Vol. 10 No. 10 - November 1, 2005

Hurricane Katrina displaced thousands of citizens, including New Orleans resident and poet Mona Lisa Saloy. Saloy won the 2005 T. S. Eliot Prize for Poetry sponsored by Truman State University Press for her collection “Red Beans and Ricely Yours.” This book is a celebration of the vibrant history and color of New Orleans. Her narrative poems tell of the daily life of Black New Orleans and the cultural roots of her community.

Truman State University Press and Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society are co-sponsoring Saloy’s visit to campus. Saloy’s book reading and signing will be at 7 p.m., Nov. 8, in the Student Union Building Activities Room.

Saloy’s prize-winning collection was selected in January 2005 by Ishmael Reed, judge for this year’s competition. The T. S. Eliot Prize for Poetry is an annual competition in honor of native Missourian T. S. Eliot’s literacy legacy. The Press receives up to 600 poetry manuscripts for consideration each year.

After Hurricane Katrina’s damage to New Orleans, Reed said, “Ms. Saloy’s book might be the last will and testament of a great city.”

Saloy is associate professor of English and director of creative writing at Dillard University, but is a visiting associate professor at the University of Washington in Seattle for the 2005-2006 academic year. Arrangements may be made for an interview with Saloy.

For additional information, contact  Nancy Rediger at 785.7199.

Native American Heritage Month events will kick-off at 8 p.m., Nov. 7, in the Student Union Building Down Under. Howard Lyons, musician, will be performing and food will be provided.

At 1:30 p.m., Nov. 8, in the Student Union Building Activities Room, Daniel Mandell, associate professor of history, will speak about “Shifting Images of Indians and Notions of Race in America”- the emergence of the American romantic notion of Indians and its intersection with developing concepts of race in the North, circa 1790-1900.

Flintnapper Tim Murphy will demonstrate how stone knives and arrowheads are made at 1:30 p.m., Nov. 10, in Violette Hall 1146.

Stanley Holder from the U.S. Department of Education, Indian Affairs will provide an authentic historical and anthropological presentation on Native American culture at 4:30 p.m., Nov. 15, in Baldwin Hall 349.

At 1:30 p.m., Nov. 16, in McClain Hall 349, Mike Davis, professor of anthropology, will present a slide show on historical photographs of Plains Indians.

Contact Sunnie Hughes at 785.4142 for more information.

In the busiest month of its competitive season, a young and growing Truman speech and debate team made its mark this October with honors at tournaments in Missouri, Nebraska and Ontario, while hosting the British National Team on campus and conducting nearly weekly public exhibition debates. In the midst of the frenzy, Truman competitors brought home 13 different honors.

At the invitation-only William Jewell College Round Robin, Sept. 30, to which only 15 parliamentary debate teams in the nation received bids, Truman reached the semifinals (third place) with the team of Meghana Kunkala, a senior biology major from Chino, Calif., and Dylan Rothermel, a sophomore chemistry major from Homewood, Ill. Of particular note was the duo’s victory over the University of Missouri’s team in the fifth preliminary round. Kunkala was ranked third best speaker in the tournament, while Rothermel ranked fifth.

In the subsequent open tournament hosted by William Jewell, Oct. 1-2, two Truman teams advanced to elimination rounds including, once again, Kunkala and Rothermel. They were joined by the team of Sara Archer, a sophomore pre-business administration and pre-accounting double major from Riverside, Mo., and Stefani Wittenauer, a junior communication and political science double major from Belleville, Ill.

At the Nebraska Double-Up (Oct. 14-16), co-hosted by Creighton University (Omaha, Neb.) and Concordia University (Seward, Neb.), the parliamentary debate team of Elizabeth Hobbs, a senior biology major from Newton, Kan., and Jason Mo, a freshman chemistry major from Chesterfield, Mo., was dominant, reaching the quarterfinals. Hobbs was ranked third speaker and Mo was ranked fifth speaker in a field of 100 speakers. Truman competitors at the Double-Up won additional honors in individual speaking events. Hobbs continued her successful streak in persuasive speaking, clinching a national tournament bid with a fourth place finish in the Creighton half of the tournament and a second place finish at the Concordia half. Hobbs also took fifth in rhetorical criticism at Concordia. During the Concordia portion of the tournament, Andrew Green, a freshman communication arts and philosophy/religion double major from Gladstone, Mo., captured second place in extemporaneous speaking, while his teammate Christopher Dove, a freshman biology major from Chesterfield, Mo., took sixth.

To cap-off a busy few weeks, Truman also made its first foray in decades into international competition, sending the teams of David “Ben” Holley, a senior political science and communication double major from Neosho, Mo., and Mariam Savabi, a sophomore health science major from Maryland Heights, Mo., and Kristen Moore, a freshman political science and philosophy/religion double major from St. Louis, and Casey Sharp, a freshman from St. Joseph, Mo., to Hart House at the University of Toronto to compete in British-style parliamentary debate. Holley and Savabi narrowly missed the brutal cut to semifinals, but posted impressive results against teams from such noted world-contenders as McGill University and Yale University.

The Truman Forensic Union is a co-curricular program of the Division of Language and Literature, open to all interested and dedicated Truman students, and is supported by a combination of University, alumni and student-raised funds. Individuals interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to contact Kevin Minch, director of forensics, at 785.5677 or kminch@truman.edu for more information.

The International Club presents the 55th Annual International Dinner at 6 p.m., Nov. 6, in the Student Union Building Georgian Room.

The annual dinner, which is prepared by international students and American friends, will feature 23 dishes including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Nepali, Russian and Bulgarian cuisine.

International students will perform a variety of acts such as dances, songs and skits that are native to their culture.

Tickets for the dinner cost $10 each and are available in the International Student Affairs Office, located in Kirk Building 120. Tickets must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, contact the International Student Affairs Office at 785.4215.

Truman State University’s Business & Accountancy and Math & Computer Science Divisions participated in Boeing Blitz Day on Oct. 5.

Throughout the day, Truman alumni who now work for Boeing taught a total of 20 classes in both divisions. Topics for these classes included contract negotiations, leadership, international business, capital budgeting, internal control, the implications of Sarbanes Oxley, and marketing strategy information. The alumni also encouraged students to look for a career at Boeing and provided helpful information regarding how to apply for internships or permanent positions with the company.

A luncheon honoring Boeing Scholarship Recipients and past interns followed the morning classroom sessions. Speakers at the luncheon included President Barbara Dixon and former Boeing intern Kyle Gifford, a senior computer science major from Columbia, Mo.; Director of Financial Planning Analysis, Integrated Defense Systems Division, Charles Woods, and two former Truman students Mindy McCubbin and Lauren Allen from the Boeing Company. Scholarship recipients in the Business and Accountancy Division include Sara Barker, a senior business administration and biology double major from Canton, Mo.; Bethany Fuller, a senior business administration major from Maryville, Mo.; Lacey Grego, a junior business administration major from Liberty, Mo.; John Hainline, a junior computer science major from Marthasville, Mo.; Kelsey Monsaert, a junior business administration major from Bridgeton, Mo.; Bethany Nichols, a junior business administration and anthropology/sociology double major from Ashland, Mo.; Steven Olree, a senior biology and computer science major from Fenton, Mo.; Ryan Saffer, a junior accounting major from Florissant, Mo.; and Khang Tran, a senior computer science and mathematics major from Oceanside, Calif.

Additionally, an information table was located in the Violette Hall lobby with brochures for interested students to pick up. Several Boeing representatives were available to speak to interested students.

To conclude the event, Boeing hosted an open forum on careers in Violette Hall. This event discussed opportunities available for Truman students at Boeing and finished with a question and answer session.

Flu Clinics at the Student Health Center scheduled for Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 will be rescheduled due to the depletion of supplies.

10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Nov. 2 & Nov. 3
SUB Quiet Lounge

Students are encouraged to attend this great opportunity to get graduation clearance signatures. Students can also make sure his or her graduation application is up to date and complete, and make sure things are still on track for December graduation. Caps, gowns, tassels, honor cords, graduation merchandise, and important information about the commencement ceremony will be available. There will be free food and prizes.

Graduation candidates should plan to spend about 20-30 minutes at the fair. Completing GSQ, submitting portfolio, and paying graduation fee before the clinic will speed up the process. Bringing a checkbook or credit card also may be helpful.

Last Day for United Way Drive Nears

The United Way campaign at Truman ends Nov. 4. The drive has collected $46,757.94, which is 89.9 percent of the goal. This total does not include the Food Fast contributions.

Final contributions are due to either David Conner or Lesa Ketterlinus by noon Nov. 3.

Nominations are open for the third annual Student Senate Leadership Excellence scholarship.The scholarship is for two Truman students in the amount of $500 each. All students are eligible excluding all former and current members of Student Senate.

Students can be nominated by faculty, staff, administration and students. To nominate a student, send his or her name and explanation of why they should be chosen to the Senate Office c/o Chelsea Schinnour or to cbs436@truman.edu.

Join friends, faculty, and staff for a free buffet supper at

“Great Conversations! Fall 2005! Where professors trade chalk for talk”

5:30 p.m.
Nov. 14
Student Union Building Georgian Room

Select a stimulating conversation of your choice, led by distinguished Truman staff and faculty.

Each conversation is limited to eight participants and requires a reservation. You can find a complete list of conversations topics and can make your reservation online at http://rcp.truman.edu/great_conversations.htm. If you have questions, please contact the Residential College Program, Baldwin Hall 101, 785.4409 or rcp@truman.edu.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. A list of these rights is available at http://registrar.truman.edu/other/FERPA_Notification.html.

Truman’s complete FERPA policy is also available online at http://fedinfo.truman.edu/ferpa.htm.

John Ishiyama, professor of political science, recently had two articles accepted for publication. The first is titled “Europeanization and the Communist Successor Parties in Post-Communist Politics” which will appear in an upcoming issue of the journal Politics and Policy. The second is titled “How ‘International’ are Undergraduate Political Science Programs at Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges and Universities in the Midwest?” The article will appear in a forthcoming issue of the journal PS: Political Science and Politics.

Tiffany Marchbanks, a senior health science major from St. Charles, Mo., did a poster presentation at the “Partnership for Rural and Urban Health” conference for Missouri Society of Public Health Educators, titled “Meningitis Prevention Project” on Oct. 24. Jennifer L. Eldridge Houser, assistant professor of health, is Marchbanks’ adviser and assisted her with the presentation.

Matthew Tornatore, associate professor of foreign languages, recently had his article dealing with Gallicisms in the sixteenth century Italian accepted for publication in Rome, Italy by the Rivista Italiana di Linguistica e Dialettologia.

Several political science students and faculty presented their research at the annual meeting of the International Studies Association-Midwest, which took place at the St. Louis Pavilion Hotel in St. Louis. Ryan Conway, a junior political science major from Kirkwood, Mo., presented his paper “Authoritarian Regimes, Democratic Transition Types and the First Use of Violent Force.” Krystal Fox, a senior political science major from Bellevue, Neb., presented her paper “What Affects Partisan Identity in Sub-Saharan Africa?” and Kathryn Sanders, a junior political science major from Crestwood, Mo., presented her paper “Women’s Presence in Government and its Effects on the Type of Foreign Aid Given to Developing Nations.” John Ishiyama, professor of political science, presented his paper “Testing Theories of Candidate Recruitment-the 2005 Ethiopian Parliamentary Electoral Campaign” and was also named president-elect of the organization and program chair for the 2006 meeting. Also participating in the conference were Stephen Huss, a senior political science major from Nevada, Mo., and McNair Scholar; Krista Kastler, a senior political science major from Kearney, Mo.; Marijke Breuning, associate professor of political science; and John Quinn, associate professor of political science.

Sigma Lambda Gamma will be sponsoring winter apparel from Bolivia for sale from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., that will continue through Nov. 4 on the Quadrangle. All proceeds will go the a Fair Trade Organization. For more information, contact Tamaka Mann at 627.5466 or d2208@truman.edu.

The Adair County Relay for Life in association with the American Cancer Society is tuning up for the 2006 Relay “Cure…Music to Our Ears.”  Although the Relay isn’t until April 21-22 the week of Oct. 31-Nov. 4 is dedicated as the kick-off weekend, “Paint Kirksville Purple.”  The week is dedicated to raising awareness about Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.  From Nov. 1-3 the campus Relay teams will be “Painting Truman Purple.” The teams will be tying purple ribbons to the trees on the Quarangle handing out purple ribbons, and sharing information about Relay for Life. Their goal is to also get everyone to wear purple on Nov. 3.  For this week they don’t want anyone's money, they only want support.  People may stop by their  tables on the Quadrangle and learn more about Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.  If you are interesting in helping with the event, contact Mike Lueder at mlueder@truman.edu.

Computer Gaming Association presents Console Gaming Night as part of the Geek Week activities. This event will take place at 6 p.m., Nov. 2, in the Ryle Hall Main Lounge. For more information contact Harry Althoff at 660.349.9001 or hla539@truman.edu or visit http://rpgclub.truman.edu.

The 2005 College Bowl Tournament will take place from 6-10 p.m., Nov. 2, on the third level of the SUB. This competition will decide the varsity team, which will advance to the Regional Championship Tournament in February 2006. For more information, contact Amy Currier at 785.4222.

The Truman Forensics Union public debate series will continue at 8 p.m., Nov. 2, in the Baldwin Hall Little Theatre. The topic will be “The U.S. Should Abide by the UN Declaration of Human Rights.” The format will be in the National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA) style. Students, faculty, staff and members of the Kirksville community are encouraged to attend.  

The Center for Teaching and Learning Weekly Lunch Series will continue with “Faces of Truman,” with Barb Bevell, at 12:30-1:30 p.m., Nov. 2, in the SUB Spanish Room. Call 785.4391 for more information.

The upcoming Physics Colloquium will feature several students presenting their summer research from 4:35-5:25 p.m., Nov. 2, in Barnett Hall 112. Contact Taner Edis at 785.4583 for more information.

The Truman Child Development Center Seminar Series will continue from 5-6 p.m., Nov. 3, in the SUB Alumni Room. Adam Davis, interim director of interdisciplinary studies, and Jo Agnew-Tally, associate professor of early childhood education, will be presenting, “An Introduction and Overview of the Truman Interdisciplinary Studies Program with an Emphasis on Interdisciplinary Studies within the Field of Early Childhood.”

The Global Issues Colloquium will take place from 7-9 p.m., Nov. 3, in Violette Hall 1000. Guest lecturer Victor LeVine, professor emeritus, Washington University, will be presenting “Making Sense of Terrorism: A Primer with Examples.” From the annals of Africa and the Middle East, what we can learn about the root of resolution and terrorism will be discussed. Call 785.4391 for more information.

Geek Week Miniatures Night will take place at 6 p.m., Nov. 3, in Baldwin Hall 251. For more information, visit
http://rpgclub.truman.edu or contact Harry Althoff at 660.349.9001 or hla539@truman.edu.

The last day to drop a full-term course for the fall 2005 semester is Nov. 3. Courses may be dropped via TruView using a fall 2005 RAC number, or in person in the Registrar’s Office between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. A $50 fee will be assessed, and a W grade will appear on the student’s transcripts for the dropped course. For more information, contact the Registrar’s Office at 785.4143.

The last day for students to change a full-term course to the credit/no credit grading option will be Nov. 3. Students must obtain their adviser’s signature on a credit/no credit form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office by 5 p.m. A $25 fee will be assessed for each course. Students may take only free elective courses using the credit/no credit grading option. A maximum of five hours of credit/no credit coursework may be completed in one semester, and a maximum of 12 hours can be applied toward degree requirements. For more information, contact the Registrar’s Office at 785.4143.

The Biology Seminar Series will continue with “Antibiotics and Oxidative Stress Tolerance in Staphylococcus aureus: A Pathogen Defying All Chemotherapeutic Options?” from 12:30-1:20 p.m., Nov. 4, in Magruder Hall 2050. Vineet Singh, assistant professor at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, will be delivering the presentation.

The Tech Break for students, faculty and staff will be from 2:30-3:30 p.m., Nov. 4, in the SUB Conference Room. The topic this week is "VPN - Connecting to the Campus Network from Home." Go to http://its.truman.edu/techbreak/ for more information.

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) will meet at 4:30 p.m., Nov. 4, at the University Club. Contact Marc Becker at 785.6036 for more information.

The New Faculty Dinner Series will take place from 5-7 p.m., Nov. 4, in the SUB Spanish Room. Faculty will have the opportunity to unearth some of the treasures beyond the boundaries of campus and enjoy Italian buffet. For more information, contact Julie Lochbaum at 785.4391 or lochbaum@truman.edu.

Iron Dogs are hosting the third annual Double Deuce and also the Missouri State Championship Weightlifting Meet. This will take place from 10:30 a.m until 4:30 p.m., Nov. 5, in Pershing Arena. The day will feature some of the best men and women weightlifters in the region. This event is free for spectators and open to the public. Call 665.0935 for more information.

University Symphony Orchestra will be performing “The Planets” by Gustav Holst at 8 p.m., Nov. 5, in Baldwin Auditorium. Admission is free. For more information, contact Sam McClure at 785.4434.

Student Senate’s Vision Committee is sponsoring an open forum to discuss the future of Truman. This event will take place at 6 p.m., Nov. 7, in Baldwin Hall 303. For more information, contact Robert Kelchen at rkelchen@truman.edu or at 785.5988.

The Division of Fine Arts will be hosting its Celebrity Benefit Auction beginning at 7 p.m., Nov. 8, at the Kirksville Days Inn. This year the proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Jazz Program. The public is invited to attend and there will be no admission charge. The Days Inn restaurant area will be open if people would like to have dinner prior to the event. The items will be on display beginning at 6 p.m. that day for people to preview prior to the auction. This is the 11th Celebrity Benefit Auction. Proceeds from previous auctions have gone to benefit scholarship funds in art, music, theatre, and the University Art Gallery. This year approximately 156 items will be auctioned off. A listing of the items for sale is available online as a PDF at http://finearts.truman.edu/CelebAuction2005.pdf.

SAB is sponsoring a performance by Recycled Percussion at 7 p.m., Nov. 8, in Baldwin Auditorium. For more information, visit http://www.rprocks.com or contact Dawn Runge at 785.4722 or dar834@truman.edu.

The honor society of Phi Kappa Phi invites all students, faculty, and staff to its annual Fall Gathering from 4:30-5:30 p.m., Nov. 9, in the SUB Alumni Room. This event will feature a student and faculty panel that will provide information to help students get involved in study abroad, internships, undergraduate research, and applying for national competitive scholarships. Phi Kappa Phi students who are graduating in December will also be recognized and refreshments will be served.

The submission deadline for applications for prospective McNair Scholars is Nov. 10. Contact Sarah Hass at 785.5393 for additional information.

The Observatory will be open to the public, weather permitting, from 8:30-10:30 p.m., Nov. 10, at the University Farm. Go to http://observatory.truman.edu for more information.

The Truman State University Army Reserve Officer Training Program “Bulldog Battalion” will be having a Veteran’s Day Ceremony to honor all veterans of the United States Armed Forces at 11 a.m., Nov. 11, at Reigor Armory. The guest speaker will be Lt. Col. (USAF Retired) Greg Dabney. Refreshments will directly follow the ceremony.

The SERVE Center will assist Special Olympics in hosting the Bowl for Gold from 2-5 p.m., Nov. 12, at Leisure World. Students are encouraged to get a team together and bowl three games. Contact the SERVE Center as soon as possible for registration information at 785.7222.

The men’s basketball team will take to the home court for the first time at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 12, in Pershing Arena in an exhibition game against Dreambuilders, former college players who tour the Midwest. Several former Bulldogs are on the team. That game will be the Bill Cable contest, named after the former Truman sports information director and Truman Hall of Fame member. Donations will be collected at the game for Research & Fight for Parkinson’s Disease.

Truman State University men’s basketball is sponsoring the Charity Stripe contest that will benefit the charity of the winner’s choice. The contest consists of three shooters representing each organization, shooting two free throws each for a total of six shots. Teams will be facing off during halftime of Truman Men’s basketball games with the winner advancing in this single elimination tournament. Each organization is asked to donate $50 to the Charity Stripe contest with the winning team earning the right to donate all the proceeds to the charity of their choice. For more information, contact Jack Schrader at 785.4171.