Vol. 28 No. 26 - March 25, 2024

Features

  • Truman Students Gain Broadcast Experience at GLVC Tournament

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    Four Truman students helped broadcast the GLVC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournaments. Pictured (from left) Truman students Natalie Whipple, Mara Callahan and Lillie Morisaki, Justin Kimp of Lewis University, Jack Trent of William Jewell University, and Truman student Joshua Brungardt.

    Freshmen Natalie Whipple and Mara Callahan, and juniors Josh Brungardt and Lillie Morisaki, attended the GLVC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament as part of the GLVC Sports Network (GLVCSN) Extra Credit initiative.

    The initiative began in 2015 to give students from across the league an opportunity for first-hand experience with sports broadcasting by taking complete control of the coverage for the final quarterfinal game Thursday night and the first game Friday afternoon. Whipple was intrigued by the opportunity to build her resume and gain insight to behind-the-scenes aspects of sports media.

    “The Extra Credit initiative just sounded exciting: traveling to St. Charles, staying in a hotel and getting to attend the championship games,” Whipple said. “I’m looking to go into sports marketing, and the experience of being on the media side of things is a great resume-builder, as well as a way to make connections with potential employers.”

    Throughout the two games, the students worked with Lindsey Williams, GLVC assistant commissioner for strategic communications, and Jared McFarlane, GLVC assistant director of communications, to learn about the various ways a basketball game is covered by the media in photography, videography, social media, production, broadcasting, print and graphic design.

    “I’ve learned a lot from working with Jared over the past few days,” Whipple said. “He’s fun to work with and his experience in the field makes him a great teacher.”

    As a junior in college, Brungardt was eager to work with people who were familiar with the rundown of how a career in sports media operates. The initiative was first proposed to him by his advisor and though Brungardt wasn’t entirely aware of what the experience would entail, he jumped on the opportunity for real-world experience.

    “I was so nervous I didn’t know what to think,” Brungardt said. “It was terrifying at first, but once I got working with the equipment, it turned into a blast. It was cool to work with people who have experience in the field and who are familiar with the rundown of how sports media works. I’ve done work in radio before and feel like the TV broadcast was similar enough that I was comfortable in my position. There were a couple of times I made a mistake, but that is all part of the learning process.”

    Collectively, the students agreed that the opportunity to learn something new was the most exciting aspect of the experience and highlighted the importance of making connections within the industry before graduation.
  • Big Event Registration Under Way

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    The annual Big Event service project will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 6.

    The Big Event allows students to display their gratitude to the Kirksville community for their continued support and contributions to the University by performing tasks such as raking leaves, trimming bushes, washing windows and painting. Larger scale community projects with area organizations are also part of the annual event. Students who would like to volunteer can sign up here.

    For more information, contact the SERVE Center at trumanserve@gmail.com or 660.785.7222.
  • Inaugural Truman Experience Weekend Surpasses Goal

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    More than 200 students and their families registered to attend the first Truman Experience Weekend, March 22-23.

    A new twist on traditional college visits, the Truman Experience Weekend offered multiple opportunities for future students and their families to discover what Truman has to offer. Flexible scheduling allowed for guests to personalize their visit and make the most of their time on campus through tailored presentations, special events and personal interactions.

    “Instead of everyone attending the same presentations, students and families had an opportunity to select which activities to try,” said Tyana Lange, vice president of student engagement, enrollment and marketing. “There was no obligation to attend everything. By spacing events out over two days, we gave guests a bigger window to learn about the aspects of college life that appeal to them.”

    Including family members, approximately 500 visitors were estimated to be on campus at some point during the weekend. Guests had the opportunity to take tours of campus, learn about academic departments from faculty members, hear from current students and tour rooms in the residence halls. Other activities included an alumni panel discussion, a show in the planetarium, a sampling of on-campus dining options and a performance by comedian Gianmarco Soresi sponsored by the Student Activities Board.

    “We wanted to create an environment where prospective students could actively participate in some things on campus,” said Allison Schweizer, director of admissions. “The goal was to show our amazing students and campus in an energetic and fun way so prospective students could picture themselves as bulldogs.”

    Current students were also able to participate in the activities. There was a photo booth in Ryle Hall, as well as a photo contest open to all students. By tagging the Truman Instagram in a selfie with Spike, students were entered to win a prize.

    The Center for Diversity and Inclusion sponsored the Connect Challenge where trivia questions were posted to Instagram throughout the weekend. Getting all eight questions correct made students eligible to win one of 15 prizes.

    The Truman Experience Weekend is the newest addition to the variety of visit options for prospective students. The University continues to conduct individual in-person visits, complete with campus tours, every weekday. Other arrangements can be made for special circumstances, and Truman also offers donor-sponsored visit options for families that may need assistance with any associated costs.

    Building off of the success of the first event, the University will offer another Truman Experience Weekend in the fall, Nov. 1-2. Details for that event will be posted at truman.edu/experience as they become available. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at 660.785.4114 or admissions@truman.edu.
  • Nominations Open for William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award

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    The William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award pays tribute to excellent faculty and staff academic advisors and demonstrates how important academic advising is at Truman.

    This is an opportunity for students to honor their assigned faculty-staff academic advisor. The award recognizes outstanding advising/mentoring by a full-time faculty or staff academic advisor who is nominated by students. In addition to campus-wide recognition at the Strategic Planning and Assessment Workshop in August, the awardee receives a $1,000 grant to be used for the enhancement of student advising.  

    To make a nomination for the William O’Donnell Lee Advising Award, complete the online nomination form. Nomination deadline is 5 p.m. April 10.
  • Award-Winning Poet to Visit Campus

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    UPDATE: This event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.

    “Curating Desire: An Evening of Poetry with Danielle Cadena Deulen” will take place from 7-8 p.m. April 3 in Ophelia Parrish 2210.

    “Desire Museum,” Deulen’s poetry collection, was published with BOA Editions in fall 2023. Her previous books include “Lovely Asunder,” “Our Emotions Get Carried Away Beyond Us” and a memoir, “The Riots.” Her honors include a Pushcart Prize, an Oregon Literary Fellowship, the GLCA New Writers Award, the Utah Book Award, an Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award and a Jay C. and Ruth Halls Poetry Fellowship from the Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing.

    Deulen is the co-creator and host of “Lit from the Basement,” a poetry podcast, and teaches for the graduate creative writing program at Georgia State University in Atlanta. More information about her can be found at danielledeulen.net.
  • Library to Upgrade System Platform

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    Pickler Memorial Library is launching a new library platform May 22.

    The library has been using the same system since 2000 and has decided to upgrade to FOLIO, a modern open-source platform. FOLIO will be a fresh foundation on which the library can build new and innovative services.

    To ensure a smooth transition to the new library system, MOBIUS will temporarily suspend requesting through the MOBIUS catalog and on-site borrowing at other MOBIUS libraries April 18. Requesting will be re-enabled May 22 when the new catalog launches.

    All MOBIUS loans borrowed before April 18 will have a due date on or before May 17. For more information, visit the library’s website.

Announcements

  • Lambda Pi Eta Hosts COMM Week

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    Lambda Pi Eta, the national communication honors fraternity, will host COMM Week, March 25-28. Comm Week is a series of events ranging from discussions on internships to resume building, as well as a showcase from various communication clubs and teams. Communication majors and minors can attend multiple events to feel more connected, informed and ready to lead within the Communications Department.

    Internship Event
    5 p.m.
    March 25
    Barnett Hall 1221

    Performance Showcase

    6 p.m.
    March 26
    Baldwin Hall 114

    Resume Building Workshop
    6 p.m.
    March 27
    Baldwin Hall 114

    Department Social
    6 p.m.
    March 28
    DuKum Inn
  • UCS Host Event Encouraging Positive Mental Health on Campus

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    “Leave Your Print of Paw-sitivity” will take place from 4-6 p.m. March 25 on the lawn outside the McKinney Center. At this event students will engage in painting as a de-stressor while customizing a Truman bulldog paw print for the banner promoting positivity, encouragement and hope.

    When completed the banners will be displayed in Ophelia Parrish, Pickler Memorial Library and the Student Union Building to make an impact on the mental health of anyone in the campus community.

    University Counseling Service welcomes all students to participate in creating the banners. Refreshments will be provided.
  • Coffee (and Chocolates) with the President Focuses on Artificial Intelligence

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    President Sue Thomas will host the third Coffee (and Chocolates) for the academic year at 4 p.m. March 26 in the Student Union Building Conference Room. The focus of this event is to discuss artificial intelligence. Is it a tantalizing, terrifying or tactical tool? Diane Richmond, director of learning technologies, and members of the Information Technology services team will lead a conversation to explore issues, resources and the tasks ahead to unlock AI’s potential for enhancing teaching, learning and University services at Truman. All faculty and staff are invited.
  • Guest Speakers Discuss Career Development

    Visiting Rodgers Townsend employees will discuss agency life and career development at 1:30 p.m. March 27 in the Innovation Lab located in the Pickler Memorial Library. Rodgers Townsend is a strategic, analytical, full-service advertising agency located in St. Louis. The visiting speakers are alumna Esther Lee, assistant account executive; Amarena DeGregorio, account executive; Sammy Johnson, art director intern; Shannon Craig, director of strategy and alumnus Patrick Jones, art director.

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  • TruSisters Host Women’s History Month Dinner

    TruSisters will host their women’s history month dinner at 6 p.m. March 28 in the Student Union Building Activities Room. The event will consist of performances, inspirational stories and food catered by Sodexo. Dress code is formal. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for faculty. RSVP here.

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

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    The Office of Student Research is accepting Grants-in-Aid of Scholarship and Research (GIASR) applications for research and creative scholarship conducted in summer 2024. Grant applications may request up to $750 and can cover student stipends, supplies and travel to conduct research. Complete guidelines for the GIASR application can be found at the Office of Student Research website. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. March 29. Any questions can be directed to osr@truman.edu.
  • U&I Accepting Room Reservations for Fall Semester

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    Union & Involvement Services lottery requests for the fall semester will remain open until 12 p.m. March 29.

    Recognized student organizations must be in good standing in order for requests to be processed. Any submissions received after 12 p.m. March 29 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis once lottery requests have been processed. Once the forms are updated, they can be found here. Paper forms will not be accepted.

    Contact the Union & Involvement Services Office at union@truman.edu or 660.785.4222 for more information.
  • CLF Banquet Open to Campus

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    As part of the Children’s Literature Festival, a banquet will take place at 6 p.m. April 12 in the Student Union Building.

    The banquet is open to the Truman community and general public. Each of the authors will sit at a different table. Attendees can choose where to sit so they can dine with their favorite author.

    Pablo Cartaya will be the featured speaker. Cartaya is an internationally acclaimed author, screenwriter, speaker and educator. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, NBC and on Oprah’s Booklist. Cartaya has worked with Disney, Apple+ and “Sesame Street” on projects adapted from television series and movies. In 2021, he served as a judge for the National Book Award in Young People’s Literature and has taught creative writing workshops and spoken at various universities and conferences throughout the world.

    Tickets are $20 and registration is open online until April 8.
  • Registration Open for Summer Classes

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  • Art Exhibit Showcases Student Work

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    Peeling Heart 2023, earthenware with velvet underglazes, Linqi Yuan

    The Annual Juried Student Exhibition will run through April 25 in the University Art Gallery.

    Each year, the gallery hosts the Annual Juried Student Exhibition in which students submit work to be juried by a visiting artist. The display is entirely made up of student work from “Truman experiences,” which means it was created while at Truman. This exhibit is a good opportunity for students to showcase some of their works on campus.

    “The show is a great representation of what is made here at Truman through the mentoring of our professors,” said Rianna Rice, art gallery director.

    This year’s guest juror is artist Lorena Molina. She is currently an assistant professor of photography and digital media at the University of Houston. She’s also the founder and the director of Third Space Gallery, a community space and gallery that supports and highlights BIPOC artists in Cincinnati.

    For several years Molina has been exploring questions about identity in the margins. She views margins as a place where violence and pain happen, but also a place for resisting, dreaming and healing. Her exhibition, “This must be the place,” will be on display March 19-April 25, and includes images of still life arrangements, landscapes and portraits that represent and attempt to piece together what her identity in the margins looks like. Her exhibit seeks to show her place in the world outside of the trauma, thus creating a place that allows for joy and beauty. Molina will give a virtual artist talk at 2 p.m. April 22.

    A closing reception for the exhibitions will take place 3-4 p.m. April 18. All exhibitions are free and open to the public.
  • Free Self-Defense Class Offered

    Self-Defense 101: Mastering Situational Awareness & Self-Protection is a series of introductory classes for anyone interested in learning how to defend themselves. Each class is identical and consists of two parts. Part 1: Discussion about risk awareness and avoidance. Part 2: Hands-on demonstration of techniques. This series is part of the Student Government’s Health, Wellness and Safety Week and will be taught by Chad Whittom, assistant director of public safety. Sign up here.

    April 2
    2-4 p.m.
    Student Union Building Georgian Room B

    April 10
    2-4 p.m.
    Violette Hall 1428

    April 11
    2-4 p.m.
    Violette Hall 1428

    April 18
    6-8 p.m.
    Violette Hall 1428

    April 23
    6-8 p.m.
    Student Union Building Down Under

    April 24
    6-8 p.m.
    Student Union Building Down Under

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  • Greenwood Center to Host Open House for Truman Students

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    The Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center is hosting an open house from 6-8 p.m. April 3. Participants will be able to tour the renovated facility, play in the activities room and learn more about the programs offered. A brief program will start at 7 p.m. and refreshments will be provided.

    There will be a tabling event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 2 in the Student Union Building to publicize the open house and gather feedback about what kinds of programming and services current students want to see from Greenwood. Current students are invited to fill out this form.
  • Session Helps Students Apply for National Fellowships

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    This year’s nationally competitive fellowship session is scheduled for 4:30-5:45 p.m. April 9 in Violette Hall 1010.

    Each year Truman nominates students who have shown outstanding academic performance and exceptional service accomplishments for national fellowship opportunities. The application process is very rigorous and highly competitive, but the University provides support as students prepare for and then apply to these prestigious scholarships. Many deadlines occur early in the fall semester, so it is important interested students attend the meeting. To register for the information session, click here.

    Listed below are several of the major national fellowships and their websites. More information about these fellowships is available at truman.edu/majors-programs/more-learning-opportunities/fellowships.


    Fellowships For Study in the United States
    (campus nomination required)

    Carnegie Endowment
    for undergraduates and graduates
    Awarded to graduating seniors or individuals who have graduated within the past academic year. Applicants must be nominated by the Truman State University nominating official. This fellowship is designed to provide a substantive work experience for students who have a serious career interest in the area of international affairs. Eleven to 13 students will be hired to work at the Carnegie Endowment in Washington, D.C., on a full-time basis for a period of one year. Application deadline is Nov. 15, 2024.

    Goldwater Scholarship
    for undergraduates only
    Awarded to sophomore or junior math or science majors who have one or two full years of undergraduate study remaining. Each scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, and room and board. To be eligible, a student must have at least a 3.0 GPA, be a United States citizen and demonstrate a potential for and commitment to a career in research in mathematics or natural sciences. Deadline to declare intent to apply is Oct. 25, 2024.

    Harry S. Truman Scholarship
    for undergraduates only
    Awarded to outstanding junior students who intend to pursue careers in public service. Each Harry S. Truman Scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $30,000 over a period of up to four years (i.e., one year of college and three years of graduate school). To be eligible, a student must have selected an undergraduate field of study that will permit admission to a graduate program leading to a career in public service. Campus deadline is Nov. 15, 2024.

    Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation
    for undergraduates only
    The Morris K. Udall Scholarship Program was created to encourage outstanding students to pursue careers related to environmental public policy and to encourage outstanding Native American and Alaska native students to pursue careers related to health care and tribal public policy. Requirements include sophomore or junior standing with at least a 3.0 GPA and ranking in the top quarter of a student’s class. Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,000, and expenses for a Udall Scholars Orientation. Deadline for applications is Jan. 3, 2025.


    Fellowships for Experiences Abroad
    (campus nomination required)

    British Marshall Scholarship
    for undergraduates and graduates
    Awarded to exceptional seniors or recent graduates who wish to study for two years in a British university. It is meant to further the education of young people of distinguished intellect and character who can be expected to make a significant contribution to society. To be eligible, applicants must have a 3.7 GPA, be a United States citizen and earn a bachelor’s degree before the scholarship takes effect. Applications must be completed by Aug. 16, 2024.

    Fulbright Grant

    for undergraduates and graduates
    Awarded to seniors and graduate students. Grants range from a full grant – which covers one year of tuition, books and maintenance in one foreign country – to a variety of partial grants which cover transportation costs only and/or supplement the applicant’s own personal funds.  Teaching assistantships in English in selected countries are also available under the Fulbright program. To be eligible for any of the Fulbright grants, an applicant must be a United States citizen at the time of application and hold a bachelor’s degree by the beginning date of the grant.  Creative and performing artists are not required to have a bachelor’s degree, but must have four years of relevant training or study. All applicants are required to have sufficient proficiency in the language of the host country to carry out their proposed study or research. Applications must be completed by Sept. 2, 2024.

    Fulbright Grant: U.K. Summer Institute Award
    for undergraduates
    Awarded to freshman or sophomore students from all areas of study with a high level of academic achievement. Each program offers students full immersion in the study of British academia and culture. Students will partake in cultural events, research, collaboration and presentation at one of nine summer institutes. The award will cover the majority of all costs incurred, including flights to and from the U.K., university fees, and room and board at the hosting U.K. university. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who reside anywhere except the U.K., be at least 18 years old and have completed no more than two years of university study. Applications must be completed by Sept. 2, 2024.

    Mitchell Scholarship
    for undergraduates and graduates
    Awarded to seniors or recent graduates who wish to pursue graduate study or research in either the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. Mitchell scholarships provide tuition and housing, as well as living and travel stipends. Applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree before taking up the award. Applications must be completed by Aug. 16, 2024.

    Boren Scholarship and Fellowship
    for undergraduates and graduates
    NOTE: The graduate fellowship does not require campus nomination.
    Designed to provide U.S. undergraduates and graduates with the resources and encouragement they need to acquire skills and experience in countries and areas of the world critical to the future security of our nation. Boren Scholarships/Fellowships are designed to support students who will make a commitment to federal service. All recipients incur a requirement to enter into an agreement, in order of priority, to work for an agency of the federal government with national security responsibilities or to work in the field of higher education in the area of study for which the scholarship was awarded. Maximum awards are $10,000 for a semester and $20,000 for a full year of study abroad. Campus deadline for scholarships (undergraduate) is Jan. 1, 2025. Campus deadline for fellowships (graduate) is Dec. 30, 2024.

    Rhodes Scholarship
    for undergraduates only
    Awarded to exceptional seniors who wish to pursue two or three years of study at Oxford University. The Rhodes Scholarship covers all tuition costs and provides a maintenance allowance. To be eligible a senior must be under 24 years of age, be a citizen of the United States and complete a bachelor’s degree before Oct. 1. There are only 32 scholarships assigned to the United States and applicants must have proven intellectual and academic achievement of a high standard, integrity of character, interest in and respect for their fellow human beings, the ability to lead and the energy to use their talents to the fullest. The last of these qualities is usually, though not exclusively, demonstrated by participation and success in sports. Rhodes Scholarship applications must be completed by Sept. 2, 2024. Read about Truman’s first Rhode’s Scholarship recipient, Andrew McCall, who provides helpful advice for Rhodes Scholar applicants.


    Other Fellowships
    (no campus nomination required)

    The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
    for college graduates and graduate students
    A highly-competitive national program that provides college and graduate school graduates the opportunity to work in Washington, D.C., with one of more than two dozen participating public-interest organizations focusing on international security issues. The program is offered twice yearly, in the spring and fall. It lasts from six to nine months and provides a salary, health insurance and travel costs to Washington.

    The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
    for undergraduates and graduates
    The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship is designed to attract outstanding individuals from all ethnic, racial and social backgrounds who have an interest in pursuing a foreign service career with the U.S. Department of State. The programs provide academic and professional preparation for outstanding candidates to enter the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service, representing America’s interests abroad.

    Amgen Scholars Program
    for undergraduates only
    The Amgen Scholars Program provides hundreds of undergraduate students with the opportunity to engage in a hands-on summer research experience at some of the world’s leading institutions.

    Ford Diversity Fellowships Program

    for seniors and graduates only
    Through its fellowship programs, the Ford Foundation seeks to increase the diversity of the nation’s college and university faculties by increasing their ethnic and racial diversity, to maximize the educational benefits of diversity, and to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students.

    NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
    for graduates only
    The GRFP is a prestigious, nationally competitive fellowship offered by the National Science Foundation that provides three years of financial support for beginning graduate study leading to a research-based degree in the STEM disciplines.

    Gates Cambridge Scholarship
    for undergraduates and graduates
    Awarded to students of exceptional academic achievement and scholarly promise for whom advanced study at Cambridge would be particularly appropriate. Successful applicants will have the ability to make a significant contribution to their discipline while in Cambridge, with a strong aptitude for research, analysis and a creative approach to defining and solving problems. Awarded only to students who gain admission to Cambridge through the regular procedures. Covers the full cost of study at Cambridge for a single person. Applications should be completed by Sept. 13, 2024.

    Mount Vernon Leadership Fellows
    for undergraduates
    The Mount Vernon Leadership Fellows offers rising college juniors opportunities in leadership development programs inspired by the life and legacy of George Washington and today’s foremost leaders. This residential summer fellowship is designed to create the next generation of the nation’s top leaders.

    John Lewis Fellowship

    for undergraduates
    The John Lewis Fellowship honors U.S. Representative John Lewis, an icon of the Civil Rights Movement. The program explores the history of the Civil Rights Movement, diversity and minority rights in the United States, with a particular focus on Atlanta. Key areas of inquiry include race and racism, immigration, national identity, Native American issues and the relationship between civil rights and human rights. The fellowship will also discuss contemporary racial and diversity issues.

    Humanity in Action Fellowship
    for undergraduates
    The Humanity in Action Fellowship brings together international groups of college students and recent graduates to explore national histories of injustice and resistance as they affect different minority groups today.

    Woodrow Wilson National Fellowships
    for undergraduates and graduates
    The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation is a private non-profit operating foundation based in Princeton, New Jersey. The foundation administers a range of programs that support leadership development and build organizational capacity in education.

    Fund for Education Abroad

    for undergraduates
    The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) addresses the need for an independent study abroad scholarship provider. FEA is expanding access to study abroad by raising awareness of its benefits to the individual and value to the collective, and by granting scholarships of up to $10,000.

    Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
    for undergraduates
    The Gilman International Scholarship Program is a Congressionally-funded program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and is administered by the Institute of International Education. The Gilman Scholarship Program offers grants of up to $5,000 to U.S. undergraduate students of high financial need participating in a credit-bearing study abroad program or international internship eligible. Students studying a critical need language could be eligible to receive a grant of up to $8,000. The Gilman Program aims to diversify the kinds of students who study and intern abroad and the countries and regions where they go by supporting U.S. undergraduates who might otherwise not consider these unique and valuable opportunities due to financial constraints.

    U.S. Teaching Assistantship Program in Austria

    The U.S. Teaching Assistantship Program in Austria provides U.S. college and university graduates with opportunities to work at secondary schools throughout Austria as teaching assistants.

    Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA)
    The Freeman Foundation’s generous support for the relaunch of Freeman-ASIA builds on prior grants to IIE that funded more than 4,500 American undergraduates in Asia from 2001 to 2014. The newly available awards will advance the Institute of International Education’s Generation Study Abroad, a five-year initiative aiming to double the number of U.S. students abroad by the end of the decade, by mobilizing resources and commitments across the higher education, philanthropy and corporate sectors.

    Schwarzman Scholars

    Designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders, Schwarzman Scholars is the first scholarship created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st Century. Whether in politics, business or science, the success of future leaders around the world will depend upon an understanding of China’s role in global trends. Students will live and study together on the campus of Schwarzman College, where all classes are taught in English. Students will pursue master’s degrees in one of three disciplines: public policy, economics and business, or international studies. Applications must be completed by Aug. 16, 2024.
  • WRC Presents The Vagina Monologues

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  • Health and Wellness Event Features Bunnies

    “Bunny Zen: Unwind with Cuddly Friends” will take place 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 15 on the Quad and is part of the Student Government’s Health, Wellness and Safety Week.

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  • Association of Black Collegians Hosts Ebony Ball

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  • True Men Hosts Spring Concert

    True Men will host their spring concert at 2 p.m. April 20 in Baldwin Little Theatre. This concert will feature songs from two of their past albums, “True and Improved” and “Once in a True Moon,” along with their award-winning 2024 International Championship Collegiate A Cappella set.

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  • Student Rep Needed for Foundation Board

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    The Truman State University Foundation Board is made up of volunteers who are dedicated to advancing the University through philanthropy. The student representative helps increase awareness among students of the role of philanthropy in the student experience and helps articulate the case for support to their peers. The student representative also helps provide the student perspective to the board.

    The board term is one year, July 1-June 30, with possible renewal for a second consecutive term. To apply, submit an application along with a current resume to Charles Hunsaker, executive director for University Advancement, at hunsaker@truman.edu. The deadline is 12 p.m. April 12.
  • Literary Magazine Accepting Submissions

    Truman’s literary magazine, Windfall, is accepting submissions of poetry, prose and art from currently enrolled students. Submissions should be sent to windfallmagazine@gmail.com.

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  • Writing Center Positions Now Available

    The Writing Center is hiring writing consultants for scholarship and work-study. Limited institutional hours are also available. Students with academic writing knowledge, interpersonal communication skills and motivation to help people help themselves are encouraged to apply. Application deadline is May 1. Any questions can be directed to write@truman.edu.

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  • Applications Available for Summer Museums and Archives Internships

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    Applications are now being accepted for summer internships at the following locations in Missouri:

    •    Columbia: State Historical Society of Missouri
    •    Jefferson City: Missouri State Archives
    •    Kansas City: Harry Truman Presidential Library, National World War I Museum
    •    St. Joseph: St. Joseph Museums
    •    St. Louis: Campbell House Museum, Missouri History Museum, Mercantile Library
    •    Springfield: MSU Special Collections and Archive

    The summer internships are open to all Truman students, but they are especially relevant for those considering careers in archives, museums and teaching. For more information email Jason McDonald, assistant professor of history, at jasonmcd@truman.edu.
  • Financial Aid Office Ready to Assist Students with New FAFSA Guidelines

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    In the wake of massive changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) this year, Truman’s Financial Aid Office is available to help students navigate the process and receive the maximum amount of support.

    All students in need of financial assistance are encouraged to complete the FAFSA. Federal Student Aid is the largest provider of financial aid for college students in the United States. Even though a student may not qualify for grants or work-study, all students are considered for the Federal Direct Loan (no co-signer required). Filing the FAFSA does not commit students to taking a loan, but it does allow for more options.

    The 2024-25 FAFSA will use 2022 tax year information with a priority deadline of April 1, 2024 for Missouri residents. It is strongly recommended to apply or renew before April 1 Details about the FAFSA can be found online at studentaid.gov.

    Truman’s Financial Aid Office is currently working on details of when aid offers will be available for new incoming students as well as current students. This year it will most likely be later this spring.

    For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 660.785.4130 or finaid@truman.edu. The Financial Aid Office website also has a variety of helpful resources for students and their families.
  • Next Issue

    The next issue of the Truman Today will be available April 2.
  • Board of Governors Meetings

    The University Board of Governors will meet at 2:45 p.m. March 27, 9:15 a.m. March 28 and 2:45 p.m. March 28. All three meetings will take place in McClain Hall 200. The Board of Governors is authorized to close meetings, records and votes to the extent they relate to individually identifiable personnel records, performance ratings or records pertaining to employees or applicants for employment. Meeting agendas can be found online.

Notables

  • Clarinet Students Receive Awards

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    Two Truman graduate clarinet students recently submitted audition recordings of Carl Maria von Weber’s “Hungarian Rondo” for the 2024 International Clarinet Association’s Clareidoscope Performance Competition. In the Young Artist Alto/Bass Clarinet Category, Autumn Heath received first place and Harper Golden received second place. The results were announced live during the Clareidoscope Virtual Festival, March 16. Both students are pursuing the master of arts in clarinet performance degree at Truman. Heath is from Festus, Missouri, and Golden is from Meeker, Oklahoma.
  • Graduate Percussionist Receives Honorable Mention

    Aidan Ervin, graduate percussionist, received honorable mention in this year’s Southern Illinois Young Artist Instrumental competition. This is the second year Ervin has placed in the SIYAO competition.

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  • McDonald Wins State Award

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    Jason McDonald, assistant professor of history, won the Lawrence O. Christensen Award for his article “‘Watch Adair County Klan Grow’: The Second Ku Klux Klan in Kirksville, Missouri, 1923-25,” which was published in the Missouri Historical Review in October 2023. The Christensen prize is awarded to the best article on a Missouri history topic published during each calendar year. The award was presented to McDonald at the Missouri Conference on History in Columbia, Missouri, March 15.
  • Students Present Papers at History Conference

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    Elizabeth Nahach receives the Lynn and Kristen Morrow Prize for her paper.

    History majors Elizabeth Nahach, Nathan Dowell, Véla Lightle, Logan Kammerer and history/anthropology major, Micaela Reiss, represented Truman at the Missouri Conference on History by participating in two panels moderated by Jason McDonald, assistant professor of history, in Columbia, Missouri, March 15.

    On the panel, “Challenging Traditional Perceptions and Projections on Identity and Hierarchy,” Nahach and Dowell delivered presentations on research they conducted during the TruScholars program in summer 2023. On the same panel, Reiss presented on research during her time as a Schwengel Scholarship intern at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri. Dowell’s paper discussed the German immigrant experience in 19th-century St. Charles County and Reiss’s paper discussed the role of religion in Harry S. Truman’s political life.

    Nahach’s paper on the African-American economic activity in early 20th-century Jefferson City won the Lynn and Kristen Morrow Prize for the best student paper on an aspect of Missouri history. She was presented the award while at the conference.

    On the panel, “The American Eugenics Movement during the Early Twentieth Century,” Dowell presented on the ideological conflict between eugenicists and the Roman Catholic Church. Lightle examined Missouri eugenicist Harry Laughlin’s influence on anthropological exhibits at prestigious American museums during the interwar period, and Kammerer discussed the conflation of religion with race by eugenicists. The attendance of Reiss and Dowell at the conference was supported by conference travel scholarships from the Office of Student Research.

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  • Visiting Theater Director Helps Students with German Play

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    Students from Classical and Modern Languages with support from the Theater Department presented “The Tutor,” an adaptation of an 18th-century play by the 20th-century playwright, Bertholt Brecht. After a week of rehearsals and study of Brecht’s work in its historical context, students presented the play to a full house in the Black Box Theater. Jürgen Küttner, a renowned author, actor and theater director from Berlin, visited the Truman campus and worked with students in German in preparation for the performance. Jack Davis, associate professor of German, organized the visit in conjunction with a course on German theater taught by Ernst Hintz, professor of German.

Scholarship Opportunities

  • Purdy Scholarship Seeks Campus Leaders

    The Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation will offer the Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship, named in honor of Allan Walker Purdy. Born in 1914 on a farm near Macon, Purdy was the first in his family to attend a four-year college. He worked in the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture before becoming the campus’s first director of scholarships and student financial aid.

    This program supports candidates who demonstrate leadership, character and academic performance. It is open to students who started higher education right after high school, as well as adult learners who are now pursuing or returning to complete a degree. Additionally, these students have a vision, are eager to make their contribution to the world and have the work ethic to bring their dreams to fruition.

    The scholarship application period runs through April 15. More information, including details on how to apply, can be found here. The scholarship amount can vary based on an applicant’s circumstances. The general range will be $2,000-$5,000 based on expected family contribution (EFC), unmet need and other factors.

    Applicants must: be a Missouri resident; be an undergraduate second-, third- or fourth-year student for the 2024-25 academic year; enrolled full-time and making satisfactory academic progress; and have a cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or higher. Recommendation from an instructor, counselor, advisor, current or recent supervisor, community leader or other similarly qualified individual is required.
  • Session Helps Students Apply for National Fellowships

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    This year’s nationally competitive fellowship session is scheduled for 4:30-5:45 p.m. April 9 in Violette Hall 1010.

    Each year Truman nominates students who have shown outstanding academic performance and exceptional service accomplishments for national fellowship opportunities. The application process is very rigorous and highly competitive, but the University provides support as students prepare for and then apply to these prestigious scholarships. Many deadlines occur early in the fall semester, so it is important interested students attend the meeting. To register for the information session, click here.

    Listed below are several of the major national fellowships and their websites. More information about these fellowships is available at truman.edu/majors-programs/more-learning-opportunities/fellowships.


    Fellowships For Study in the United States
    (campus nomination required)

    Carnegie Endowment
    for undergraduates and graduates
    Awarded to graduating seniors or individuals who have graduated within the past academic year. Applicants must be nominated by the Truman State University nominating official. This fellowship is designed to provide a substantive work experience for students who have a serious career interest in the area of international affairs. Eleven to 13 students will be hired to work at the Carnegie Endowment in Washington, D.C., on a full-time basis for a period of one year. Application deadline is Nov. 15, 2024.

    Goldwater Scholarship
    for undergraduates only
    Awarded to sophomore or junior math or science majors who have one or two full years of undergraduate study remaining. Each scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, and room and board. To be eligible, a student must have at least a 3.0 GPA, be a United States citizen and demonstrate a potential for and commitment to a career in research in mathematics or natural sciences. Deadline to declare intent to apply is Oct. 25, 2024.

    Harry S. Truman Scholarship
    for undergraduates only
    Awarded to outstanding junior students who intend to pursue careers in public service. Each Harry S. Truman Scholarship covers tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $30,000 over a period of up to four years (i.e., one year of college and three years of graduate school). To be eligible, a student must have selected an undergraduate field of study that will permit admission to a graduate program leading to a career in public service. Campus deadline is Nov. 15, 2024.

    Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation
    for undergraduates only
    The Morris K. Udall Scholarship Program was created to encourage outstanding students to pursue careers related to environmental public policy and to encourage outstanding Native American and Alaska native students to pursue careers related to health care and tribal public policy. Requirements include sophomore or junior standing with at least a 3.0 GPA and ranking in the top quarter of a student’s class. Each scholarship covers eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,000, and expenses for a Udall Scholars Orientation. Deadline for applications is Jan. 3, 2025.


    Fellowships for Experiences Abroad
    (campus nomination required)

    British Marshall Scholarship
    for undergraduates and graduates
    Awarded to exceptional seniors or recent graduates who wish to study for two years in a British university. It is meant to further the education of young people of distinguished intellect and character who can be expected to make a significant contribution to society. To be eligible, applicants must have a 3.7 GPA, be a United States citizen and earn a bachelor’s degree before the scholarship takes effect. Applications must be completed by Aug. 16, 2024.

    Fulbright Grant

    for undergraduates and graduates
    Awarded to seniors and graduate students. Grants range from a full grant – which covers one year of tuition, books and maintenance in one foreign country – to a variety of partial grants which cover transportation costs only and/or supplement the applicant’s own personal funds.  Teaching assistantships in English in selected countries are also available under the Fulbright program. To be eligible for any of the Fulbright grants, an applicant must be a United States citizen at the time of application and hold a bachelor’s degree by the beginning date of the grant.  Creative and performing artists are not required to have a bachelor’s degree, but must have four years of relevant training or study. All applicants are required to have sufficient proficiency in the language of the host country to carry out their proposed study or research. Applications must be completed by Sept. 2, 2024.

    Fulbright Grant: U.K. Summer Institute Award
    for undergraduates
    Awarded to freshman or sophomore students from all areas of study with a high level of academic achievement. Each program offers students full immersion in the study of British academia and culture. Students will partake in cultural events, research, collaboration and presentation at one of nine summer institutes. The award will cover the majority of all costs incurred, including flights to and from the U.K., university fees, and room and board at the hosting U.K. university. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who reside anywhere except the U.K., be at least 18 years old and have completed no more than two years of university study. Applications must be completed by Sept. 2, 2024.

    Mitchell Scholarship
    for undergraduates and graduates
    Awarded to seniors or recent graduates who wish to pursue graduate study or research in either the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. Mitchell scholarships provide tuition and housing, as well as living and travel stipends. Applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree before taking up the award. Applications must be completed by Aug. 16, 2024.

    Boren Scholarship and Fellowship
    for undergraduates and graduates
    NOTE: The graduate fellowship does not require campus nomination.
    Designed to provide U.S. undergraduates and graduates with the resources and encouragement they need to acquire skills and experience in countries and areas of the world critical to the future security of our nation. Boren Scholarships/Fellowships are designed to support students who will make a commitment to federal service. All recipients incur a requirement to enter into an agreement, in order of priority, to work for an agency of the federal government with national security responsibilities or to work in the field of higher education in the area of study for which the scholarship was awarded. Maximum awards are $10,000 for a semester and $20,000 for a full year of study abroad. Campus deadline for scholarships (undergraduate) is Jan. 1, 2025. Campus deadline for fellowships (graduate) is Dec. 30, 2024.

    Rhodes Scholarship
    for undergraduates only
    Awarded to exceptional seniors who wish to pursue two or three years of study at Oxford University. The Rhodes Scholarship covers all tuition costs and provides a maintenance allowance. To be eligible a senior must be under 24 years of age, be a citizen of the United States and complete a bachelor’s degree before Oct. 1. There are only 32 scholarships assigned to the United States and applicants must have proven intellectual and academic achievement of a high standard, integrity of character, interest in and respect for their fellow human beings, the ability to lead and the energy to use their talents to the fullest. The last of these qualities is usually, though not exclusively, demonstrated by participation and success in sports. Rhodes Scholarship applications must be completed by Sept. 2, 2024. Read about Truman’s first Rhode’s Scholarship recipient, Andrew McCall, who provides helpful advice for Rhodes Scholar applicants.


    Other Fellowships
    (no campus nomination required)

    The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
    for college graduates and graduate students
    A highly-competitive national program that provides college and graduate school graduates the opportunity to work in Washington, D.C., with one of more than two dozen participating public-interest organizations focusing on international security issues. The program is offered twice yearly, in the spring and fall. It lasts from six to nine months and provides a salary, health insurance and travel costs to Washington.

    The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
    for undergraduates and graduates
    The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship is designed to attract outstanding individuals from all ethnic, racial and social backgrounds who have an interest in pursuing a foreign service career with the U.S. Department of State. The programs provide academic and professional preparation for outstanding candidates to enter the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service, representing America’s interests abroad.

    Amgen Scholars Program
    for undergraduates only
    The Amgen Scholars Program provides hundreds of undergraduate students with the opportunity to engage in a hands-on summer research experience at some of the world’s leading institutions.

    Ford Diversity Fellowships Program

    for seniors and graduates only
    Through its fellowship programs, the Ford Foundation seeks to increase the diversity of the nation’s college and university faculties by increasing their ethnic and racial diversity, to maximize the educational benefits of diversity, and to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students.

    NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
    for graduates only
    The GRFP is a prestigious, nationally competitive fellowship offered by the National Science Foundation that provides three years of financial support for beginning graduate study leading to a research-based degree in the STEM disciplines.

    Gates Cambridge Scholarship
    for undergraduates and graduates
    Awarded to students of exceptional academic achievement and scholarly promise for whom advanced study at Cambridge would be particularly appropriate. Successful applicants will have the ability to make a significant contribution to their discipline while in Cambridge, with a strong aptitude for research, analysis and a creative approach to defining and solving problems. Awarded only to students who gain admission to Cambridge through the regular procedures. Covers the full cost of study at Cambridge for a single person. Applications should be completed by Sept. 13, 2024.

    Mount Vernon Leadership Fellows
    for undergraduates
    The Mount Vernon Leadership Fellows offers rising college juniors opportunities in leadership development programs inspired by the life and legacy of George Washington and today’s foremost leaders. This residential summer fellowship is designed to create the next generation of the nation’s top leaders.

    John Lewis Fellowship

    for undergraduates
    The John Lewis Fellowship honors U.S. Representative John Lewis, an icon of the Civil Rights Movement. The program explores the history of the Civil Rights Movement, diversity and minority rights in the United States, with a particular focus on Atlanta. Key areas of inquiry include race and racism, immigration, national identity, Native American issues and the relationship between civil rights and human rights. The fellowship will also discuss contemporary racial and diversity issues.

    Humanity in Action Fellowship
    for undergraduates
    The Humanity in Action Fellowship brings together international groups of college students and recent graduates to explore national histories of injustice and resistance as they affect different minority groups today.

    Woodrow Wilson National Fellowships
    for undergraduates and graduates
    The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation is a private non-profit operating foundation based in Princeton, New Jersey. The foundation administers a range of programs that support leadership development and build organizational capacity in education.

    Fund for Education Abroad

    for undergraduates
    The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) addresses the need for an independent study abroad scholarship provider. FEA is expanding access to study abroad by raising awareness of its benefits to the individual and value to the collective, and by granting scholarships of up to $10,000.

    Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
    for undergraduates
    The Gilman International Scholarship Program is a Congressionally-funded program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and is administered by the Institute of International Education. The Gilman Scholarship Program offers grants of up to $5,000 to U.S. undergraduate students of high financial need participating in a credit-bearing study abroad program or international internship eligible. Students studying a critical need language could be eligible to receive a grant of up to $8,000. The Gilman Program aims to diversify the kinds of students who study and intern abroad and the countries and regions where they go by supporting U.S. undergraduates who might otherwise not consider these unique and valuable opportunities due to financial constraints.

    U.S. Teaching Assistantship Program in Austria

    The U.S. Teaching Assistantship Program in Austria provides U.S. college and university graduates with opportunities to work at secondary schools throughout Austria as teaching assistants.

    Freeman Awards for Study in Asia (Freeman-ASIA)
    The Freeman Foundation’s generous support for the relaunch of Freeman-ASIA builds on prior grants to IIE that funded more than 4,500 American undergraduates in Asia from 2001 to 2014. The newly available awards will advance the Institute of International Education’s Generation Study Abroad, a five-year initiative aiming to double the number of U.S. students abroad by the end of the decade, by mobilizing resources and commitments across the higher education, philanthropy and corporate sectors.

    Schwarzman Scholars

    Designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders, Schwarzman Scholars is the first scholarship created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st Century. Whether in politics, business or science, the success of future leaders around the world will depend upon an understanding of China’s role in global trends. Students will live and study together on the campus of Schwarzman College, where all classes are taught in English. Students will pursue master’s degrees in one of three disciplines: public policy, economics and business, or international studies. Applications must be completed by Aug. 16, 2024.