Vol. 9 No. 19 - Feb. 1, 2005

Five new members have joined Truman State University’s Foundation Board of Directors. President Barbara Dixon appointed Kara Geisert of Liberty, Mo., Guy Burton of Leawood, Kan., Larry Lunsford of Overland Park, Kan., Tom Ballard of Granger, Iowa, and Sarah Burkemper of Troy, Mo., to the Foundation Board.

Geisert earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Truman in 1993. Along with her husband Christopher, she was named a 2001 Young Alumni of the Year. Geisert co-owns a scrapbooking store in Liberty, Mo.

Burton earned two degrees from the University in the 1950s. A former high school teacher, coach and administrator, Burton now owns Sun and Swim Pools in Grandview, Mo. He has crafted and donated various bronze busts to the University over the years.

Lunsford is a 1981 and 1983 graduate of Truman. He is the founding president of the University’s National Alumni Association Board and a past Foundation Board member. Lunsford serves as the Vice President of Finance for the retail division at Bernstein-Rein Advertising, Inc. in Kansas City, Mo.

Ballard graduated with a bachelor’s in science degree from the University in 1969. Now retired, he served as Vice President for Cordant Technologies, a leading aerospace design, technology and manufacturing company.

Burkemper is a 1992 graduate of Truman and currently serves as the Public Administrator of Lincoln County, Mo. A member of Truman State University’s Board of Governors, Burkemper is the 2005 chair.

The 22-member Foundation Board of Directors has the responsibility of overseeing fund raising, public relations and alumni relations for the University.

All faculty and staff will receive information this week about supporting the Truman State University Foundation through the 2005 Faculty and Staff Campaign. The campaign is led by Nancy Asher, coordinator of testing and reporting, and Teresa Heckert, associate professor of psychology.

“This is an important year for us as we begin to lay the groundwork for a major campaign in the future.” Heckert said. “Through our donations, we, the faculty and staff of Truman, can demonstrate that we believe in what we are doing here.”

“Several new funds have been established that faculty and staff can contribute to, as well as many others,” Asher said. “Visit the Web site to view a complete list and descriptions of the funds (http://isupport.truman.edu). A gift of any size is appreciated and will go toward making a big difference in the lives of students and the Truman community.”

Each year private gifts from faculty and staff help fund a wide variety of academic scholarships, study abroad, faculty development and research, additional support for each of the academic divisions and cultural programs like the Kohlenberg Lyceum Series. This year, all gifts to the campaign will qualify faculty and staff for a drawing to win a parking space in the faculty and staff lot of their choice until Dec. 31, 2005.

For more information, go to http://isupport.truman.edu or call the Advancement Office at 785.4133. Read the Truman Today and check the Web site for campaign updates.

T he Truman Forensics team made another strong showing at the U.S. Air Force Academy Classic Jan. 21-23, in Colorado Springs, Colo. The 18 Truman competitors who attended the tournament took second overall in a field of 43 colleges and universities.

Truman out-performed a wide field of prestigious institutions, top forensics programs and regional and in-state rivals.

In parliamentary debate, the Union was the only team to place four duos in elimination rounds of the open division. Senior partners Tyson Helder, communication and political science double major from Sioux Falls, S.D., and Trevor Alexander, economics and English double major from Gladstone, Mo., along with Meghana Kunkala, junior biology major from Hattiesburg, Miss., and Dylan Rothermel, freshman chemistry major from Homewood, Ill., reached the quarterfinals. The senior pair of Matt Harms, economics major from Galesburg, Ill., and Ryan Walsh, philosophy and religion and communication double major from Cassville, Mo., competed in the “sweet sixteen” round in addition to Elizabeth Hobbs, junior biology major from Newton, Kan., and Keith Schnakenberg, sophomore political science and communication double major from Buffalo, Mo.

In the individual events competition, Hobbs seized first place in rhetorical criticism, continuing a streak of first place finishes by Truman students in this event. She was also a semifinalist in impromptu speaking. Kunkala took second in the rhetorical criticism as well.

The Truman team travels to Washburn University (Topeka, Kan.) Feb. 4-6 for their next competition.

Various campus organizations and offices have come together to sponsor “Seeking Connections and Honoring Differences,”a buffet dinner and discussion. All students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in the event from 5-7 p.m., Feb. 3, in the Student Union Building Georgian Room.

Those who attend will discuss two theater scenes performed by members of the Truman community over dinner. These scenes will ask the audience to consider the challenges and excitement of living in a multicultural world and how well people relate to each other.

Reservations are required to join the dinner discussion and can be made by e-mailing rcp@truman.edu before 5 p.m. Feb 1. Include a name and address in your response.

The event is brought to you by the Student Senate Diversity Committee, Multicultural Affairs Center, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Residential College Program.

For more information, contact Marty Eisenberg in Baldwin Hall 101 at 785.4409.

 The Public Relations Office has announced senior communication major Sarah Olinger as its spring intern. Olinger, a graduate of Central High School in St. Joseph, Mo., is from St. Joseph. She is the daughter of Ronald and Peggy Olinger.

As the intern, she will assist in the writing, production and distribution of the University newsletter, Truman Today, as well as posting it online. She will also be responsible for editing the calendar on channel 36, writing press releases and performing various office duties.

At Truman, Olinger is the editor in chief of the student-produced travel magazine, Detours. She is a former Index and Detours reporter and an alumnae of Alpha Sigma Gamma service sorority.

Olinger’s interest in obtaining experience and skills in various communication outlets has lead her to this position.

Gregg Siewert, professor of French, (left) and Teak Nelson, lecturer in nursing, (right) present a copy of the book “Teaching In Eden” by John Janovy to President Barbara Dixon (center).

Gregg Siewert, professor of French, and Teak Nelson, lecturer in nursing, will be leading a reading circle over the book “Teaching In Eden” by John Janovy during the month of February.

They will be discussing the book at an Extra Edition of the Weekly Lunch Series from 12:30-1:30 p.m., every Thursday in February, in the SUB Spanish Room.

Sign the sheet at checkout to receive $3.00 toward your Sodexho meal.

A few copies of the book remain to be checked out from The Center for Teaching and Learning.

In the book, Janovy recounts the experiences his students have learning at a prairie wetlands site used by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He writes about trying to bring the passion of discovery into the courses back on the “home” campus.

Contact The Center for Teaching and Learning at 785.4391 for more information.

The Dow Jones Newspaper Fund awarded senior Tony Albrecht an internship for summer 2005.

The fund, founded in 1958 by editors of The Wall Street Journal to improve the quality of journalism education and the pool of applicants for jobs in the newspaper business, conducts a rigorous nationwide search for 120 interns. The interns then work in publications across the United States.

Albrecht will work at the Oneonta Daily Star in Oneonta, N.Y., after training at Penn State. He is an English major with a minor in philosophy and religion from Chesterfield, Mo. Albrecht served as the head copy editor on the Index for fall 2004 semester.

Open Session for Staff
1-2 p.m.
Feb. 1
Violette Hall 1000

Open Session for Faculty
4-5 p.m.
Feb. 1
Violette Hall 1010

Begin planning now for the Spring Expo from 1-5 p.m., March 1, in the Student Union Building.

Pre-register to attend at http://career.truman.edu/CareerExpo/home.asp.

Write a resume and have it critiqued by the Career Center for free. No appointment needed.

Upload your resume on eRecruiting to apply for jobs by Feb. 20.

Schedule a mock interview with a career assistant at the Career Center. Sign up for a mock interview with a company representative.

Check out Expo employers and posted job/internship listings online at http://career.truman.edu.

Plan your professional look.

Participate in “Map Out Your Future” events Feb. 28 for programs on “Ace the Interview” and “How to Work a Career Fair.”

For assistance with planning for the Expo, stop by the Career Center, McKinney Center.

The physics department is presenting a series of five public lectures in celebration of the World Year of Physics 2005 and the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s “Miracle Year.”

Each hour-long talk is appropriate for a general audience and will be followed by refreshments.

Lecture Dates

The following talks begin at 7:30 p.m. in VH 1000.

Feb. 1
“The Relativity of Space and Time”
Ken Hahn, lecturer

Feb. 8
“E=mc2...What’s it All About?”
Peter Rolnick, lecturer

Feb. 15
“Light Quanta: A Worldview”
Michael Goggin, lecturer

For a complete lecture schedule, visit http://physics.truman.edu or call Matt Beaky at 785.4594.

Library Exhibit

In honor of the World Year of Physics 2005 and the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s “Miracle Year,” Pickler Memorial Library staff, in conjunction with physics faculty, have prepared a special exhibit in the gallery on the first floor of the library.

On display are photos and other information related to Einstein’s life, work and legacy. The exhibit will be available for the month of February.

Tel Alumni is hiring 30-40 students this semester to work from Feb. 15-April 26.

No experience necessary but they are looking for students who have good communication skills, an outgoing personality, a strong work ethic and a willingness to ask parents and alumni for financial support.

Applications available in the Advancement Office, McClain Hall 100.

Contact Charles Hunsaker, manager of the annual fund, at hunsaker@truman.edu or 785.4028 for more information.

The Truman Volleyball Team earned a spot in the January issue of Volleyball Magazine for their strong record and successes in recent years. Head volleyball coach Qi Wang and seniors Jessica Sears, exercise science major from Colchester, Ill.; Rebecca Knefelkamp, communication major from St. Louis; Lauren Dickbernd, business administration major from St. Charles, Mo.; and Annie Nicolai, business administration major from St. Louis; are featured in the article.

Dereck Daschke, assistant professor of philosophy and religion, presented his paper, “‘Thou Shalt Not Covet’: Israel, Repression, and its Discontents” at the Society of Biblical Literature annual meeting in November. In December, his chapter titled, “‘Because of my Grief I have Spoken’: The Psychology of Loss in Fourth Ezra” was published in volume 2 of Praeger’s four-volume Psychology and the Bible series.

Pete Kelly, assistant professor of special education; Wendy Miner, assistant professor of education; and Dale Blesz, assistant professor of special education; will be presenting a paper titled “Action Research: Results from Two PDS Parternships” at the National Association of Teacher Educator’s conference in Chicago in February. Kelly and Blesz also will be presenting a paper titled “A Highly Contextualized Professional Development School in Education: Focus on On-Site Preparation” at the conference.

Officer Tami O’Haver was sworn in as the newest member of the Truman State University Department of Public Safety police force Dec. 20. O’Haver joined the Department in September 2004.

Steven D. Reschly, associate professor of history, served as a Fulbright Senior Scholar with the Institute for British and American Studies at the Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg in Germany from 2003-2004. In November 2004, Reschly was appointed to the Fulbright Review Committee for Faculty Applications to Austria and Germany. This is a three-year appointment. While in Germany, Reschly spoke at the Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Gymnasium in Großröhrsdorf in December 2003. He presented his research at the University of Rostock and at the Atlantische Akademie Rheinland-Pfalz, in Kaiserslautern in May 2004. In addition to serving as the Chair of the Publicity Committee and Member of the Executive Committee of the Women’s and Gender Historians of the Midwest (WGHOM), Reschly is a member of the Editorial Council for Pennsylvania Mennonite Heritage. He is a member of the H-Net International Committee, as well as Chair of the Planning Committee, Chair of Editorial Board and faculty sponsor of the H-HISTMAJOR Listserv Discussion Group for Undergraduate History Majors, part of H-NET. Reschly continues research for his third book, a co-authored study of consumer culture in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in the New Deal Era.

Tentative summer and fall 2005 schedules are now available via TruView. To view the schedules, select “search open course list” from either the student or the faculty tab.

Students living off campus should update their local mailing address and telephone number with the University via TruView. Address and phone number changes can also be made in the Registrar’s Office, MC 104. Students are responsible for all information sent to their local mailing address from University offices and personnel conducting University business.

Phi Kappa Phi announces Graduate Fellowships worth $2,000-$5,000 for graduate study. Truman PKP active members who plan to be full-time graduate students next year should submit applications to the local chapter office by Feb. 1. Details and applications may be picked up in the Center for International Education or from Wynne Wilbur, OP 1229, 785.4435.

Cardinal Key and Blue Key are sponsoring their annual Red Cross blood drive from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Feb. 1-3, in the SUB Activities Room. Contact Sara Kate Anderson by phone at 627.5182 or e-mail at ska392@truman.edu for more information.

The Truman Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team will have an informational meeting from 5-6 p.m., Feb. 1-3, in VH 1416. Contact Robert Kelchen at rkelchen@truman.edu or 785.5988 for more information.

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and coed business fraternity Phi Beta Lambda are having an open informational meeting at 7 p.m., Feb. 1, in the BH Little Theatre.

The University Wellness Program in cooperation with the staff of the Student Health Center will be offering blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, prostate and thyroid screening for faculty, staff and spouses at the Student Health Center in February. This service is provided free to all who are covered by the University’s heath insurance plan subject to the restrictions. Other faculty, staff and spouses are welcome to participate for a minimal cost. The screenings will take place from 7:30-9 a.m., Feb. 2, Feb. 8-9, Feb. 15-16 and Feb. 22, at the Student Health Center. An appointment is not required. A 12-hour fast is required before the screening. Faculty and staff must bring their Banner ID. Questions concerning the screening should be addressed to the nursing staff, Student Health Center at 785.4182 or Curt Devan, director of Human Resources, at 785.7298.

The spring semester Weekly Lunch Series begins with “Gee Whiz, I Can Do that With Blackboard 6?” from 12:30-1:30 p.m., Feb. 2, in MC 215. Sherry Dare will show some of the new features of the upgraded Blackboard system. Boxed lunches will be available. Contact the Center for Teaching and Learning at 785.4391 for more information.

The Freshmen Activities Coordinating Team (FACT) applications are now available in the CSI. Completed forms are due by 5 p.m., Feb. 2, in the CSI. Contact FACT coordinator, Maggie Wolcott, for more information at 785.4222.

Students interested in studying United States/ United Kingdom comparative educational systems at Edge Hill College in northwest England this summer are invited to an informational meeting at noon or 6 p.m., Feb. 3, in VH 2351. The recommended criteria for admission is junior status or above with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

The University Observatory will be open to the public, weather permitting, from 8-10 p.m. Feb. 3.

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) will meet from 4:30-6 p.m., Feb. 4, in the University Club. E-mail Marc Becker at marc@truman.edu for more information.

SAB is sponsoring a slam poetry open mic night at 7 p.m., Feb. 4, in the SUB Down Under. Washington, D.C., poet E-Baby will perform his works. Sign up to share a piece during the open mic in the SAB Office or bring a poem to the event. Call 785.4722 for more information.

Cardinal Key will have several rush meetings. The first meeting will be from 1-3:30 p.m., Feb. 6, in the SUB Governors Room. They will meet from 6-9 p.m., Feb. 9, in the SUB Activities Room. An invite only rush event will be from 7-8:15 p.m., Feb. 13, in the SUB Spanish Room. For more information, contact Candice Murdock at d1123@truman.edu or go to http://cardinalkey.truman.edu.

Jason Miller and Jon Beck will present "Using Techonology to Facilitate Collaboration" at the Mathematical Biology Seminar at 3:30 p.m., Feb. 7, in VH 1200. Contact Jason Miller at 785.7430 for more information.

The University Art Gallery at Truman State University presents “Society of Illustrators -An Historical View,” an exhibit of 50 original illustrations, five from each of the 10 decades of the 20th century. The show will be open until Feb. 25. The show, produced by the prestigious Society of Illustrators based in New York, will explore the changing role of the illustrator. It will feature early black and white illustrations, story illustrations and advertising art for cigarettes, automobiles and travel among others. Rusty Nelson will speak at a “Gallery Talk” at 6 p.m., Feb. 7, in the University Art Gallery. The University Art Gallery at Truman is located on the ground floor of Ophelia Parrish. Gallery exhibits, talks and most other events are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday from noon-4:30 p.m. This exhibit is sponsored in part by AIGA and the Residential College Program. Financial assistance for this project has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.

The Society of the Prim Roses is having recruitment at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 7, in the SUB Spanish Room, and Feb. 8-9, in the SUB Alumni Room. Call Monica at 665.7389 for more information.

The Captain's Roundtable will be sponsoring a Tsunami Relief Karaoke Night from 9-11 p.m., Feb. 7, in the SUB Down Under. Admission is $1 and donations will be accepted. All proceeds will be given to the Red Cross to aid in the Tsunami Relief effort. Contact Emily Turnball at 216.3169 for more information.

All students are invited to an etiquette dinner from 5-8 p.m., Feb. 8, in the SUB Spanish Room. Co-sponsored by the Career Center and the CSI, the event will consist of a dinner and an interactive seminar to teach proper etiquette at social gatherings. Cost is $5 without a meal plan and $3 with. Contact Lesa Ketterlinus at 785.4353 for more information.

Residential Life is sponsoring a Hawaiian-themed SpiritFest from 4-5:30 p.m., Feb. 9, in the Ryle Hall Main Lounge. Join Spike the Bulldog for free food, games, music and prizes.

The Child Development Center announces its spring 2005 seminar series. John Hoffman will present “Science and the Young Child” at 4:30 p.m., Feb. 10, in VH 1320.

The Women’s Resource Center will present the Vagina Monologues at 7 p.m., Feb. 10, in Baldwin Auditorium.

The Ryle Hall Relay for Life team will offer a baby-sitting service from 5:30-9:30 p.m., Feb. 11, in the Ryle Hall Main Lounge. They will host the first 50 children, ages 2-12 years old. To register, call 785.5387 or contact Dorothy at ddm237@truman.edu.

The annual Lincoln Contest will offer winners in each a division a trip to Washington, D.C. Applicants can submit their work in the form of artwork, an essay or an oratory. The deadline for submission is Lincoln’s birthday, Feb. 12. For more information about the contest or prompt, contact Barry Poyner at 785.4063.

The public is invited to a free faculty saxophone recital at 2 p.m., Feb. 13, in the OP Performance Hall. Randy Smith, Sam McClure and Jose Zayas-Caban will perform.

The Upward Bound Project is offering employment opportunities for the 2005 high school summer session, June 12-July 22. Upward Bound is a college preparatory program serving northeast Missouri high school students. Positions are available for instructors in language arts, chemistry, physics, and journalism/yearbook. Residence hall staff, night supervisor, photographer and videographer positions are also open. In addition, the program needs a mentor/tutor for college freshmen to work from June 5-July 28. Applications are available on the Web at http://ub.truman.edu or by contacting the Upward Bound Office in KB 220. Completed applications are due Feb. 14.

The campus literary magazine Windfall is accepting submissions through Feb. 14. They can be dropped off at KM 203B or in the Windfall mailbox in the CSI. Submissions also can be e-mailed to windfall@truman.edu. Call Peggy Amor at 627.3374 for more information.

Feb. 15 is the deadline for online applications to the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience-Science and Mathematics and Talent Expansion Program. Apply online at http://step.truman.edu.

Submit online abstracts for the Student Research Conference by Feb. 18 at http://src.truman.edu.

All interested students can attend a Study Abroad Fair from 10 a.m.-noon and 1:30-3:30 p.m., Feb. 28, in Kirk Building. Truman faculty and directors from host institutions abroad will be available to discuss their programs.

The Graduate English Organization is accepting submissions for its second annual Environmental Studies Conference, April 21-22. Abstracts of 200-600 words are due March 11. E-mail laurenr@truman.edu for more information on the conference.