Vol. 12 No. 17 - Jan. 22, 2008

Leo and Caroline Funk of Columbia, Mo., recently made a gift of $50,000 to establish two new scholarships and increase an existing one.

The John Andrew Crossett Scholarship was established in honor of their grandson John Andrew (Andy) Crossett. Andy graduated summa cum laude from Truman in May of 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He credits the academic rigors of the political science major at Truman as having successfully prepared him for his pursuit of a law degree. In addition to his academics, Andy was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Omicron Delta Kappa, Beta Theta Pi, Pi Sigma Alpha and the men’s golf team. The fund will provide scholarship support for political science students of high moral character with preference being given to members of the Greek community.

Leo and Caroline also established the Leo and Caroline Funk Scholarship. This fund will provide scholarship support to academically talented students of high moral character at Truman.

In addition to establishing the two new scholarships, Leo and Caroline also made an additional gift to the Katie Funk Swimming Scholarship, which they established in July of 2006. This scholarship was created in honor of their granddaughter, Katie Funk, who graduated from Truman in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing. Katie was a member of the women’s swimming team from 2002-06, a team that won the national championship in each of her years at Truman.

Although Leo and Caroline did not graduate from Truman, they have maintained a close and supportive relationship with the University during the years. Caroline served as a member of the Board of Regents from 1974-1977. Their recent gift to establish and increase scholarship support is reflective of their belief in the high-quality educational experiences offered to Truman students.

Truman State University has made its first appearance in the Peace Corps’ annual rankings of schools producing volunteers for the organization.

Truman ranks 25th on their list of medium-sized schools producing Peace Corps Volunteers. Truman has 20 alumni currently serving as Peace Corps Volunteers. Other schools listed in the top 25 include University of Virginia, Georgetown University, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Notre Dame, Brown University and Yale.
 
Since Peace Corps’ inception, 154 alumni of Truman State University have joined the ranks, making it the No. 281 producer of volunteers of all time. Truman State University is also ranked No. 87 for the number of graduate school alumni participating in the program. Three Truman alumni with advanced degrees are currently serving as Volunteers.
 
“We strive to instill in our students the desire to be socially responsible citizens in whatever field they pursue,” said University President Barbara Dixon. “One aspect of being responsible is giving back and helping those who are less fortunate than themselves. We are very proud of the Peace Corps ranking; it is an indication of the public service values our students develop while at Truman.”

Schools are ranked according to the size of the student body. Small schools are defined as those with less than 5,000 undergraduates, medium-size schools have between 5,001 to 15,000 undergraduates, and large schools more than 15,000 undergraduates. Currently there are more than 8,000 Volunteers abroad who have made the commitment to serve 27 months. To view the entire “Peace Corps Top Colleges 2007” list, please visit the Peace Corps Web site at http://www.peacecorps.gov/
news/resources/stats/pdf/schools2008.pdf.

Since its creation in 1980, the Truman State University Foundation has provided an opportunity for thousands of alumni and friends to make an investment in students. The mission of the Foundation and Office of Advancement is to support the goals and activities of Truman State University by nurturing viable relationships with external constituencies, obtaining financial support, and serving as prudent financial stewards of the Foundation’s resources.

More than $582,000 was awarded in Foundation scholarships to Truman State University students in 2007-2008. Foundation scholarship applications for Truman students in 2008-2009 will be available Jan. 22. Current students must apply online and are applications are due by midnight on Feb. 28. To learn more, go to http://www.truman.edu, Student Life/Money/Foundation Scholarships or click here: https://secure.truman.edu/isupport-s/.

Applications are also now available in the CIEA office for the Truman State University Foundation Study Abroad Scholarships for the summer of 2008. Ten $1,500 scholarships will be awarded for summer, faculty-led Truman study abroad programs based on financial need, statement of purpose and academic achievement. These applications are due by noon Jan. 25. 

Truman State University’s Multicultural Affairs Center will be sponsoring several activities to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Truman will host the eighth annual Unity Luncheon in honor of King at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 23 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room A.

The centerpiece of the luncheon will be a 20 minute preview of “No Land’s Man: A Chapter in the Lives of Dred and Harriet Scott.” Performed by the St. Louis Black Repertory Company, this piece reflects the significance and historical struggle for human rights in Missouri.

R.S.V.P. was required in advance to attend the luncheon. Tickets are no longer available. The Martin Luther King Jr. Statewide Commission, the Center for Teaching and Learning, Multicultural Affairs Center, Sodexho and Truman’s Residential College Program are providing financial assistance for the luncheon.

The events continue with the Unity Performance “No Land’s Man: A Chapter in the Lives of Dred and Harriet Scott” at 7 p.m. Jan. 23 in Baldwin Auditorium. The St. Louis Black Repertory Company will have a special performance.
 
The Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium will take place at 7 p.m. Jan. 24 in the Student Union Building Down Under. There will be insight and reflections of King as it pertains to current issues. The symposium is limited to 50 participants. Call 785.4142 to sign up. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.

The MLK “Read-In” will take place Jan. 24-25 at area Kirksville locations. Truman students, staff and/or faculty will be volunteering to help share the life and legacy of King. Individuals interested in volunteering for the “Read-In” should go to the SERVE Center to sign up.

These events are sponsored by the Multicultural Affairs Center. Contact Laura Bates at lbates@truman.edu or at 785.4142 for more information.

On April 3, Truman will have its 21st annual Student Research Conference. The Conference is a Universitywide celebration of student research, scholarship and creative achievement in all disciplines. Students in all divisions are invited and encouraged to present their scholarly or creative work.

Submission of abstracts is required for all presentations and should be carried out online at http://src.truman.edu. A copy of the information submitted will be sent electronically to the student presenter’s faculty mentor for approval. The submission site is now open and the deadline for receiving abstracts is Feb. 8, which is the same date as for Student Research Stipend applications.

In addition to the many student presentations, the day will feature a conferencewide plenary address delivered by Steven L. Snyder, vice president of exhibit and program development at the Franklin Institute and Science Museum in Philadelphia.

Scheduled classes will not formally meet during the day of the Conference, thereby providing the opportunity for all students and faculty members to attend and fully participate.

Six students from the Truman State University Forensic Union participated in a three-day marathon of two back-to-back 12-round debate tournaments Jan. 11-13 in Denver hosted jointly by Regis University, the University of Utah and the University of Denver. Ninety-three two-person teams converged on Denver for one of the largest varsity-level debate competitions in the country.

Mark Buchheit, a sophomore history major from Carthage, Mo., and Dylan Rothermel, a senior economics major from Homewood, Ill., reached the second round of single-elimination competition (the “double-octafinals”) in both tournaments. Their teammates, junior Chris Girouard, a junior communication major from Chesterfield, Mo.; Sara Archer, a senior accounting major from Riverside, Mo.; Dylan Clark, a freshman political science and philosophy and religion double major from Maryland Heights, Mo.; and Sarah Backhaus, a freshman political science major from Liberty, Mo.; also posted strong performances at both tournaments but were narrowly-edged out of the intense single-elimination competition.

“This tournament was colossal,” said Kevin Minch, director of forensics. “To put it in perspective, it claims to be the only tournament in the last several years-excepting nationals--that has needed to clear over 32 teams to the single-elimination rounds just to honor the tradition of advancing all teams with winning records.”

The tournament pitted most of the top programs in the two large parliamentary debate leagues-the NPDA and NPTE.

The presence of the national championships at the nearby Air Force Academy this March increase the draw of the competition.

Truman forensics students travel next to the Gorlok Gala, hosted by Webster University, Jan. 25-27 and the United States Air Force Academy Falcon Invitational, Feb. 7-10.

The Forensic Union is open to all interested Truman students. For more information, contact Kevin Minch at kminch@truman.edu or visit the Web site at http://forensics.truman.edu.

The national tour of Rory Golden’s exhibition “See Related Story: The Murder of J.R. Warren” addressing the July 2000 violent murder of Arthur Carl “J.R.” Warren Jr., a 26-year-old black gay man, of Grant Town, W. Va., will be shown at Truman State University Art Gallery until Feb. 15. A special Sunday reception and artist’s lecture sponsored by Multicultural Affairs Center will take place at 3 p.m. Feb. 10 in the University Art Gallery.

In 2005, Golden, a Brooklyn-based visual artist, moved to live in and became part of the West Virginia community where Warren’s murder occurred. He established relationships with people who knew Warren, his friends and family, local activist individuals and organizations. Golden also researched court records, media reports and other materials related to the murder. His research informs the visual artwork in this exhibition, which includes automobile rear view mirrors and two-sided, mixed media drawings that allow viewers to consider multiple points of view on the violent incident.
 
Along with panel discussions, artist talks, and other programs, the project is designed to inspire dialogue in local communities and thereby foster better understanding between different sectors of society. This project has the potential to be transformational for viewers through increased awareness of socio-behavioral issues that impact everyday life and legislation.

The Public Relations Office has announced Kara Hanson, a senior communication studies major, as its intern for the spring semester.

Hanson is from Omaha, Neb., and is a 2003 graduate of Millard North High School. She is the daughter of Jim and Deb Hanson and the oldest of two children.

As the intern, she will assist in the writing, producing and distributing of the University newsletter, Truman Today, as well as posting it online. She will also be responsible for editing the calendar on campus Channel 36, writing press releases and performing various office tasks.

Hanson’s interest in written communication and obtaining experience in other various communications outlets has led her to this position.

It is time to sign up for the spring 2008 TruFit Wellness program designed for faculty and staff members looking to make changes to their health. TruFit Wellness is a 12-week education and physical activity program focused on teaching group members the skills needed to empower lifetime health behavior changes, not just short-term results.

The spring session will incorporate behavior education sessions on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. to assist members in learning:

• Creating motivation for change
• Planning strategies for change
• Combating negative thoughts
• Goal setting for success
• Overcoming obstacles
• Nutrition tips and education

Participants will have a choice to participate in a group exercise class lead by Karen Skoch, director of fitness/wellness at the Student Recreation Center, on Fridays at noon to 1 p.m. or to engage in a walking session at least one day a week.

In addition to the educational and fitness sessions, group members will receive:

•    Orientation to the Student Recreation Center
            • Including orientation to all Cardiovascular machines
            • Including orientation to Weight Room equipment
•    Instruction on and use of a Heart Rate Monitor
•    A pedometer to track activity
•    Body composition testing
•    Incentives for completing the program

Meetings take place Jan. 29-April 29.

An informational meeting will take place at noon Jan. 22 at the Student Recreation Center. More information about the program will be provided and Jennifer Hurst will answer any questions people might have about TruFit.

Any Truman faculty or staff member who is not currently engaging in regular physical activity is encouraged to join.

If you are interested in learning more about the program or would like to sign up, contact Hurst at 665.4464 or jhurst@truman.edu.

1:30 p.m. • Jan. 23 • Barnett Hall 1215

Students may obtain internships in Washington, D.C., in a variety of ways, including contacts with alumni, contacts with former interns, work with a for-credit program such as the Washington Center, or hit-and-miss searching on the Web. If you are interested in an internship for summer 2008, plan to attend the informational meeting. Students who are unable to attend the meeting should contact Diane Tobin Johnson, Truman in Washington liaison, at djohnson@truman.edu by Jan. 25.

An informational meeting for the six-credit-hour summer 2008 study abroad class will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 in the Student Union Building Room 322.

Interested students will be able to meet the students who have just returned from the winter break trip and see photos of Truman students in action in the Caribbean classroom. The meeting will include covering the itinerary for the next class, planned for May 14-June 4, and discussing ways to finance the program.

For more information, contact Steven Reschly at sdr@truman.edu or 785.4648.

SURE is a 10-week research experience for students considering a degree in a science, mathematics, or computer science discipline. Students accepted to participate will work closely with a faculty mentor to learn about a discipline through an original research project. At the same time, participants will attend workshops on research skills and professional development. They will live with others in the program and become part of a vibrant and fun multidisciplinary summer learning community.

Applications are due by midnight Feb. 1 and can be found online at http://step.truman.edu/forms/sure.asp. Please e-mail step@truman.edu with questions or call Jennifer Thompson at 785.7252.

The student government of Truman invites students to be part of “Storm the Capitol.” Storm the Capitol will give students firsthand experience of the political environment in Jefferson City.

Join members of the student government Feb. 6 as they lobby state representatives and senators on issues that relate to the experience students have at Truman. Everyone is welcome to attend Storm the Capitol. Students will receive transportation and lunch courtesy of the student government. There are two mandatory informational meetings at 7 p.m. Jan. 23 and Jan. 30 in Violette Hall 1010.

The new Pickler Memorial Library exhibit highlights the early years of Missouri, encompassing everything from early territorial days to notorious outlaws. Spanning approximately 90 years, this exhibit includes library materials, E.M. Violette museum artifacts, and a traveling exhibit from the Missouri State Archives titled “The Verdict of History: Examining Missouri’s Judicial Record,” which showcases prominent court cases from Missouri on such topics as the French influence in Missouri, Indian relations, commerce, transportation, and those famous outlaws, the James brothers.

Activity: Badminton  
Division: Open
Deadline: Jan. 28
*Captains’ Meeting: 4:30 p.m. • Jan. 31
Play Begins: Feb. 2 and 9

Activity: Racquetball - Singles
Division: Open/Org/Greek
Deadline: Jan. 28
*Captains’ Meeting: 4:30 p.m. • Jan. 31
Play Begins: Feb. 3

Entry forms and information sheets may be picked up at the Student Recreation Center (lobby area). Entry forms are to be deposited into the metal box located at the Member Services Desk in the Student Recreation Center. The entry deadline for each sport will be 11 p.m. on the date posted above. Online registration is available.

*Captains’ Meetings for each sport will take place on the Thursday evening following the entry deadline (unless otherwise noted) at 4:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Student Recreation Center. Official rules for each sport are available online at http://recreation.truman.edu.

Kevin Becker, a graduate music composition student, has been awarded First Place in the West Central Division of the Music Teachers National Association Student Composition Competition: Young Artists Division, for his composition “Elegy for Strings.” This past fall, Becker’s composition received First Place in Missouri state MTNA competition. “Elegy for Strings” will now advance to the national level of the competition. The West Central Division encompasses the states of Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas and Nebraska.

Tom Capuano, professor of foreign language, had his article “Una nueva versión catalana del Opus agriculturae de Palladius” recently published in the latest edition of Romance Philology (UC Berkeley). His article describes a newly discovered medieval translation of Palladius’s book on Roman agriculture.
 
Taner Edis, associate professor of physics, had a paperback edition of his “Science and Nonbelief” published. Edis had his article, “Islamic Creationism: A Short History,” published in the January 2008 issue of the History of Science Society Newsletter.

An original musical composition by Warren Gooch, professor of music, has been selected for performance at the 2008 combined Great Plains/Great Lakes College Music Society Conference, to take place March 28-29 on the campus of Illinois State University. The composition, titled “The Harvest Moon,” will be performed by the Illinois State University Concert Choir under the direction of Karyl Carlson. “The Harvest Moon” was one of several works selected for performance from a pool of approximately 100 submissions.

Steve Smith, professor of mathematics, was a main invited speaker at the University of Iowa’s Heartland Partnership Workshop on Organizing and Coaching Undergraduate Math Modeling Teams. The workshop took place Dec. 8.

George Sumter, a junior computer science major from Warrensburg, Mo., and Adam Vogt, a junior physics major from Festus, Mo., presented the results of research conducted at the Truman Observatory at the Winter 2008 American Astronomical Society Meeting in Austin, Texas. Their research was carried out under the mentorship of Matthew Beaky, associate professor of physics, as part of the summer 2007 Next STEP Program. Sumter’s poster earned an Honorable Mention in the AAS Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Student Awards competition.

Thomas Trimborn, professor of music, had his article “Robert Russell Bennett” published in the December issue of The Instrumentalist Magazine. It highlights the career of the man most responsible for creating the Broadway sound during the golden age of musical theater from the 1920s through the 1960s. Trimborn also has an exhibit titled “Encounters With Lincoln” that continues through June 13 at The Lincoln Museum in Fort Wayne, Ind. It features original artwork that appears in his book with the same title published by the Truman State University Press.

The Pickler Memorial Library outside book drop is now open again. People may drop off their books as they drive by.

The College of Arts and Sciences has an opening for work-study or scholarshop workers to fill a position of general office duties. Please contact svorhees@truman.edu or 785.7200 for more information.

The Student Recreation Center (SRC) Fitness/Wellness program will be offering a spring exercise incentive program called Team Me Up. This will promote the importance of having a network of support as people experience physical fitness challenges. Registration is from Jan. 22-28 and the event lasts from Jan. 28-March 3. More information and sign-up is at the Student Recreation Center Weight Room desk or visit http://recreation.truman.edu/ex_incentive.asp.
  
Auditions for The Vagina Monologues will take place from 6-10 p.m. Jan. 22 and 23 in Baldwin Hall 284. Women (students, staff, faculty and community members) of any age are invited to come audition for the Women’s Resource Center’s annual production. Materials necessary to audition will be provided at that time.
 
A Roe v. Wade Day forum will take place from 7-9 p.m. Jan. 22 in the SUB Down Under. The forum will include a panel discussion, featuring remarks by Bertha Thomas, Linda Seidel, Laura Gruber and others.

The Student Activities Board will have a press conference to announce the upcoming spring concert performer. The press conference will take place from 7-7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. Contact the Student Activities Board office at 785.4722 for more information.

The parking lot on the corner of South Franklin and West Patterson streets will be closed from 6 a.m.-noon Jan. 23.

IT Services invites faculty, staff and students to TechBreak at 1:30 p.m. in the Student Union Building Room 320 each Friday. Additional details and the topic schedule can be found at http://its.truman.edu/techbreak.

The Student Recreation Center will be offering all of the Instructional Programs for a Class-A-Thon Jan. 26. This is a way for people to try as many classes as they would like and get a weekend workout. Twenty classes at 30 minutes each will be available for only $1 per class or $5 for an all-day pass. Tickets can be purchased from program instructors, in the Student Recreation office, or the day of the event. Check out the schedule at http://recreation.truman.edu/instructional_programs.asp for times and descriptions of all the classes. For more information, contact Karen Skoch at kbskoch@truman.edu or 785.7739.

Auditions for Truman Live, Truman’s live talent show, will take place from 6-9 p.m. Jan. 29 in Baldwin Auditorium. Students who want to audition must sign up before Jan. 29 in the Student Activities Board office located on the bottom level of the Student Union Building. Contact the Student Activities Board at 785.4722 or sab@truman.edu for more information.

The Student Recreation Center (SRC) will be hosting a free nutrition workshop at 7 p.m. Jan. 29. Liz Jorn, from the health and exercise science department, will be covering topics such as how to plan a healthy diet while avoiding common mistakes, guidelines on how to lose weight safely and effectively, and how to make long-term behavioral changes. All Truman students, faculty and staff are welcome. The workshop will be held in the SRC Conference Room, located on the second floor. Contact Karen Skoch, 785.7739 or kbskoch@truman.edu for more information. Prizes will be awarded to the first 20 participants. and more.

Students who are interested in doing a French assistantship in France need to fill out an application by Feb. 1. Log on to http://www.ciep.fr/ to obtain an application. Contact Gregg Siewert at gsiewert@truman.edu for additional information.

Summer employment opportunities: Upward Bound has multiple summer openings (including instructional, residential, media and other positions). For complete information, see the Web site at http://ub.truman.edu or stop by Kirk Building 220. Application packets, including references, resumes and transcripts, due by Feb. 15.