Vol. 15, No. 5 - Sept. 28, 2010

An increase in every enrollment category has pushed total enrollment at Truman to more than 6,000.

Last month, Truman announced its new student enrollment was the highest the University has seen in five years.

Final enrollment figures indicate the number of first-time freshmen increased by more than 5 percent and the number of full-time students is up by more than 3 percent.

Truman has 254 more students enrolled for the current academic year and the University’s total enrollment is 6,035.

“To increase every aspect of our enrollment speaks volumes about the quality and affordability of a Truman education,” University President Troy D. Paino said. “Students and their parents are paying closer attention to every detail of their college decision, and Truman has such a great academic reputation, and relatively low cost, that it cannot be overlooked.”

Truman students come from 36 states and 49 countries. More than 75 percent are Missouri residents, with students from Illinois, Iowa and Kansas comprising the largest number of out-of-state students.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi recently recognized the Truman chapter as a Chapter of Merit.

The award, presented at the organization’s national biennial convention last month in Kansas City, Mo., is given to chapters that excel in recognizing and promoting academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engaging the community of scholars in service to others.

“Those chapters that have earned Chapter of Merit status are led by committed officers who give generously of their time and talent to honor outstanding students,” said Perry A. Snyder, the Society’s executive director. He added, “Officers of award-winning chapters live out their personal commitment to honor and excellence through Phi Kappa Phi.”

By receiving the Chapter of Merit distinction, Truman’s chapter is being recognized as a thriving organization that meets frequently, holds annual initiations and applies regularly for Phi Kappa Phi’s select scholarships, grants and fellowships.

The Chapter of Merit Award includes a citation from the Society president, a commendation letter sent to chapter officers and campus administration, special recognition on the Society website, publications and at Phi Kappa Phi’s National Convention, a specially designed logo for use in chapter communications and a $100 award.

Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest, largest and most selective all-discipline honor society. Phi Kappa Phi inducts annually approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni.

Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify.

Four Truman students are featured in an educational video that intends to develop debate programs in Afghanistan.

The video will be used in a pilot program featuring three Kabul universities and for additional training of faculty and students at other universities.
 
This debate project is sponsored by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), an international nongovernmental organization with headquarters in Washington, D.C.


The Truman students debated on the topic “Holding a job while studying does more harm than good to university students,” against four students from Washburn University using British Parliamentary Debate rules. At the conclusion of the debate, Washburn sponsor James Schnoebelen, Truman sponsor Kevin Minch and Kansas Court of Appeals Judge G. Joseph Pierron critiqued the students to demonstrate the judging process at a tournament.

Participating students included: senior political science major Sarah Backhaus; sophomore communication major Jessica Petrie; freshman political science and philosophy and religion double major Haley Sawyers; and junior political science major Andrew Schupick.

Peter Noppenau, coordinator of the program for IFES in Kabul, remarked, “An educational video made by American university students respecting the Afghan culture and engaging in Afghan students’ problems will greatly encourage already well motivated Afghan university students who, on behalf of their country, are seeking recognition of their culture and capabilities. The video will further bridge the understanding between American and Afghan youth in a time where most information between the two countries sadly are negative because of the ongoing war.”

Truman is a past winner of the National Parliamentary Debate Association championship and Washburn was the most recent winner of the National Parliamentary Debate Association National Team Sweepstakes in Lubbock, Texas. 

The Truman Forensic Union (which houses the debate program) is directed by Kristi Scholten, assistant professor of communication and assisted by professor Russell Luce, instructor of communication.

Truman’s chapter of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) was awarded gold STAR status at the NSCS Leadership Summit.

The chapter’s officers accepted the award on behalf of the chapter adviser and members. The chapter will also receive a $250 Chapter Scholarship and letter to President Paino to commemorate this achievement.

To attain gold status, chapters are required to hold an induction ceremony for new members, create a student mentoring program, sponsor campus–wide events to support NSCS’ integrity initiative, create an on-campus membership recruitment campaign and engage a campus office in a chapter event.

NSCS chapters can attain one of four STAR status levels: bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Each level is determined by the quantity and quality of events the chapter held during the previous year.

For Thomas Locke, the NSCS national staff representative who works with Truman’s chapter officers, the award comes as no surprise.

“The members of Truman State University’s chapter are amazing,” Locke said. “They have gone above and beyond by creating innovative programs and expanding and improving existing programs and have provided an exceptional experience for their members. They have truly embraced the ideals of NSCS.”

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is the nation’s only interdisciplinary honors organization to invite first- and second-year college students. Membership is by invitation only, based on grade point average and class standing. NSCS offers members exclusive access to scholarships, career resources, leadership and networking opportunities.

Truman Family Day will offer a variety of activities for students and their families.

A weekend full of events will begin Oct. 1 when the Men’s Soccer Team plays at 3 p.m. at the Truman Soccer Field. From 4-7 p.m., the ResLife Fun and Spirit Committee will sponsor Oktoberfest on the Student Union Mall. It will include food, giveaways, live performances and all-you-can-drink rootbeer for $1.

The evening of Oct. 1 will feature several events. At 7 p.m. in Kirk Gym, members of Swing and Social Dance Class will share their skills and teach the basics of East Coast Swing. No experience is necessary and a partner is not required.

Also at 7 p.m., the Student Activities Board’s 2010 Drive-In will begin in Pershing Arena with Toy Story 3, followed by Iron Man 2 at 9:30 p.m. Enjoy free popcorn, ice cream and soda.

At 8 p.m., the Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab Band Concert will take place in Baldwin Auditorium.

The Observatory, located at the University Farm on Boundary Street, will host an open house from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Go to http://observatory.truman.edu for more details.

Activities will resume at 9 a.m. Oct. 2 with a Bulldog Baseball Team scrimmage at the Truman Baseball Field.

The Library Café Ribbon Cutting will take place at 9:30 a.m. at Pickler Memorial Library. Tours of the Library will also be given every 10 minutes from 10 a.m.-noon.

From 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the Annual Festival Centennial in the Centennial Hall courtyard will feature free food, games, contests and music.

Phi Epsilon Kappa and the Department of Health and Exercise Science will sponsor the Family Day Scavenger Hunt at 10:30 a.m., starting at the Student Union Building Information Desk. To register, e-mail sej7442@truman.edu.

The School of Business Bridge Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. in Baldwin Auditorium and will be immediately followed by a reception in the Student Union Building Georgian Room.

At 4 p.m. in Baldwin Auditorium SAB will sponsor the musical improv group, Baby Wants Candy. Admission is free with a Truman ID. General admission is $3 for one ticket or two tickets for $5. Tickets are available in the SAB Office in the Student Union Building and will be available the day of the performance.

Red Barn Park will be the site of the Family Day picnic, beginning at 5 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Tickets are $8 and should be purchased by 4 p.m. Oct. 1 at http://store.truman.edu/familyday. If a student has a meal plan, they do NOT have to purchase a meal ticket. The menu includes: Hamburgers, BBQ shredded pork sandwiches, bratwursts, vegan riblets, roasted herb potatoes, green beans, macaroni salad, fruit salad, chips with dip and apple cake with cream cheese icing.

A Carnival for the Kids will also take place at 5 p.m. in Red Barn Park. The Greek Community Relations Board will have carnival booths with games and snacks, with all proceeds going to charity. The Showgirls, Truman Cheerleading Squad, Spike the Bulldog and the Truman “Statesmen” Marching Band will all be making an appearance.

The rain site for both the picnic and the carnival is Pershing Arena.

At 6:30 p.m., the Bulldog Football Team will take the field at Stokes Stadium. General admission tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and those ages 5-17. Children under five are admitted free. Reserved seating is $8. Admission is free to students with a Truman ID. Tickets may be purchased online at http://gobulldogs.truman.edu/store. Tickets will also be available from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at a table near the Information Desk in the Student Union Building. Any preordered tickets can also be picked up during this time. For more information, contact the Athletics Box Office at 785.4235.

The Family Weekend Concert on Oct. 3 will be the final event of the weekend at 2 p.m. in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall. It will feature the University Orchestra, Cantoria and Wind Symphony.

One off-campus activity of note is the Red Barn Arts and Crafts Festival, taking place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 2 in downtown Kirksville. For more information, visit http://www.kirksvillearts.com.

Mainstreet Market, located on the Main Floor of the Student Union Building, will be open Oct. 2 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. for breakfast and lunch.

For more information about Family Day, go online to http://about.truman.edu/family.asp or call 785.4016.

Within the first two weeks of the United Way campaign, the Truman community contributed more than $21,000. United Way is local—this one gift supports more than 25 local programs sponsored by 14 partner agencies. These programs help individuals pursue the goals of education, income and health.

Pledge forms may be sent to “United Way, University Counseling Services.” Contact Joe Hamilton (785.4014), Tony Vazzana (785.4284) or John Dungan at the United Way office (665.1924) with any questions or to get a pledge form.   

Program Objectives:
• To discuss current and future trends in clinical research;

• To introduce and promote a new Clinical Researcher Development Program;

• To provide a foundation for future research by encouraging involvement of ATSU and Truman students in research studies;

• To provide a venue to identify new areas for biomedical research that potentially will lead to advances in patient care and wellness.

To register for the symposium go to http://www.atsu.edu/research/conferences_seminars/.

AES Engineers is providing $500 scholarships to students, regardless of courses being studied, who meet certain criteria. Scholarships are intended for future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study. This award is available to high school seniors and all students attending a post secondary educational facility. Students are not required to be taking engineering courses to be eligible. Students must submit an essay of no more than 1,000 words in answer to one of the two questions posted online at http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm. Deadline for entry is Oct. 8.

Michael Bump, associate professor of music, has been invited to present a showcase lecture/performance at the 49th Annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Nov. 11-14 at the Indianapolis Convention Center, Indianapolis, Ind.  Bump was asked by the Percussive Arts Society Executive Committee to present on timpani performance and solo literature for the convention. Bump’s presentation will include guest performances with Paul Yancich, principal timpanist with the Cleveland Orchestra, and Neil Grover, percussionist with the Boston Symphony.  The Percussive Arts Society is the field’s premiere professional society, with more than 10,000 international members. The Society’s Annual four-day convention is an international event, with more than 6,000 members in attendance, featuring the art’s most influential performing artists, educators and composers.

Warren Gooch, professor of music, will have original musical compositions performed at two new music conferences in October. “Monodies” for cello and piano will be performed by Brian Kubin, assistant professor of music, and Gooch Oct. 1 at the 2010 Region V conference of the Society of Composers. “Prayer of David” for tuba will be performed Oct. 16 at the 2010 National Christian Fellowship of Art Music Composers conference at Indiana Wesleyan University.

Zhong (John) Ma, associate professor of biology, had his article “Plant Vacuoles and the Regulation of Stomatal Opening” published by Nature Publishing Group, the world’s leading publisher of science, on “Scitable.com” by Nature Education. Scitable brings together a library of scientific overviews with a worldwide community of scientists, researchers, teachers and students. It serves as a free online science library with evidence-based educational resources for life sciences, providing personal learning and teaching tools for both students and teachers.

Wynne Wilbur, associate professor of art, has been invited to participate in a show of ceramic work entitled “For the Table” at Arts Alive Gallery in Breckinridge, Col.

The Mostly Live Composers Society will present its Fall 2010 Composer Showcase at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 28 in the Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall. This free public concert will feature performances of original musical works by several student composers. An official student chapter of the Society of Composers, Inc., the Mostly Live Composers Society  consists of approximately 25 student musicians and several faculty composers.  

The Career Center will sponsor  presentations by Donald Asher at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28 and 29 in Violette Hall 1010.  He will speak about financing graduate school and give tips for underclassmen who are already considering their master’s degree. Additional personal statement workshops are available for students nominated by their professors. Students can register by visiting http://pdi.truman.edu.

President Paino and Student Body President Isaac Robinson will be holding budget town hall meetings at 7 p.m. Sept. 28, Oct. 6 and Oct. 12 in the Missouri Hall Chariton Room, the Centennial Hall Main Lounge and the Ryle Hall Main Lounge, respectively. Students will have the opportunity to hear the latest on the University’s budget crisis, give opinions on how to best solve this problem and discuss any other issues.

A Truman Observatory open house will take place from 8-10 p.m. Sept. 28. This free event is sponsored by the Stargazers Astronomy Club.

The Career Center will host the following employers: Emerson Electric, Sept. 28; UHY, Sept. 29; BKD, Sept. 30; Deloitte, Oct. 1 and Aldi, Oct. 27. Sign up for interviews at http://truman.experience.com. E-mail careers@truman.edu for more information.  

The Student Health Center will be offering walk-in clinics for seasonal flu vaccines from 3-4:30 p.m. Sept. 29; 10:30 a.m.-noon Sept. 30; 3-4:30 p.m. Oct. 4; and 1-3 p.m. Oct. 7. The vaccine includes protection against the H1N1 virus. The cost is $15 and charges will be billed to the student’s university account. No insurance billing will be done and no appointments are required.

The Truman Theatre Department will present “Fuddy Meers” at 8 p.m. Sept. 29-Oct. 2 in the James G. Severns Theatre in Ophelia Parrish. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance by calling 785.4515, e-mailing theatreboxoffice@truman.edu or visiting the Box Office.

The Students for Life will host a screening of “BELLA” at 6 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room B. Following the movie will be a personal testimony from Janice Lewis, the Missouri State Leader for Operation Outcry.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., will sponsor a political forum/debate involving the College Democrats, Republicans, and Libertarians at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 in the Student Union Building Hub. Each of these organizations will address its stance on current political issues and debate on why their respective party has the best approach to solving the issue.

The ResLife Fun & Spirit Committee will host Oktoberfest from 4-7 p.m. Oct. 1 on the Mall. Admission is free or $1 for all-you-can-drink rootbeer. This year, Oktoberfest will offer free mugs for the first 800 people, as well as games, food, give aways and live performances.

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) will meet at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at the University Club house, located at 516 E. Patterson. Contact Marc Becker at marc@truman.edu or call 785.6036 for more information.

L’Aile française will present “Injun Joe & the Riot” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1 in the Student Union Building Down Under. Donations will be accepted for a birthing clinic in Haiti. Contact jl4643@truman.edu for more information.

The Quincy Symphony Orchestra will present “A River of Time” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Quincy Jr. High School Morrison Theatre. Tickets are free for all faculty, staff and students with college ID.

L’Aile française will host Breton ‘Fest Noz’ at 8 p.m. Oct. 4 in Baldwin Hall 318. The event will feature a full hour of music, dance and food with international students from Brittany in France.

A Peace Corps information session will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 5 in the Student Union Building Alumni Room.

An exhibition featuring Truman faculty members Matthew Derezinski, James Jereb and Russell Nelson will be on display through Oct. 8 at the University Art Gallery. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri. and noon-4:30 p.m. Sat.

Applications for Funds Allotment Council funding will be due Oct. 8. For more information, visit http://fac.truman.edu.

Homecoming apparel will be available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mon.-Fri. until Oct. 15 on the Mall or in the Student Union building, depending on weather.