to elimination rounds this year. Mackenzie Barnes and Dillon Laaker, both juniors, advanced to the quarterfinal rounds of debate, placing them as two of the top eight Lincoln-Douglas debaters in the nation. Additionally, Barnes was awarded a ninth place speaker award, placing her in the top 10 Lincoln-Douglas speakers in the nation.

    This national tournament represents months of hard work by individual and Lincoln-Douglas debate competitors, culminating in a competition against their peers on the national level. This year, Truman Forensics took a total of 10 students to nationals. Truman forensics has now completed their travels for this academic year.
     
    Participation in the forensics program is open to any Truman student in good standing, regardless of prior speech and debate experience. For more information on how to get involved, visit forensics.truman.edu or contact Christopher Outzen, director of individual events, at coutzen@truman.edu, or Kevin Minch, interim director of forensics at kminch@truman.edu.

    stockcupolasunset.jpg
  • Career Mentors Needed for Upward Bound


    The Truman Upward Bound project is searching for career mentors for its camp this summer, running June through July.  

    During the 2015 summer session, Upward Bound expects to place 10 rising 12th grade high school students in jobs related to their professional interests. The job supervisors, who must be degreed professionals, will function as career mentors to the students as they encourage them to pursue a post-secondary education and discuss career options within their field of specialty. Students will provide 30 hours of free labor to the supervisor from June 8 to July 8.
     
    In an effort to assist in the current budget restraints, first priority for job placements will be given to on-campus professionals. Professors and campus offices interested in receiving more information about a student worker for the 2015 summer session should contact Upward Bound by April 30 at 660.785.4244.
     
    Upward Bound, a part of the Truman campus since 1966, is funded to build the skills and motivation necessary for college success in low-income and prospective first-generation college students. Services are provided in six northeast Missouri counties on a year-round basis from the sophomore to the senior years in high school. Project participants meet in weekly after-school sessions throughout the academic year and spend six weeks in the summer on the Truman campus in a college-preparatory residential session.

    stockcampus.jpg
  • Truman Clarinetists Attend Midwest ClariFest Conference


    Seven Truman clarinet students traveled to Lincoln, Neb., to participate in the 2015 Midwest ClariFest that took place April 18.

    Taeyeong Jung, Joelle Beusterien, Cory Hogan, Timothy Clasby, Meranda Dooley, Brianna Broach and Andrew Wolf, along with Jesse Kreb, associate professor of music, attended the conference. Dooley, a freshman music major, was selected to perform in a morning master class with the featured guest clarinetist, Dr. Frank Kowalsky, who recently retired from a distinguished career as a professor at Florida State University. 

    The Truman Clarinet Quartet performed Dana Wilson’s “Come Out and Play” in the afternoon recital, and Krebs gave a solo performance of Derek Bermel’s “Theme and Absurdities.” It was a wonderful festival of clarinet performances, scholarship and teaching, and Truman was well represented at this regional conference.

    TrumanClarinetQuartetatMidwestClariFest2015online.jpg
    The Truman Clarinet Quartet performed Dana Wilson’s “Come Out and Play” in a recital as part of Clarifest.

    TrumanClarinetistsatMidwestClariFest20152online.jpg
    Truman students and Krebs at the 2015 Midwest Clarifest
  • Resources to Help Reduce Stress


    As finals week draws near, students may be prone to increased levels of anxiety. The University encourages students to take a break and enjoy some of the stress releasing events and resources that Truman offers.

    Stress Less for Success

    Finals week is always hectic and stressful. Taking a time out to let the body and mind relax is a great way to combat stress. Join the Wellness Zone for free food, certificates for the massage chair and fun and games from 4-6 p.m. May 3 on the Quad.

    The Wellness Zone 
    In addition to the “Stress Less for Success” event, the Wellness Zone provides many additional resources to help curb stress. It offers a stress-free environment on campus where students can come to relax and learn stress-management techniques. Available materials include information about the different dimensions of wellness, meditation guides and health tips. Visit the Wellness Zone in person at Pickler Memorial Library 108 or online. During finals week, the Wellness Zone will be open from 12-5 p.m. May 4, 5, 7 and 8, and from 3-5 p.m. May 6.

    Exam Treats
    Students can take a break from late-night studying to enjoy exam treats in any of the dining halls on campus. Treats are complementary for students with a meal plan and $4 for those without. Exam treats will be open from 10:30 p.m.-12:15 a.m. May 3, 4 and 6.  

    Student Rec Center
    The Student Rec Center is a great way to burn off some steam during the end of the semester rush. Students can use the weight room, cardio equipment or attend one of the many different instructional programs.

    Finals Week Student Recreation Center Hours

    May 4-6
    9 a.m.-11 p.m.

    May 7-8
    9 a.m.-7 p.m.

    May 9-10
    Closed

    Tips to Deal with Stress

    Get Adequate Sleep. Without this, small problems appear insurmountable and can lead to irritability. If well-rested, stress is more manageable.

    Eat Right and Regularly. Cut down on convenient junk food and increase healthy nutritious food. Students should be aware of obsessive habits and tendencies to deny their basic needs.

    Exercise on a Regular Basis. Even moderate daily exercise can help increase mood, as well as aid digestion and sleep. Students are encouraged to find an activity they enjoy and can fit into their schedule and routine.

    Have a Support System. Building friendships and relationships can be a safety net in times of stress. Nurture relationships with trusted friends and mentors, and enjoy the benefits of helping others in return. Stop hanging out with negative people.

    Become Aware of Emotional Health. Find ways to explore and clarify feelings and thoughts. Express feelings directly and assertively rather than acting them out in aggressive or self-destructive behaviors. Honestly acknowledging personal feelings may help avoid the loss of balance.

    Manage Time. Create a schedule to effectively manage academic demands, work, social life, organizational obligations and private time. Students must understand their own needs and find time to accommodate what works for them. Try to be flexible when faced with incoming workloads and high expectations. Learn to say no and set limits.

    Have Some Fun and Learn to Relax. Take time out to relax and mentally let go. Finding activities that are enjoyable and meaningful will rejuvenate the mind and help to bring perspective when times are difficult.

    Stay In the Present. It is easy to complain about the past and to worry about the future. Doing this all of the time can make one miss out on life as it happens. Make a constant effort to stay in the moment and enjoy life now.

    For more information about creating a balanced life, visit wellness.truman.edu.

    stockstress.jpg
  • Sigma Sigma Sigma Celebrates Centennial


    Members of Truman’s chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma celebrated their organization’s centennial April 18 with more than 200 active members and alumnae.

    The organization received a Plaque of Distinction for its 100th year as a chapter from the Sigma Sigma Sigma national headquarters, presented to Nicole Libbert, Truman’s chapter president.

    In attendance at the celebration to deliver the award were Kaye Schendel, national president; national vice presidents Elizabeth Hoffert, Allison Swick-Duttine and Natalie Averette; Marcia Cutter, executive director; Morgan Kaplan, assistant director of chapter services; and regional consultants Kellie Ourada and Erica Doane.

    Sigma100.jpg
    Members of Sigma Sigma Sigma celebrate the chapter’s 100th anniversary on Truman’s campus. Pictured, front row, left to right: Nicole Libbert and Kelsey Porter. Back row, left to right: Liz Hoffert, Kaye Schendel, Natalie Averette, Allison Swick-Duttine and Marcia Cutter.
  • Sociology Students Attend Conference


    Eight sociology/anthropology majors and minors attended the Midwest Sociological Society (MSS) annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo., March 26-29.

    This year’s theme was “Sociology and Its Publics,” and about 1,190 sociology students and faculty members from more than nine states participated. Four Truman students presented research, including: Karlea Harbaugh, “Favoritism and Discrimination of Identities in Small Group Tasks,” in a session about marginalized students; Missy Kern, “Quantitative Analysis of Behavior in Gendered Tasks within Same Sex Groups,” in a session about research and theory in symbolic interactionism; and McKenzie Parker and Caitlyn Lee, “Changing Status Characteristics in Higher Education,” in a session about constructions of gender. Additionally, sociology students Chelsea McCoy, Jenny Kuhn and Natalia Albanese attended.

    Sociology faculty that attended the meeting include Paul Shapiro, Elaine McDuff and Christopher Kelley. McDuff organized and presided over a session that examined religion in contemporary society. She also is currently serving on the annual meeting committee of the MSS.

    sociologypresentation2015online.jpg
    Karlea Harbaugh presents her research at the MSS annual meeting.
  • Campus Support Planned for Earthquake Victims


    There will be a candlelight vigil at 9 p.m. April 29 outside the Multicultural Affairs Center in recognition of those affected by the recent earthquake in Nepal. During the weekend, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Nepal took the lives of nearly 4,000 people and destroyed or damaged much of Kathmandu, the capital city.

    Truman has 39 Truman students who are from Nepal. While none have reported the loss of immediate family, they are devastated by the tragedy in their country and want to help with the relief effort by raising funds. Namaste Nepal, an organization of Nepalese students at Truman, is planning fundraising events for the coming week. Anyone that would like to provide financial assistance can do so through donation boxes in the Center for International Students, located in Baldwin Hall 129, as well as the Multicultural Affairs Center where donations can be made by cash or check. Checks should be made payable to “Namaste Nepal.” Those unable to donate on campus can use Namaste Nepal’s GoFundMe campaign. Because GoFundMe does take a portion of proceeds, Namaste Nepal is requesting that anyone who is able to do so, donate via the donation boxes on campus.

    In response to emails from alumni and friends asking what they could do to help current Nepalese students, a fund has been established through the Truman State University Foundation to provide financial educational support for students who have been impacted by this tragedy. Anyone interested in making a gift to the Nepal Emergency Relief Fund can complete a donation online nepalfund.truman.edu or contact the Advancement Office at 660.785.4133. Gifts will help provide stability to students who have been traumatized and are unsure of what the future will bring.

    Namaste Nepal Fundraising/Donation Schedule

    Nepal Awareness
    11 a.m.-3 p.m.
    April 28
    Quad

    Candlelight Vigil
    9 p.m.
    April 29
    Multicultural Affairs Center

    Food Fundraising
    5-6 p.m.
    April 30
    Baptist Student Union
    Price $5

    stockhands.jpg

Announcements

  • Commencement Ceremony Details


    With graduation fast approaching, degree candidates are encouraged to review the procedures for the May 9 Commencement Ceremony.

    The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. May 9 in Stokes Stadium, but degree candidates that plan to partake in the ceremony need to assemble, in academic dress, by 12:30 p.m. in Baldwin Hall Auditorium. Anyone who arrives after the “ranks have closed” will not be able to participate in the ceremony.

    For those wishing to attend the ceremony, Stokes Stadium will open at 12 p.m. with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. If a candidate’s guest needs disability seating, they must fill out a seating accommodation form by April 27.

    In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to Pershing Arena. Degree candidates will then need to meet in the small gym in Pershing Building by 12:30 p.m. All candidates can receive four rain tickets for their guests, which must be presented for entrance to the arena. Ticket holders will be admitted from 12-1:45 p.m. and seating is not guaranteed. The ceremony will also be streamed in the Student Union Building HUB and on channel 36 on campus.

    A reception for all new graduates, as well as family, guests, faculty and staff, will immediately follow the commencement ceremony on the Mall of the Student Union Building. Light refreshments will be served.

    For a detailed layout of the day, consult the Commencement Instructions, found on the registrar’s commencement page.

    Graduation necessities, including caps, gowns, announcements and grad gifts, can all be found at Truman’s bookstore.

    stockgrad14.jpg
  • Application Open for Summer Grants-In-Aid-of-Scholarship and Research


    The Office of Student Research will accept Grants-In-Aid-of-Scholarship and Research (GIASR) applications for summer research and creative scholarship until April 27.

    All disciplines are invited to participate. The purpose of the grant is to promote a culture of research and scholarship at Truman while providing flexibility to accommodate different research styles and requirements. Projects supported by this program should involve original ideas, but may encompass a variety of activities including obtaining preliminary data or information, exploring new topics and continuing ongoing projects.
     
    To apply, students must be current Truman undergraduates or graduate students and be mentored by a Truman faculty member. Grant applications may request up to $750 and can cover student institutional pay, as well as supplies and travel to conduct the research. Complete guidelines can be found at the Office of Student Research website.
     
    All students that wish to be considered for GIASR summer 2015 funding should submit applications online at osr.truman.edu/GIASR/Application.

    For more information, contact the Office of Student Research at osr@truman.edu.

    stockclocktowerwindows.jpg
  • Peace Corps Campus Ambassador


    The Peace Corps is accepting applications for a campus ambassador position. The campus ambassador works with Peace Corps recruiter to raise awareness on campus and introduce students to the organization. To apply, email ambassadors@peacecorps.gov for an application. All applications are due April 30.
  • Annual Service Recognition Event Scheduled


    The annual service recognition event will take place at 12 p.m. May 12 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room. Honorees will be receiving letters of invitation soon. Those who are not honorees, but would like to attend in support of a colleague, can purchase tickets for $10 in the Human Resources Office, McClain Hall 101, no later than May 6.
  • Internship in China Available


    Applications are now available for a semester-long program where students can earn 12 credit hours while teaching English in Guangdong Province, China. Applications are due by April 30. For more information, contact Timothy Farley.

    ShanghaiHarbor.jpg
    Truman student Michael Fentress took this picture of Shanghai Habor while participating in the internship.
  • School of Business Events


    Retirement Reception for Keith Harrison
    April 30
    3-5 p.m.
    Violette Hall Upstairs Commons Area
     
    Master of Accountancy Hooding Ceremony
    May 9
    10 a.m. Reception immediately follows
    Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall
  • Stress Less for Success: A Wellness Zone Event


    4-6 p.m.
    May 3
    On the Quad and in the Wellness Zone (Pickler Memorial Library 108)

    stresslessforsuccess.jpg
  • Study Abroad Office Summer Programs


    Centro Linguistico Conversa
    Santa Ana, Costa Rica
    Sixth Cycle: May 25-June 19
    Seventh Cycle: June 22-July 17
    Eighth Cycle: July 20-Aug. 14
    Studying at Centro Linguistico Conversa allows students to strengthen their Spanish-language skills through its intensive International program. Classes are offered in four-week sessions and have up to four people. Students are placed with a host family or in an on-campus residence hall. The campus is located on a mountaintop with a scenic view of the rainforest, beaches and volcanoes.

    Grint Centre for Education and Culture
    Moscow, Russia
    May 25-July 19
    Students can receive personal attention in Russian-language courses while studying at Grint Centre in Russia. The classes are taught in small groups of four to six students. Students may also enroll in three credit hour courses. Weekly excursions include cultural visits to theaters, concerts and sports arenas. Students have the choice of living with a host family or in residence halls. A meal plan is also included.  

    University of Limerick
    Limerick, Ireland
    May 27-June 15
    Study abroad at one of Ireland’s top independent, internationally focused universities. The University of Limerick has made a national reputation for its excellent programs in business and engineering. It offers six options for English-speaking classes, each three credits. Classes include law in Ireland, creative writing, sociological perspective in Irish society and several others. Students will take weekend excursions and travel to historic sites within the city. While in Ireland students will be housed on-campus with a living area, kitchen and lounge. For more information, visit ccisabroad.org/program.

    Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola
    Cusco, Peru
    May 29
    Students can choose between a four-week and an eight-week study abroad in Cusco, Peru, through the school's Latin American Studies Programs. The academic program offers Spanish-language courses and English coursework including history of the Inca civilization, art and design in Cusco, architecture, photography, culture of Peru and others. Students have the option to live with a host family or in a nearby hotel. For more information, check out ccisabroad.org/program.

    Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Commerciales d’Angers
    Angers, France
    June 10-July 9
    Students will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of the top graduate schools of management in France. In the first three weeks, the students will take the following courses: European economics, European Union studies and culture and communication. During the second half of the program, students will take business and cultural visits to places including Loire Valley, Normandy, Paris and Brussels. In Angers, students will be housed in residence halls with individual rooms with a kitchen and bathroom. For Brussels and Paris, students stay in three-star comfortable hotels on a double-room basis. For more information, visit ccisabroad.org/program.

    Edge Hill University
    Ormskirk, England
    June 15-July 13
    Students can earn three credit hours while studying two of four modules at one of England’s top universities. Each module offers several excursions and one weekend trip to London. Edge Hill University will provide transportation to and from the airport and breakfast and lunch each weekday.

    Maynooth University International Summer School
    Maynooth, Republic of Ireland
    July 5-Aug. 1
    The national university of Ireland, studying at Maynooth University allows students to choose from 13 courses from eight different disciplines. Weekend and day trips are offered, with trips in the past including visiting Belfest, the Titanic Museum and the Peace Wall. Students can choose between living on campus or in apartments, and a full meal plan is included for weekday.
  • Study Abroad in Asia


    Shanghai University

    Shanghai, China
    Students can study abroad at the largest municipal university in the city of Shanghai. This diverse university has more than 10,000 international students from 76 countries. SHU has more than 55 undergraduate programs and 85 graduate programs, including liberal arts, international business, fine arts, computer science and many more. Courses in English are offered and include marketing strategy, finance, communication skill, Asian economics, Chinese language classes and several others. The program offers active out-of-classroom learning experiences and trips include visiting the Museum of Chinese Martial Arts, Oriental Pearl and even enjoying a Huangpu River Cruise. For more information about the program, click here.

    Hosei University 

    Hosei, Japan
    The Global Human Resource Development program at Hosei University offers various classes including courses taught in English about Japanese society, the Japanese language, marketing in Japan, and even culture and tourism. For those interested in learning more about the Japanese language, Japanese classes are divided into six levels from basic communication to the advanced level. Students with high proficiency have the option of taking regular Japanese faculty classes. Extracurricular learning opportunities include joining the Japanese old instrument club, instruction on the Japanese food culture, attending tea ceremonies and many more. For more information, click here.
  • Parking Lot Closure


    The parking lot located between Violette and Magruder halls will be closed May 10. The parking lot will remain closed while major repair work is performed on the underground emergency fuel tanks and associated pipes that reach under the north end of the lot. All parking spots will be closed off except for eight handicapped parking spaces on the east side of the lot. The lot is scheduled to be reopen by June 19, weather permitting. Questions can be directed to Tim Baker, assistant director of the physical plant, at 660.785.4580 or tbaker@truman.edu.

    Stockparkinglot.jpg
  • Staff Council Blood Drive


    Staff Council and the American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 11 in the Student Union Building Down Under. In addition to walk-ins, donation times can be reserved in advance through the Red Cross Online Scheduling System.
  • Foundation Fund Established to Aid Nepalese Students


    In response to emails from alumni and friends asking what they could do to help current Nepalese students, a fund has been established through the Truman State University Foundation to provide financial educational support for students who have been impacted by this tragedy. Anyone interested in making a gift to the Nepal Emergency Relief Fund can complete a donation online nepalfund.truman.edu or contact the Advancement Office at 660.785.4133. Gifts will help provide stability to students who have been traumatized and are unsure of what the future will bring.

    NepalRepost.jpg

Notables

  • Notables


    Daniel Mandell, professor of history
    , had an article, “Indian Tribes and the Conundrum of Individual and Collective Rights in the United States,” published in Montesinos’ Legacy: Defining and Defending Human Rights for 500 Years, eds. Edward Lorenz et al.

Scholarship Opportunities

  • Noyce Scholars Program


    The Truman Noyce Scholars Program for Secondary Mathematics and Physics Teaching is now accepting applications for the 2015-2016 academic year. The Noyce Scholarship Program is funded by the National Science Foundation and provides generous scholarships to future educators who will teach high school mathematics and physics. For more information about the scholarships and how to apply, visit the Truman Noyce Scholars Office in Magruder Hall 3164 or noyce.truman.edu. The deadline to apply is May 1.

    stockMagruderHallSunset.jpg
  • Jack J. Isgur Foundation Scholarships Available


    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.
  • The St. Louis Area Hotel Association


    The St. Louis Area Hotel Association will be awarding 10 $2,500 scholarships to students for the 2015-2016 academic year. Applications and qualifications can be found at stlhotels.com. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. April 30. Scholarships will be awarded May 29.
  • CREW Network Foundation Scholarship


    The 2015 CREW Network Foundation Scholarship application is now open until April 30 for undergraduate and graduate students. This scholarship was created to encourage women to pursue an education that will lead to a career in the commercial real estate industry. Visit crewnetwork.org/scholarship for eligibility requirements and application.
  • Association of Missouri Interpreter’s George Kastler 2015 Scholarship


    Applicants must be a junior or senior undergraduate or graduate student, studying in the field of interpretation (biology, environmental education, parks and recreation, wildlife management, history, etc.) to be considered for this scholarship. For more information, contact Cyndi Cogbill at cyndi.pawpawpatch@gmail.com. The deadline for application is July 15.
  • AT&T


    ATTSavings.com is offering a $1,000 scholarship opportunity. To find out how to apply for this scholarship, visit attsavings.com/scholarship. The deadline is July 17.