Vol. 12 No. 13 - Nov. 27, 2007

Members of Truman’s Chi chapter of Lambda Alpha Epsilon, a criminal justice academic fraternity, attended the American Criminal Justice Association’s 2007 Regional Conference in Liberal, Kan., during the weekend of Oct. 26-28.
  
Chapter members won several individual awards for their performance. Nick Zotos, a junior justice systems major from Chesterfield, Mo., won the first place upper division Police Management & Operations award as well as the third place upper division Criminal Law award. Jacob Shroyer, a senior justice systems major from Booneville, Mo., won the third place upper division Corrections award. Chapter faculty adviser Joe Nedelec won the first place professional division Corrections award and first place in the 26-35-year-old physical agility competition.
  
The conference brings together criminal justice students and professionals from across the Midwestern region to compete in areas such as academic testing, firearms proficiency, physical agility, and crime scene investigation. The Chi chapter will be hosting the 2008 Regional Conference in Kirksville and is actively seeking interested members and volunteers to assist with the conference. For more information, contact Nedelec at jnedelec@truman.edu or chapter president Zotos at nickzotos@truman.edu.

The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship offers students the opportunity to study for a year in a foreign country with virtually all expenses paid.
  
To be eligible for this scholarship program, students must have completed at least two years of college-level coursework or equivalent professional experience before commencing their scholarship studies; be proficient in the language of the host country; be a citizen of a country in which there is a Rotary Club; and be fully committed to participating in a program designed to promote cultural cooperation and awareness.  

The academic year scholarship grants the recipient $23,000 to cover transportation between home and the study city, some educational supplies, academic fees, and reasonable housing and meals. In return, the scholar is asked to be an ambassador of goodwill by making presentations in the host and sponsoring communities.

For more information, or to pick up an application, contact Marilyn Romine, School of Business, 785.4268, Violette Hall 2413 or Mark Hanley, professor of history, 785.4098, Baldwin Hall 255. Information is also available at the Rotary International Web site, http://www.rotary.org. Applications are due at 5 p.m. Feb. 29 for planned international study between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010.

An informational meeting will take place at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 29 in the West Campus Suites Multipurpose Room just inside the main entrance. Hanley and Romine will be there to introduce the program, answer questions, and distribute application materials. If you are interested but cannot attend, please plan to contact one of them individually.

The U.S. Department of Defense is offering internships in Washington, D.C., with substantial stipends for Summer 2008 through the Washington Center program. Truman students have successfully competed for similar internships in summer 2006 (a political science major) and summer 2007 (a visual communication major). Desired majors include: computer science, business, economics, math/statistics, but any major is eligible.  
  
If the student wishes to do the full Washington Center program for credit, the stipend is $7,195, which covers the program fee for TWC and most of the housing fee. Graduate students can compete for non-credit stipends of $6,426 and may choose to live in TWC housing if they wish (for a fee of $3,350).  Students can apply for the internships without applying to the TWC program but must contact the Washington Center at info@twc.edu in order to apply. The deadline for any of these options is Nov. 30. For more information, students should contact the Truman in Washington Program liaison, Diane Tobin Johnson at djohnson@truman.edu.

Members of the Truman Forensic Union added seven new honors to this year’s growing list recently, taking home awards at three separate tournaments in Illinois and California.

Debaters from the squad took some six awards at the Pat Kennedy Memorial Round Robin and the Paul Winters Invitational, both hosted by the University of the Pacific (Stockton, Calif.), Nov. 9-11. Dylan Rothermel, a senior economics major from Homewood, Ill., and Mark Buchheit, a sophomore history major from Carthage, Mo., reached the semifinals of the invitation-only Round Robin tournament on Nov. 9, before losing to a team from Rice University–the eventual champions. Only 12 teams from across the nation are invited to attend this tournament each year, and this is the third consecutive appearance the team has had in the tournament’s elimination rounds. In the march to elimination rounds, Buchheit and Rothermel defeated several nationally-prominent teams including the team from the University of California-Berkeley.

Additionally, all three attending Truman debate teams reached elimination rounds of the Paul Winters Invitational, on Nov. 10-11. Andrew Kindiger, a freshman English major from Kansas City, Mo., and Barbara Gillard, a freshman political science major from Jackson, Mo., reached the quarterfinals of the Junior Varsity division of the tournament, with Kindiger ranking as the top speaker in that division. In the Varsity division, Rothermel and Buchheit were joined by Sarah Backhaus, a freshman political science major from Liberty, Mo., and Dylan Clark, a freshman political science and philosophy and religion double major from Maryland Heights, Mo., in the first elimination round–the double-octafinal round. Buchheit narrowly missed earning a speaker award in the Varsity division, placing 11th.

Clark was also an octafinalist (“sweet 16”) in Lincoln-Douglas debate.

Forty-two colleges and universities from throughout the United States attended the tournament.

Continuing the streak of freshman success, Rebecca Tasetano, a freshman political science major from Liberty, Mo., reached the final round of novice poetry interpretation at the Bradley University, LE Norton Invitational, Nov. 4.

Advance commitments in Truman State University’s “Bright Minds Bright Futures” campaign have now surpassed the $7 million mark.

Through Nov. 20, a total of $7,093,189 has been generated in cash, multiyear pledges and deferred gift commitments toward an overall goal of $30 million. The five year campaign, which is early in its second year, continues through its leadership gift phase and will enter a broader public stage at a later date.

The campaign received its second $1 million deferred gift commitment recently from John and Denise Teal of Elmore, Ohio.

The Mr. and Mrs. John M. Teal Scholarship is designed to support students at Truman State University who are honorably discharged veterans from any branch of the armed services and children of military personnel who have been killed or become permanently disabled in the line of duty. Financial need is also a primary consideration.

The scholarship will be created with a cash gift through Truman’s “Bright Minds Bright Futures” campaign, and matched dollar-for-dollar by John’s employer, First Energy Corporation. The Teals have pledged to make the scholarship one of the University’s largest with a $1 million commitment through their estate plans.

A native of Kansas City, John “Mitch” Teal served three years of active duty in the Army in Germany. He utilized the GI bill to enroll at Northeast Missouri State University in 1975 and continued to serve as a member of the local National Guard unit. After graduation in 1978, John received a masters’ degree in regional and city planning from the University of Oklahoma and in public administration from the University of New Orleans. He serves as a senior emergency response specialist with First Energy, the nation’s fifth-largest investor owned electric system.

Denise Teal received Bachelor of Arts degrees in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Truman in 1977, and a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education for Spanish and French in 1978. Denise began her law school at Loyola University in New Orleans, La., and completed her degree at the University of Toledo in 1987. She served the United States Attorney’s Office in Toledo for 11 years and is currently a Master Gardner.

The University Gallery Hosts BFA/BA Thesis Exhibition Reception

The University Art Gallery at Truman State University is delighted to present “We Don’t Do Three Dimensions,” the thesis exhibition for BFA/BA candidates Keila Ferree, a senior art major from Nevada, Mo.; Matt Green, a senior art major from Brookfield, Mo.; Luis Alvarado, a senior art and Spanish double major from Kirksville, Mo.; Katie Poland, a senior art major from Defiance, Mo.; and Erin Fox, a senior art major from Lake Ozark, Mo. In the Spotlight Gallery “A Strong Foundation,” an exhibit of faculty-chosen work from first-year studio foundation students, continues. The Gallery invites the community to a reception at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 to view the works of these exciting emerging artists. The show will be on display from Dec. 3-7.

The University Art Gallery at Truman is located on the ground floor of Ophelia Parrish. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from noon-4:30 p.m. Gallery exhibits, talks and most other events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the interim gallery director, Emily Booth, at 785.5386 or ebooth@truman.edu.

Truman Student Artist Drawing Exhibition at Washington St. Java Co.

The student artists of ART 115 are pleased to present “Vamoose,” an exhibition of drawings at Washington St. Java Co. These pieces are the culmination of a semester spent exploring traditional drawing materials in an intensive studio environment.

This collection of work was created with the multifaceted topic of “travel” in mind. Issues of movement, narrative, destination, departure and the flux of placelessness are addressed. Each student artist developed and executed a unique representation of travel based on individual conceptual exploration and observational study.

Java Co. will provide goodies at a morning coffee reception from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 11.

This exhibition will be open during normal business hours at Washington St. Java Co., 107 W. Washington St., 627.4777, until Jan. 14.

For additional information, contact Emily Booth, assistant professor of art and University Art Gallery director, ebooth@truman.edu or 785.5386.

People who bring someone to an instructional program class or attend a class for the first time during Nov. 27-30 will have their name entered in a drawing for SRC Fitness/Wellness T-shirts and prizes.

For more information, check out http://recreation.truman.edu/instructional_programs.asp.

Monica Barron, professor of English, has an article, “Creative Writing Class as Crucible” in the November/December issue of Academe, the magazine of the American Association of University Professors.

Kevin Becker, master of arts in music composition major from Milwaukee, Wis., has received the First Place Award in the Young Artists Division of the Music Teachers National Association Student Composition Competition, Missouri Chapter. Becker’s winning composition, “Elegy for Strings” was performed by Truman student musicians Kathy Kuntz (violin), a junior music and pre-education double major from St. Louis; Kristyna Speraneo (violin), a senior music and pre-education double major from Ballwin, Mo.; Nicole Moore (viola), a senior music major from St. Louis; and Bradley Knoch (cello), a freshman music major from Kansas City, Mo.; at the Missouri Music Teachers Association Annual Conference held Nov. 10 at Missouri State University. Becker studies with Warren Gooch, professor of music theory/composition.

Jennifer Dine, a senior nursing major from Columbia, Mo., and Stephen Hadwiger, associate professor of nursing, presented a poster, “Breast Cancer Survivors’ Insights Following Treatment” at the 39th Biennial Convention of Sigma Theta Tau International Nov. 4 in Baltimore.

Kit Hadwiger, assistant professor of nursing, and Stephen Hadwiger, associate professor of nursing, presented “Primary Health Care for a Rural Baranggay in the Philippines” and “Transcultural Nursing Experience in the Philippines: A Global Collaboration” at the 39th Biennial Convention of Sigma Theta Tau International Nov. 5 in Baltimore.

Sharon McGahan, assistant professor emerita of nursing and president of the Rho Omega Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, represented the chapter as a delegate at the 39th Biennial Convention in Baltimore.

Kyung-Chun (Andrew) Mun, professor of finance, recently had his paper, “Effects of Exchange Rate Fluctuations on Equity Market Volatility and Correlations: Evidence from the Asian Financial Crisis,” accepted for publication in the Quarterly Journal of Business and Economics. The journal is published by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In addition, Mun and Sandra K. Fleak, professor of accounting, co-authored a paper titled “Earnings Announcement and Accounting Irregularity Allegations.” Mun presented it at the annual meeting of Southern Finance Association Nov. 14-17 in Charleston, S. C.

Brenda K. Wheeler, assistant professor of nursing, and Stephanie Powelson, associate professor of nursing, presented “Interdisciplinary Clinical Education: Implementing a Gerontological Home Visiting Program” at the 39th Biennial Convention of Sigma Theta Tau International Nov. 4 in Baltimore. Their presentation was based on their article published in the May/June 2007 edition of Nurse Educator with Ju-hyung Kim, R.N., B.S.N., as co-author.

The College Democrats is sponsoring a voter registration drive from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 27-30 on the Quadrangle. Free hot chocolate will be provided to any student who registers to vote. Contact James Lang at jjl241@truman.edu or 314.852.5452 for more information.

There will be a STEP Workshop about summer research from 5:30-7 p.m. Nov. 27 in Magruder Hall 1099. Students will be able to learn why it is a good idea to seek out a research experience, what opportunities there are on campus, and how to craft a competitive application for a program. The focus will be on the STEP program's Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program, but the advice will be applicable to other programs. Call Jennifer Thompson at 785.7252 or e-mail step@truman.edu for more information.

The final Weekly Lunch Series session of the semester will be from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Nov. 28 in the Student Union Building Alumni Room. This session allows people to share their teaching ideas that work. The Center for Teaching & Learning sponsors this event. Contact Linda Davenport at ctl@truman.edu or 785.4391 for more information.

Eduardo Velasco, associate professor of physics, will present "What is Dark Energy?" at the next Physics Colloquium. It will take place at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 28 in Magruder Hall 1000. Refreshments will be provided at 4:20 p.m.

The Career Center will host an etiquette dinner from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 28. Students will learn proper dinner etiquette that is extremely useful for job interviews, business opportunities and life. Professional attire is required. Students should have registered by 5 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Career Center. Upon registration, students paid $12, cash or check.

BIOL 444: Grassroots Environmentalism Presentation will be presented from 7:30-9 p.m. Nov. 28 in Magruder Hall 2001. The students of the BIOL 444: Environmentalism class will present their recycling project and information about service learning at Truman. Contact Hannah Seckington at hcs034@truman.edu for more information.

Free tobacco cessation classes will take place from 8-9 p.m. Nov. 28 and Dec. 5 in Pershing Building 301. There will be free patches, gum, quit classes and physician consultations. Students, staff and faculty are welcome. Contact the Student Health Center at 785.4182 to sign up today.

"Dormez, je le veux," a French play, will be performed at 8 p.m. Nov. 28 and 29 in the Student Union Building Down Under. Admission is free. Truman French students will present this performance. English subtitles will be provided. A French/English script is available online at http://www2.truman.edu/~plobert. Contact Patrick Lobert at plobert@truman.edu for more information.

IT Services would like to invite faculty, staff and students to TechBreak at 1:30 p.m. in the Student Union Building Room 320 each Friday. This weekly series is an opportunity to share information about new and existing IT Service offerings. Please join us for snacks and conversation. Additional details and our topic schedule can be found at http://its.truman.edu/techbreak.

The Third Annual Madrigal Dinner will take place Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at Jackson Stables. Seating begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults and $17 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at http://music.truman.edu/madrigal or call 785.4428. Visa, Mastercard and Discover are accepted. Chamber Choir is an auditioned choir composed of students from across campus. This year, it is being directed by graduate students Nicole Robertson and Tim Rebers. This will be the third annual Madrigal Dinner. The evening includes the Truman Chamber Choir dressing up as Renaissance royalty and peasants to host an evening of food, festivities, entertainment and music. The event lasts about two hours and includes an authentic meal accompanied by a masque, or short play, and a concert.

True Men will be performing a holiday concert at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 1 in Baldwin Auditorium. Contact Graeme Allen at gha024@truman.edu for more information.

The Psychology Department invites the Truman community to attend the Fall Senior Capstone Research presentations. Nearly 50 senior psychology majors will present posters of their research projects from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 4 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. People may stop by to see the interesting work of Truman students, and learn something about themselves.

The Board of Governors will meet at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 1 in the Student Union Building Alumni Room. Agenda materials are available on the Board of Governors Web site http://governors.truman.edu.

Alpha Sigma Gamma is sponsoring the annual Ryle Holiday Market to raise money for Victim Support Services from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 1 in the Ryle Hall Main Lounge. This event will feature crafts and treats of local vendors as well as a Kid’s Corner with crafts for kids and other holiday fun, including a visit from Santa Claus. Money from the silent auction and vendor registration fees will go to Victim Support Services. The silent auction features a salon-themed gift basket and a movie gift basket, both with donations from local businesses. Contact Lauren Palazzolo at lep347@truman.edu for more information.
 
AMSA Universal Health Care Debate will take place from 8-9 p.m. Dec. 3 in Magruder Hall 2001. AMSA will be hosting a debate between two factions, one being proponents of the U.S. moving toward a universal health care system, one supporting the current system. Contact Charles Tomlinson at cbt886@truman.edu or 314.302.2285 for more information.

Staff Council is sponsoring a Red Cross blood drive from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 4 in the Student Union Building. People will be able to make appointments online also. Contact Kristin Flannigan at kristinf@truman.edu for more information.

The annual Kirksville Holiday Bird Count will occur Dec. 8. The objective is to keep track of the abundance of bird species that spend the winter in this region. Participants do not need to be experienced bird watchers. For more information, contact Pete Goldman at pgoldman@truman.edu or 785.4632.

The Student Senate Academic Affairs Committee is sponsoring Swapapalooza, a book trade for all students, from 1-5 p.m. Dec. 12 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. Everyone is welcome to trade their books for ones they need for next semester. Contact JoEllen Flanagan at jaf3154@truman.edu for more information.

The MLK "READ In" will take place Jan. 24-25 at area Kirksville locations. Students, staff and/or faculty will be volunteering to help share the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Individuals interested in volunteering for the "READ In" should contact Molly Smith at the SERVE Center by phone at 785.7222 or via e-mail at serve@truman.edu.