Vol. 20 No. 12 - Nov. 9, 2015

Features

  • Class Hosts Debate on the WWII Atomic Bombs


    To recognize the 70th anniversary of the dropping of atomic bombs in Japan, a communication course will host a debate at 6 p.m. Nov. 9 in Barnett Hall 1211.

    With Harry S. Truman being the presiding force in the decision of the atomic bombs, students in Truman’s COMM 274 Parliamentary Procedure class will simulate a British House of Commons debate on the resolution: “Resolved, President Truman made the right decision in authorizing the dropping of the atomic bomb(s).”

    The event is open to students, faculty and staff. All attending are requested to sit on the side that represents their point of view. If undecided, members sit on the side to which they lean. During the course of the debate, members may switch sides/positions by actually moving to the other side. An initial speech of five minutes will be heard from each side and then the floor will be opened to alternating members who are limited to one-minute speeches. Barry Poyner, teacher of the class, will serve as speaker of the house, and moderate the debate. Applause and banter are encouraged. At the end of one hour, members will vote by exiting one of two doors.

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  • History Department Concludes Series with “Grand Illusion”


    Truman’s History Department will present “Grand Illusion” (La Grande Illusion) at 7 p.m. Nov. 10 for the fourth and final film in this fall’s World War I Film Series.

    The screening will take place in Baldwin Little Theater and there will be a discussion to follow the film.

    Directed by Jean Renoir, this 1937 film is considered by many critics to be one of the masterpieces of French cinema. This story of French soldiers in a German prisoner of war camp explores crucial issues of social class as the old European order is collapsing among the ruins of the Great War.

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  • Student Selected to Perform in Europe


    Junior music education major Joelle Beusterien was selected for a staff and clarinet position in the Northern Wind Ensemble with Blue Lake International.

    Beusterien will have the opportunity to go on an all-expense paid, three-and-a-half-week tour of three European countries next summer. To get this position, she had to have previously worked at Blue Lake Fine Arts camp in Twin Lake, Mich., and then apply with a recording and resume. Beusterien interviewed for the position and was chosen of all applicants as the only new clarinetist.

    “This position is something that is highly sought after since it is a free trip to Europe doing the thing we love, playing music,” Beusterien said. “I am very honored and fortunate to have been given this opportunity to travel to Europe and perform on my clarinet.”

    She will be traveling to Michigan this April and May for training weekends where she will meet the students and rehearse the music that will be performed on tour. While on tour, the five staff members including the director and students will be staying with host families to become fully immersed in the culture. Beusterien will have the opportunity to sightsee and learn how to cook local dishes. The goal of the tour is to perform abroad and learn about different cultures.

    Once the international tour is over, the ensemble will return to the U.S. for a mini-tour of the upper Midwest concluding with one final performance at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp for all the current summer campers.

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    Joelle Beusterien
  • BulldogsGiving Campaign Set for Nov. 11


    Truman is hosting a special one-day campaign, BulldogsGiving, on Nov. 11.

    Thanks to a generous $10,000 matching gift by Truman alumna Colleen Ritchie (’84), the first 200 people to make a gift of $5 or more will receive a $50 match to the Truman Foundation Fund of their choice. To donate, click here.

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  • Winner Announced for “Guess the Bricks” Contest


    Niraj Shrestha, a computer science major from Nepal, won the “Guess the Bricks” contest that took place Oct. 26-30.

    In honor of the recent completion of the Mall, Truman sponsored the contest to challenge students to guess the number of bricks ordered for the project. As the winner of the contest, Shrestha was presented with a signed brick from University President Troy Paino.

    Of 182 students, Shrestha’s guess of 51,750 bricks was closest to the actual number of bricks ordered. On average, students guessed around 20,000 bricks, while the actual number was 68,000.

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    President Paino presents contest winner Niraj Shrestha with the signed brick from the Mall project.
  • Internships Available For Library and Museum Positions


    Truman has formed partnerships with several historical museums and libraries giving students the opportunity to apply for unique summer internships.

    All internships are eight weeks, corresponding with Truman’s eight-week summer session. History majors may apply up to six hours of internship credit toward their major. Other majors need to check with their advisors.

    A full-time internship is available at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Mo. This is a 40-hour-a-week internship that comes with a scholarship for nine hours of in-state tuition (out-of-state students pay the difference).  

    Part-time internships are available through the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis and the Mercantile Library in St. Louis on the UMSL campus. These internships ask for a commitment of 20 hours per week. Students may take three to five hours of credit hours and tuition is paid by the student.

    The Judicial Archives Project on Truman’s campus is offering a part-time internship that is a commitment of 15 hours per week. Students may take three hours of credit and tuition is paid by the student.

    Contact Jeff Gall at jgall@truman.edu for an application for any of these internships. All applications are due Dec. 1. 

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  • Event to Celebrate the Naming of Harriet Beard Highway


    In honor of the naming of the Harriet Beard Highway, a celebration will take place at 2 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Ruth W. Towne Museum and Visitors Center.

    A section of Highway 63 will be named to credit Harriet Beard, a prominent area resident who has dedicated much of her life to community efforts. Beard has played a major role in the improvement of transportation in the state of Missouri, working for safer highways, a stronger economy and an overall better community.  

    To attend the celebration, RSVP to pr@truman.edu.

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  • Women’s Soccer Wins GLVC Tournament Title


    For the 10th time in program history, the Truman women’s soccer team can call itself a conference champion, as the Bulldogs got a goal in each half en route to a 2-0 shutout of Missouri-St. Louis in the 2015 Great Lakes Valley Conference title game Nov. 8 at Bellarmine University.
     
    Truman improved to 14-2-5 on the season and earned the GLVC’s automatic bid into the NCAA Div. II tournament. The Bulldogs will face Cedarville (Ohio) University in the opening round at 7 p.m. Nov. 12 on the campus of Bellarmine University. More information regarding ticket prices and webcasting information will be made available later this week.
     
    The first GLVC title in program history and 10th overall promises Truman its 11th NCAA Div. II postseason appearance, all under the direction of head coach Mike Cannon. This marks the first conference title for the Bulldogs since 2009, when that year’s squad posted a 13-2-1 regular season Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association conference record.

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  • Student Media Honored At National Convention


    Truman’s student media received two national awards during the Associated Collegiate Press/College Media Association fall convention Nov. 1 in Austin, Texas. 

    Student representatives traveled to the conference and were presented with two “Best of Show” awards. The Truman Media Network (TMN) news and entertainment website received third place honors in the small university category. Detours magazine was honored with a fourth place award in the feature magazine category.
     
    Five students attended the convention: Grace Bueckendorf, Kathleen Gatliff, Austin Hornbostel, Sara Hettel and Mary Tomlinson. All are affiliated with TMN, a co-curricular activity in the Department of Communication. Two faculty media advisers, Don Krause and Mark Smith, accompanied the students to the convention.

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  • Truman Forensics Takes Second in Limited Entry Sweepstakes at Marshall University


    Truman’s Forensic Union took home second place in Limited Entry Sweepstakes at the Seventh Annual Chief Justice and Pi Kappa Delta Southeast Province Tournament Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at Marshall University, in Huntington, W.Va.
     
    In addition to the team success, several individuals brought home awards. Senior Dillon Laaker was a quarterfinalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate and also received the award for sixth best debate speaker at the tournament. Sophomore Connor Stewart also took home a speaker award, placing fifth. Junior Anson Long-Seabra placed sixth in poetry interpretation. Freshman Jonathan Rogers placed sixth in novice impromptu speaking.  
     
    The team will next take a short jaunt over to Lebanon, Ill., to compete in the inaugural City of Cedars Swing, hosted by McKendree University Nov. 14-15.   
     
    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 forensics at coutzen@truman.edu, or Craig Hennigan, assistant director of forensics at chennigan@truman.edu.  

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  • Call for Proposals for Grants-In-Aid-of-Scholarship and Research

     
    The Office of Student Research will be accepting Grants-In-Aid-of-Scholarship and Research (GIASR) applications for research and creative scholarship to be conducted during the spring 2016 semester.

    All disciplines are invited to participate. The purpose of these grants 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.
     
    Students must be current Truman undergraduate or graduate students and be mentored by a Truman faculty member. Grant applications may request up $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 funding should submit applications online at secure.truman.edu/osr-s/ by 11:59 p.m. Nov. 16.
     
    Email questions about the Office of Student Research programs to osr@truman.edu.

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  • Tag Day Celebrates Donors


    Truman will celebrate donations to the University Nov. 16 by tagging items made possible by private gifts to the University.

    Tag Day is a day to celebrate the generosity of Truman’s donors. The Annual Fund will also be hosting a table 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Student Union Building to give people the chance to sign a larger than life thank you card to Truman donors.

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Announcements

  • Visiting Performers to Feature University Alumnus


    The Brooklyn Art Song Society (BASS) will perform a free concert at 8 p.m. Nov. 9 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall.

    The recital will feature University alumnus Dominic Armstrong (’02), along with pianist Michael Brofman.

    Currently in its sixth season of first-rate music making, BASS has earned a reputation as one of the preeminent organizations dedicated to the vast repertoire of poetry set to music. The New York Times called BASS “a company well worth watching” and Voce di Meche hailed, “as long as BASS is around we do not need to worry about the future of art song in the USA.” BASS’s innovative programming is epic in scope yet presented in intimate settings.  

    The program being presented is part of “Britannica,” an all-encompassing survey of British song that captures the vast English cultural heritage, from Dowland to Birtwistle, Shakespeare to Auden. For more on BASS or “Britannica,” visit brooklynartsongsociety.org.

    Truman’s Department of Music is sponsoring the performance, which is free and open to the public.

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  • Theatre Department Presents “The Nether”


    Truman’s Theatre Department will present “The Nether” from 8-9:30 p.m. Nov. 11-14 at the James G. Severns Theatre.

    A sci-fi crime drama, the production tells the story of a new virtual wonderland that provides total sensory immersion. Users just log in, choose an identity and indulge. When a young detective uncovers the disturbing brand of entertainment, she triggers a dark battle over technology and human desire.

    “The Nether” is written by American playwright Jennifer Haley, whose work delves into ethics in virtual reality and the impact of technology on human relationships, identity and desire. The play is directed by David Charles Goyette, assistant professor of theatre at Truman.

    The show contains strong language. Tickets are $3 and are available for purchase at the Theatre Box Office in the main lobby of Ophelia Parrish Building. Tickets must be paid for in advance, except for out of town guests. Reservations for out of town guests may be made by phone 660.785.4515.

    The cast of the production will include Truman students Francis Kemper, Lexi Diaz, Nicole Dunseith, Sam Andrzejewski and Alex Herberlein.  

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    Kemper, a junior theatre major will be playing the role of Woodnut. He has been seen in mainstage shows “Twelfth Night,” “Eurydice,” “Translations” and the lab show “Cock.”

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    The role of Morris will be played by senior theatre major Diaz, who has been seen on Truman’s stage in “She Kills Monsters” as well as the One Act Festival and the New Horizons Musical Theatre Concert.

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    Dunseith, a freshman health science major, will take on the role of Iris. “The Nether” is her first mainstage production at Truman.

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    The character of Sims/Papa will be played by Andrzejewski, a sophomore theatre major. He has acted on the Truman stage in “Eurydice” and for the Senior One Acts.

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    Heberlein, a senior theatre major, will play the role of Doyle. His previous roles include Henry in “Next to Normal,” an ensemble part in “The Drowsy Chaperone” and Orcus in “She Kills Monsters.”
  • Bone Marrow Drive Set for Nov. 9-10


    Phi Sigma Pi, Delta Sigma Pi and Phi Delta are working together to bring the “Be the Match” bone marrow donor registration drive back to campus Nov. 9-10.

    The “Be the Match” registry connects potential donors with thousands of patients suffering from blood cancers, for whom a bone marrow transplant can mean life or death. Learn more about “Be the Match” and what it means to join the registry here.

    This year’s drive will take place Nov. 9-10 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Student Union Building Down Under.

    Through the “Be the Match” registry Truman students are making a real difference. Tori Holt, a senior nursing major, registered on campus in January 2014. By the fall, she found out that she was a match for a baby boy with a severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome. Holt completed her donation one year after she registered.

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  • Copyright Webinar


    Truman’s copyright committee is sponsoring a webinar at 1 p.m. Nov. 12 in Pickler Memorial Library 103. The topic is “Changes to Copyright & Fair Use: What Faculty Need to Know.” All interested students, faculty and staff are invited to attend. Webinar is expected to last one hour.
  • Annual Philosophy and Religion Conference


    Truman will host its 26th Annual Undergraduate Philosophy and Religion Conference from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 14 in the Student Union Building Alumni Room.

    Research presentations will be approximately 30 minutes long and all are welcome to attend.

    9-9:05 a.m.
    David Murphy, Truman State University
    Introduction to the Conference

    9:05-9:35 a.m.
    Molly Turner, Truman State University
    “Time and Space: Made in China My Head”      
                
    9:40-10:10 a.m.
    Jessica Avant, University of Central Arkansas
    “How Arguments against Pornography Unduly Silence Alternative Portrayals of Sexuality Using The American Booksellers Association v. Hudnut”   
       
    10:10-10:30 a.m.
    Break

    10:30-11 a.m.
    Katlin Walker, Truman State University
    “Aristotelian Women: Ancient Greek Femininity and 'The Politics'”

    11-11:30 a.m.
    Brandon Warrington, Creighton University
    “Dignity, Disability and Capability: Disability and Freedom though the Sesha Example”   

    11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
    Sofia Paz, Creighton University
    “A Pluralistic Account of Moral Responsibility”        

    12-2 p.m.
    Lunch
    Student Union Building Down Under

    12:30 p.m.
    Henry Smits Lecture
    Student Union Building Down Under

    Itir Günes, Truman State University
    “Autonomy, Agency, Freedom. Arendt on Action and Contemplation”

    2-2:30 p.m.
    Connor Dahlin, University of Wisconsin-Stout
    “The Systematic Silencing of Star Gazers”    

    2:30-3 p.m.
    Madison Culver, Missouri Western State University
    “Women in the Theravada Buddhist Monasticism: Thailand’s Bhikkhuni Revival”

    3-3:15 p.m.
    Break

    3:15-3:45 p.m.

    Joelle Axton, Truman State University
    “Active Mind in 'De Anima' III-5: A Critique of Alexander of Aphrodisias and Thomas Aquinas’s Interpretations”   

    3:45-4:15 p.m.
    William Leach, Truman State University 
    “Millenia Apart”
           
    4:15-4:45 p.m.
    Kara Filbeck, Central Christian College of the Bible 
    “Karl Barth and the Issues of Nothingness as Something”

    This event is co-sponsored by the Kirksville Chamber Tourism Division, the Truman State University Philosophy and Religion Department, the School of Social and Cultural Studies, and the Dr. Patricia Burton Honorary Endowment.

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  • Truman Alumni Apparel Available


    Bulldog Forever fleeces as well as Truman Alumni long sleeved shirts are available for purchase. The long sleeved alumni T-shirts are $10, and the men’s and women’s fleeces are $30. Supply is limited. To purchase apparel, click here.

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  • Muslim Student Association Hosts Eid Carnival


    The Muslim Student Association (MSA) is hosting their Eid Carnival from 1-5 p.m. Nov. 14 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room A.

    By hosting the carnival, MSA is hoping to share the Muslim holiday, Eid, with the campus and community. At the carnival there will be henna, game booths and a presentation given about the holiday. The event is free of charge.

    The first Eid of the year is known as Eid Al-Fitr. It marks the end of the month of Ramadan, which is the month in which Muslims fast every day from sunrise to sunset. The community comes together for special prayers, a big feast and to exchange gifts.

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  • Free Body Compositions Assessments


    Free body composition assessments are available through the Student Recreation Center. Lunchtime and evening appointments are available Nov. 16. Sign up now at the weight room desk. For more information, visit www.truman.edu/recreation/fitness-wellness-program/body-composition-testing/.

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  • Event Planned to Celebrate Benevento


    Joe Benevento, professor of English, will present a combined reading and musical performance at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 in Baldwin Little Theater.

    “Benevento at 60” will feature selections from his two latest published books, the mystery novel “Saving St. Teresa” and “Expecting Songbirds: Selected Poems, 1983-2015,” as well as songs he composed from poetry by Walt Whitman, Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer and Guido Cavalcanti.  

    Additional singers and musicians will include Antonio Scuderi, professor of Italian, (mandolin), Carmen Pérez-Munoz, assistant professor of Spanish (voice) and Jennifer Hamlet, Mary Immaculate School music teacher (voice). Benevento will also provide hundreds of his own home-baked cookies to share with the audience as a celebration of both his 60th birthday and his 33rd year in Kirksville and at the University. 

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  • International Student Panel


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  • Real Life 101 Offers Students Advice


    Real Life 101 is a series of presentations that will teach students about such topics as buying a car, traveling on a budget and investing. There will be monetary incentives for students and student organizations that come to these events as well. Sponsored by the Career Center, Truman Parent Wellness Fund and Student Affairs.
     
    All events will take place in the Student Union Building Alumni Room.

    Paying off Student Loans
    5 p.m. Nov. 10
    Rhoda Kennard, Business Office; Melissa Garzanelli, Business Office; Lindsey Blake, Financial Aid Office
    A short presentation going over the basics of paying off student loans
        
    Creating a Budget
    5 p.m. Nov. 11
    Katherine Jackson, School of Business
    A short presentation over the proper steps to take when creating a budget

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  • MAC Participates in Native American Heritage Month


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  • Opportunities Available in Washington, D.C.


    The Carnegie Junior Fellows Program provides an opportunity for students who desire careers in international affairs to have a substantive one-year working experience in Washington, D.C.

    Junior fellows provide research assistance to scholars working on Carnegie programs, and have the opportunity to contribute to op-eds, papers, reports and books; participate in meetings with high-level officials; contribute to congressional testimony; and organize briefings attended by scholars, activists, journalists and government officials.

    Applications are accepted only from graduating college seniors or individuals who have graduated within the past academic year. No one will be considered who has started graduate studies. For more information about candidate qualifications, visit carnegieendowment.org.

    Students interested in applying for the Carnegie Junior Fellows Program should contact Maria Di Stefano at mdistefa@truman.edu or 660.785.4109 for more information on the nomination and application process. The campus deadline is Nov. 30.
  • Call for Papers for the Women and Gender Studies Conference 2016


    The Women and Gender Studies Conference 2016: Theory in Action will take place Jan. 28-30 at Truman.

    This year’s conference will focus on the translation of theory and thought into specific actions, as well as re-theorizing actions to live in a more socially conscious way. Abstracts can be submitted to Amy Sallwasser and Hayden Wilsey at wgstconference@truman.edu. Submission should include the presentation title and the dates and times the author will be available and unavailable to present. The deadline to submit an abstract is Nov. 30.

    Sample topics of papers and projects:
    -How might teachers empower their students to recognize inequality and work to overcome it?
    -A specialized study into the ways in which gender inequality is held in place by traditional practices (e.g. requirements of dress or body image)
    -Using Jack Halberstram’s “In a Queer Time and Place,” theorize the ways in which news-reporting groups privilege heteronormative bodies in relation to transgender individuals.
    -Analyze the effectiveness of protests or movements that seek to promote counter-cultural ideas such as the Slut Walk or Pride Fest and how these movements call to mind further theorizing about action.
    -Historical analysis of social rights movements in America and their implications for current social rights struggles (e.g. a comparison of the rhetoric of the LGBT Rights Movements to the rhetoric used in the Americans with Disabilities Act.)
    -A sociological study into depictions of sexualized bodies on network television and shifting normate values.
    -Analysis of cultural artifacts (books, movies, art, etc.) that either undermine or support an underlying assumption of normalcy in our society (i.e. a discussion of patriarchy, racism, homophobia, or fat-shaming in “Mrs. Dalloway,” etc.).
    -Theorize imagined borders using cognitive science to argue the ways in which prejudice is learned within the family’s cognitive structure through rhetoric and action.
    -Discuss the issues with privatized prison systems in the United States linked to inequality at the social level and compare them to prison systems within other countries in order to propose an alternative.
    -A presentation from a company’s HR department, which addresses the theoretical underpinnings of their anti-discrimination clauses within employee contracts.
    -Creative project addressing social norms and pervasive practices, which are detrimental to ideologies of equality.

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  • Holiday Door Decorating Contest


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  • India Study Abroad Information Meeting


    Pending approval, there will be a faculty-led study abroad course planned to travel to India during winter interim 2016. This course is open to all majors. For students interested in learning about this course, there will be an informational meeting from 5-5:45 p.m. Nov. 12 at in Magruder Hall 2007. For information about this course, contact Dawood Azfal at afzal@truman.edu or Stephanie Foré at sfore@truman.edu.
  • Tips for Sorting Through the Job Market


    As anticipation builds with applying for summer internships, research opportunities, or post-graduation “big kid” jobs, the Career Center has a few words of wisdom about discerning credible internships and job opportunities. While the majority of companies out there have genuine, quality opportunities, here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting companies and things to consider before accepting any offers.

    1. Do your due diligence and research potential employers.

    Take an active role in your future by researching the companies and specific opportunities in which you are interested. Use those critical thinking skills we all know that you have and dig into the company. Check their website, does it look legitimate? You will learn a lot by the way a company presents itself online. If you are really skeptical about a company, go ahead and Google “Company Name + Scam”. You can also check with organizations like the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission. If you find ANYTHING that seems like a red flag, go ahead and redirect your time and energy toward a different employer.

    Try to contact individuals who have participated in the program before – the best way to understand what would be expected of you in that role is to talk to others who have done it. Utilize online forums and review sites to see what others are saying about the company. The research phase would be beneficial if completed before you submit an application, but should definitely take place before you accept an offer.

    2. Go with your gut.

    If you get a “sketchy” vibe about a company or the promises it is making, it is probably because it’s a sketchy company. Your gut reaction towards a situation is often the best judgment, trust it! Do not put yourself in situations where you feel uncomfortable with the individuals with whom you would be working, or with the duties that would be expected of you.

    Reputable employers will want the best and brightest new hires, so if a company offers you a position without requesting any sort of reference list or background check, you can assume they are not quite as legitimate as they claim to be. If your interviewer can’t clearly articulate what your job duties will be, or cannot offer a clear definition of what employee success looks like then you will find yourself working in limbo. You have worked hard to be an asset to a company; do not sell yourself short by accepting a position at an unorganized establishment.

    3. All that glitters isn’t gold.

    If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Often times, as college kids, we are attracted to the promises of “easy money” and free pizza, because we are poor and hungry. Do not let these tactics rope you into accepting a position selling second-hand scuba gear door-to-door all summer because you were distracted by pepperoni pizza and cheesy breadsticks.

    4. Not all employers are looking out for your best interest.

    Truth be told, there are some shady companies out there who prey on college students like you and me. They’ll try and reel you in with bells and whistles: a too-good-to-be-true starting salary, competitive benefits, and promises of quick career growth. You’ll probably feel like you hit the jackpot, and be seconds away from calling mom and dad to share the good news, yet something in the back of your brain is screaming that something just isn’t right…

    5. Warning sign: a little vague on the details?

    If you request more information or ask valid questions about a company or open position and their response is “let me get back to you,” or “I’ll email you the details,” this should be a red flag. Legitimate companies will have no problem giving out information regarding the training or job duties you would be expected to perform. If they are reluctant to give this information to you, it might be because the truth will deter you from applying.

    Do not let these words of caution be discouraging, but rather use the advice to better navigate the job market.

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  • Study Abroad Opportunity for Music Majors


    An opportunity is available for music majors to study abroad in Italy. Puccini Conservatory, located in La Spezia, Liguria resides right along the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and is less than two hours away from the historical city of Florence, Tuscany. Studying in La Spezia offers students the chance to take musical classes including instruments, voicing and Italian languages courses. This is perfect for any music major looking to gain a well-rounded education as well as experience life in another culture, all at the price of Truman tuition. Students who are interested should audition with Sam McClure, Truman’s director of orchestras. It is recommended to have at least one semester of Italian before departing. Start applying now and secure a spot to study in Italy by next August. To learn more about this program, email the Study Abroad Office at ciea@truman.edu or visit the Puccini Conservatory website.
  • Phi Kappa Phi Offers Grants to Study Abroad


    Members and non-members of Phi Kappa Phi are invited to apply for grants to support plans to study abroad.

    They are now offering 50 grants for $1,000 each. To apply, visit their website at PhiKappaPhi.org/StudyAbroad. The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 15 at 11:59 p.m. CST for Session A or Sept. 15 11:59 p.m. CST for Session B. The application will be available Dec. 15. Grants are limited and available to students from more than 300 schools across the country. It is important to make sure to apply early in case there are problems with the applications. Late submissions will be automatically disqualified.

    The requirements for undergraduate students (including non-members):

    GPA of 3.75

    Must be applying for a program that starts from:
    Session A: May 1, 2016 – Nov. 30, 2016
    Session B: Dec. 1, 2016 –June 30, 2017
     
    Must have applied and/or been accepted into a study abroad program, which must be included in the application an official letterhead from the selected school will be sufficient if an official letter of acceptance is not available.  
     
    *Previous winners are not eligible to apply.
     
    For more information, visit their website at phikappaphi.org/StudyAbroad.

Notables

  • Notables


    Dereck Daschke, professor of philosophy and religion, delivered his paper “The End of the World and the World to Come: What Apocalyptic Literature Says about the Time After the Endtime,” at the 28th Annual Klutznick-Harris-Schwalb Symposium Oct. 25 in Omaha, Neb. The theme of the symposium was “Olam ha-Zeh v’olam ha-Ba”: This World and the World to Come in Jewish Belief and Practice. Additionally, earlier this year, The Enoch Seminar published his book review of “Losing the Temple and Recovering the Future: An Analysis of 4 Ezra by Hindy Najman,” and last month the Journal of Religion and Film published his review of the film “You are your body/You are not your body,” produced and co-written by Truman alumnus Nick Toti.

    Carol Marshall, professor of Spanish, has been awarded the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Foreign Language Association of Missouri (FLAM). Marshall was honored at FLAM’s annual fall conference in Kansas City on Oct. 17. The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an outstanding Missouri teacher who has devoted their professional career to the improvement of foreign language education. Marshall has devoted 42 years to teaching at university, high school and junior high levels. In addition she has devoted her time to help the Hispanic community in various states.

    Kyung-Chun (Andrew) Mun, professor of finance, had his solely-authored paper, “Hedging Bank Market Risk with Futures and Forwards,” accepted for publication in the Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, the journal of the Midwest Economics Association. In addition, he was recently appointed as an associate editorship of the Global Review of Accounting and Finance.

    Barry Poyner, professor of communication, had a tribute, “Fond Memories of Dr. Loren Reid: Tribute to a Gentleman and Scholar,” published in the Journal of the Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri 45 (Fall 2015).

    Truman was awarded an honorable mention through the Bicycle Friendly University Program as one of 127 universities in 42 states to have a campus catering to bicyclists. Truman was one of three institutions recognized in Missouri.

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Scholarship Opportunities

  • Apply for the Robert L. Gould Scholastic Award


    The Robert L. Gould Scholastic Award is an opportunity for students of all majors to submit a research paper for the chance to win up to $10,000.

    The scholastic award is based on the evaluation of student research papers related to the current year’s topic. Truman is invited to submit up to three student papers for consideration of the award.

    DST Systems, Inc., headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is sponsoring a $10,000 award for the first place student, $5,000 award for the second place student and $2,500 award for the third place student. Group projects are welcome.

    The School of Business at Truman is also sponsoring awards for the three papers selected for submission to the DST Gould Award Office. The awards are: $500 for the first place paper, $350 for the second place paper and $200 for the third place paper.

    To apply for the Gould Scholastic Award, students must be a University junior, senior or honors program student. Graduate students are not eligible to participate. Group projects are eligible and students of all majors are invited to submit a paper. Students must submit a research paper with appropriate citations and a works cited list. Winning papers have varied in length from seven to 20 pages.

    In spring 2015, the Truman team of Tommy Ng, Julian Fung and Lasse Fuss was awarded the top prize of $10,000 for their paper “Transcending Traditional Service Models with Disruptive Technologies.” Examples of past winning papers are available for review in the School of Business Office in Violette Hall 2400.

    Current year’s topic:
    The concept is the future of financial product(s) and their impact on the financial services ecosystem. Consider the impact technology and innovation will have on the financial services industry over the next 10 years in products offered as well as in the service model expected of a marketplace. The paper should be a pitch and should include the perspective of the issuer of the product and the marketplace, which enabled the transaction and the investor.

    Some examples are:
    •    Private equity is also being offered, purchased and traded on technology platforms at a scale and levels not seen in modern finance through platforms such as Angel List and Reality Mogul.
    •    Banks are seeing the transition in a number of ways, one of which is loan underwriting. Marketplace lending technology platforms like Lending Club and Prosper have attached bank underwriting with technology, which offers an experience and solution to both the borrower and investor.
     
    Research papers are due by Dec. 14. Papers may be sent to the School of Business at sbdean@truman.edu.
  • Apply for the Morris K. Udall Foundation Scholarships


    The Morris K. Udall Foundation awards undergraduate scholarships to sophomore or junior students who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to public service in areas related to environmental issues on a local, national or global scale. The campus deadline for this nationally competitive scholarship is Jan. 29. To apply, contact Truman’s representative, Maria C. Di Stefano mdistefa@truman.edu. For further information, visit the Udall website.
  • Scholarship Opportunities


    The John Foy & Associates Strong Arm Leukemia Scholarship
    This $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one college student who has battled leukemia or whose life has been affected by it. Visit johnfoy.com/strong-arm-leukemia-scholarship for complete details. The deadline to apply is Dec. 15.

    Elie Weisel Foundation Scholarship

    Applications and information for the Elie Wiesel Foundation Prize in ethics essay contest for 2016 are now available online at ethicsprize.org. Five scholarships ranging from $500-$5,000 will be given away. This scholarship is open to registered undergraduate, full-time juniors and seniors at accredited four-year colleges or universities. Essays must be submitted by Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. Winning students are also eligible for an internship and a chance for their essay to be published in a nationally recognized publication.

    ImproveNet Scholarship
    ImproveNet is challenging students to showcase their DIY skills in new and creative ways. High school seniors accepted to a college or trade school or any student currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at any accredited college, university or trade school in the United States are qualified to apply by submitting a 1,000- to 2,000-word essay. Additionally, all participants must be 18 years of age or older and a legal U.S. resident. Students should email their essays to scholarships@improvenet.com. The deadline to apply is Dec. 15.

    Home Advisor Scholarship
    HomeAdvisor is challenging students to break new ground in green home improvement by offering a scholarship every year to one student. High school seniors accepted to a college or trade school, or students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, are qualified to apply by submitting a 1,000- to 2,000-word essay. Students should email their essays to scholarship@homeadvisor.com by Dec. 15.

    Apprentice Ecologist Initiative

    Three scholarships totaling $850 will be awarded annually to the authors of the three best Apprentice Ecologist essays. By registering and submitting an essay, students will automatically be considered for a scholarship. Applicants should embody the spirit of the Apprentice Ecologist Initiative by demonstrating personal leadership, initiative and environmental stewardship in their project. Essays will be judged by a committee of Nicodemus Wilderness Project board members, volunteers and past Apprentice Ecologist award winners. Details for how to submit a project can be found by clicking here. The deadline to apply is Dec. 15. 

    Infoparrot Scholarship
    Infoparrot will offer scholarships of $1,250 for educational expenses. For more information, or to apply, click here.

    Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri Scholarships
    Scholarships are available through Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri, Inc., for the 2015-2016 academic year. Last year they awarded more than $14,000 in scholarships to Missouri students. Two students selected by the Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri will be submitted to Central Region as an applicant and to National Garden Clubs Inc. as a Missouri applicant, and will compete for a Central Region and National Scholarship. The scholarship application is available online at gardenclub.org/scholarships. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.

    Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

    The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation has more than 100 scholarship funds available to students living in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The purpose of the scholarship funds housed at the Community Foundation vary widely from providing aid to students demonstrating financial need to those intending to major in a specific field of study. Students are encouraged to apply in January after fall transcripts are available. Most application deadlines occur between February and April.  For more information, go to www.growyourgiving.org/scholarships.


    Rover Scholarship

    Rover.com is a one-stop shop for loving and trustworthy dog sitters. Rover connects pet parents with loving dog sitters across the country. This would not be possible without the rapid growth of the sharing economy. Take a survey and submit a 400- to 500-word essay discussing the emergence of a sharing economy in the next five years. For more information on how to apply, click here.

    Seed Grand Project Application
    The IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group (ASG) is a network of more than 500 of the world’s leading amphibian experts providing scientific guidance to enable conservation actions to be prioritized and implemented by the Amphibian Survival Alliance (ASA), a partnership of more than 100 organizations committed to amphibian conservation worldwide. Seed grants are normally provided in amounts ranging from $500-$1,000 and are designed to help kickstart projects or allow teams to try new innovative approaches to address conservation, research and education challenges. For more information, click here

    B. Davis Scholarship

    The creators of the “Student Award Search Aid” website are offering a B. Davis Scholarship for $1000 scholarship for 2016. Visit their website at www.studentawardsearch.com/scholarships.htm to read more about how to apply for this scholarship and browse through the rest of their site to learn about applying for other scholarships. The deadline to submit an application for the B. Davis Scholarship is May 23.

    Scholarships Available for Veterans
    To learn more about scholarships offered to veterans, click here
  • John Lewis Fellowship Program


    The John Lewis Fellowship Program is an opportunity for students and recent graduates of all majors to explore the history of the Civil Rights movement, diversity and minority rights, national identity and the relationship between civil rights and human rights. Participants will attend discussions with renowned scholars and activists, visit historical sites around Atlanta and engage in discussions on a range of political and social issues.

    The 2016 John Lewis Fellowship Program will take place in Atlanta, Ga., from July 5-30.

    Applicants to the Humanity in Action Fellowship must be currently enrolled undergraduate students or recent graduates. For the 2016 Fellowship, recent graduates are defined as individuals from the undergraduate classes of 2014 and 2015 at accredited, four-year undergraduate colleges or universities in the United States. Applicants of minority backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

    All applications are due Jan. 7 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Click here to apply.
  • Humanity in Action Fellowship Program


    The Humanity in Action Fellowship Program is an opportunity for students and recent graduates of all majors to explore Europe’s unique history during World War II and the Holocaust. Key areas include national identity, immigration, racism and political extremism. Each program is interdisciplinary and features lectures and discussions with renowned academics, journalists, politicians and activists, as well as site visits to government agencies, non-profit and community organizations, museums and memorials. The programs seek to highlight different models of action to remedy injustice.

    The Humanity in Action Fellowship programs will take place in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Berlin, Copenhagen, Paris and Warsaw in 2016. The 2016 European program dates for participants from the United States are May 24 through June 26.

    Applicants to the Humanity in Action Fellowship must be currently enrolled undergraduate students or recent graduates. For the 2016 Fellowship, recent graduates are defined as individuals from the undergraduate classes of 2014 and 2015 at accredited, four-year undergraduate colleges or universities in the United States. Applicants of minority backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

    All applications are due Jan. 7 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Click here to apply.