Senior Jennifer Heppe is the most recent recipient of Truman State University General Honors.Heppe, an English major from St. Louis with minors in philosophy and religion and international studies, will graduate Dec. 15. She has been active in Pi Delta Phi, the French Honorary Society, has worked at the Child Development Center, and is currently a teaching and research assistant with Anne Bergey, instructor of biology. Upon graduation, Heppe will attend graduate school to study literature at St. Louis University.
Truman students are encouraged to participate in the General Honors Program, which offers outstanding students the opportunity to select rigorous courses in the liberal arts and sciences component of their program. General Honors in arts and sciences is awarded to graduating seniors who have completed five approved courses, with at least one course from each of the four areas of mathematics, natural science, social science and humanities, with a grade point average of at least 3.5 in those five courses.
Heppe was honored at a ceremony on campus last month and presented a medal from the Phi Beta Kappa association of northeast Missouri.
The 30th anniversary year of the Student Union is nearing its end. Throughout 1997, events have been held commemorating the Union's anniversary. The last event celebrating the 30-year milestone will be held Dec. 4. The entire University community is invited to Cheers to the Union from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the SUB Activities Room.Cheers to the Union will feature refreshments, prizes and musical entertainment. The University Orchestra will perform under the direction of David Nichols, professor of music.
Lisa Brokaw, senior, Andrea Louscher and Ashley Davison, sophomores, and Kathy Bunch, freshman, represented the University and the Science Division at the American Royal Nov. 9-12. The group spoke with cattle producers and other people about the University and its agriculture program. Many people said they recognized the University name and asked about its various science programs. Truman was one of the few exhibitors to allow hands-on experience with its livestock. Glenn Wehner, professor of agriculture, accompanied the group.Steve Carroll, assistant professor of biology, presented a seminar at William Jewell College. He spoke about his work with Birdfoot Violet, and he also shared information about the Master of Science in biology program. Carroll has also reviewed a manuscript on plant reproduction for the International Journal of Plant Sciences.
Warren Gooch, associate professor of music, served as guest composer at the 1997 "New Music Today" concert on Nov. 16 at Illinois Central College, sponsor of this annual concert series. Two compositions by Gooch: DRAGON MUSIC (piano) and JOHN I: THE WORD (choral), were performed by ICC faculty and students.
Jason Greenhagen and Sheila Meyer, senior and junior chemistry majors, gave oral presentations at the Eighth Annual Argonne Symposium for Undergraduates in Science, Engineering and Mathematics on Nov. 8 at Argonne National Laboratory. The title of Greenhagen's talk was "Quantitative Analysis of Cations in Soil Samples by High Performance Capillary Electrophoresis" and will be submitted to the Journal of Chemical Education for publication. Meyer's talk was titled "A New Method for the Determination of Zinc in Blood Serum" and will be submitted to the Journal of Chromatography for publication. Both students are mentored by Yinfa Ma, associate professor of chemistry.
Gloria Kwok, assistant professor of French, presented a paper titled "Identity and Constitution of the Indochinese Female Post-Colonial Subject in Thuong-Vuong-Riddick's `Deux Rives'" at the 39th Annual Convention of the Midwest Modern Language Association, Nov. 7 in Chicago.
David McCurdy, associate professor of chemistry, visited Texas A & M University and presented an invited seminar titled "Electrothermal Vaporization for Sample Introduction in the Direct Current Plasma" to its chemistry department.
Michael Nelson, head of the Division of Science, recently attended the Geological Society of America annual meetings. He presented a paper on undergraduate research associated with various Truman science programs and the McNair program.
Barry C. Poyner, associate professor of communication, and MAE students Gina La Fata and Craig Maxwell presented a paper, "Parliamentary Procedure and Intellectual History: Analysis of the Filibuster" at the National Communication Association in Chicago, Nov. 20.
The Truman State University Forensics Team placed fourth overall at the Gateway Communication Tournament, held at the University of Missouri- St. Louis, Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. The tournament attracted 43 schools from 16 states. Freshmen Shane Mecham and Jacob Stutzman were quarterfinalists in parliamentary debate. Freshman Sandy Douglas was awarded fifth place in persuasive speaking. Douglas was named seventh place overall individual events speaker in the tournament. Receiving excellent awards at the competition were Douglas and sophomore Heather Helm (dramatic duo), Mecham and freshman Bill Barfield (impromptu speaking), Stutzman and freshman Sally Vermillion (prose interpretation). At the Garlock Forensics Tournament at Webster University, Nov. 2, Mecham placed third and was awarded top novice in extemporaneous speaking. Freshman Amanda Behnke finished seventh in persuasive speaking. Behnke was named top novice in informative speaking.
Philip Wilson, assistant professor of science history, has accepted a commission to compose three entries for the Encyclopedia of Literature and Science.
The Truman Wrestling Team participated in the Cyclone Open at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Chris Benner, sophomore, finished fourth with a 2-2 record wrestling in the 177 pound weight class. He was the only Bulldog to place.
Kyle B. Cope, former student representative to the Board of Governors, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 29, 1997, due to injuries received in an automobile accident.Cope, a 1997 Truman graduate, served on the Board of Governors from March 1994 until January 1996. Cope was also a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity while at Truman. He was the assistant to the president of Linn State Technical College as director of governmental affairs.
The Cope family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 2, 1997 at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Charleston, Mo. The University extends sincerest sympathy to the friends and family of Cope.
A study of the European Union, as well as historical and cultural aspects of the countries visited, is offered during the interim session of 1998.This International Studies/Travel program is scheduled from May 6 to May 23, 1998, for six hours of credit. Visits will be made to England, Wales, Scotland, Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany.
The credit hours may count toward humanities credits or be substituted in another area if agreed upon by the student and his/her adviser. This experience is appropriate for students of all majors. Financial aid is available for qualifying students. The experience will combine study and field trips related to the European Union, as well as all historical and cultural aspects that time allows.
An informational meeting concerning the program will be at 6 p.m., Dec. 3 in Ryle Hall 233. For more information, contact Mary Giovannini, professor of business administration, in Brewer Hall 27, at 785.4365 or the Center for Interna-tional Education Abroad, Kirk Building 118, at 785.7466.
Bingcheng Lin, visiting professor from China, has been busy on campus this semester conducting cancer research with Yinfa Ma, associate professor of chemistry.Born in Ninbo, Zhejiang, Lin is a professor at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he earned his doctorate. He has been a guest professor in China, a visiting professor in Hong Kong and the Federal Republic of Germany, and an engineer working in the field of chromatography.
Ma invited Lin to visit Truman to help set up a study abroad program in China for Truman students. Ma also wanted to spread the influence of Truman beyond the Midwest.
Ma also invited Lin to Truman so the two could collaborate on research. Ma and Lin are writing grant proposals for research. They want to do cancer screening research that involves human genome research. The professors want to find chemical molecules in Chinese herbs that have an anticancer function. Seven Truman students are researching with the professors in the research lab. They have their own, similar projects.
Ma and Lin have finished writing a paper together titled "Determination of polyamines in serum by high-performance capillary zone electrophoresis with indirect ultraviolet detection," to be published in Methods in Molecular Medicine by Humana Press. The professors have also written a manuscript with two other people titled "Determination of Total Iron Binding Capacity of Serum By Capillary Electrophoresis" for Journal of Chromatography.
Lin said the main difference between China and the United States is that China doesn't include science programs in its universities. China separates its science programs in institutions and academies of science. Lin has had the opportunity to work with undergraduates while at Truman. He works mostly with postgraduates in China.
Lin hopes his visit will promote a collaboration between Truman and the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences in China to further research of capillary zone electrophoresis in chemistry. Lin also hopes to form some student-teacher friendships and to teach students about new technology and sciences.
Lin's activities and honors include an invitation by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council to be a proposal interviewer, member of the Referee Committee of Natural Science Foundation of China in the fields of analytical chemistry and environmental chemistry, chairman of Capillary Electrophoresis Society of China, deputy secretary- general of Chromatography Society of China, among others. He is author or co-author, respectively, of 90 papers, five books, two patents and five software tools.
Jason Reinberg, a sophomore biology pre-med major, and Brad Kieffer, a junior biology major, have been awarded the R.E. Valentine Memorial Scholarship.The Valentine Scholarship was established in fall 1960 in honor of R.E. Valentine, a former outstanding varsity athlete and faculty member at Truman, by the Men's Campus Varsity Club.
The Valentine Scholar must be a varsity athletic letterman with at least one season of athletic competition remaining and have earned the highest grade point average among all varsity lettermen during the preceding regular school year. This student-athlete must carry a minimum of 24 semester hours credit during the school year.
Reinberg, of Washington, Mo., is a member of the basketball team; Kieffer, of Mt. Carmer, Ill., is a varsity wrestler.
The last issue of the Truman Today for the fall semester will be Dec. 8.There will be a blood mobile from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 12, in the SUB Activities Room. All faculty and staff are asked to mark their calendars.
Zeta Phi Beta will sponsor a Winter Ball Weekend, "Visions of a Blue and White Heaven," at 7 p.m., Dec. 6, in the SUB Down Under. Admission is $5. On Dec. 5, the event will begin at 11:30 p.m. in Ophelia Parrish 300; on Dec. 6, at 11:30 p.m. in Kirk Gym. Cost for both events is $2. Weekend passes may be purchased for $7.
A student worker is needed to work on obtaining cutoff scores for a language placement test. Computer skills are required. Experience with the Excel and Mystat programs is preferred. Work may begin immediately or in January 1998 and involves five to 10 hours per week. Contact Connie Reid at 785.4509 or the Division of Language and Literature at 785.4481.
Join Alpha Phi Sigma and Lambda Alpha Epsilon in collecting new or practically new toys for needy area children. Collection boxes will be set up at various sites on campus through Dec. 4. If you have questions or prefer the toys be picked up from your home, please contact Adam at 627.5649 or Shelly at 627.0365.
An area Girl Scout troop needs a leader. If you are interested, call Becky at 627-5659.
A support group has been formed for all faculty and staff who are interested in weight management. Meetings are held at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays in the Student Recreation Center Conference Room. Everyone is welcome. Please call 785.7457 for more information.
"Chicken Soup for the Soul," a Skillpath Seminar presented as part of the Wellness Program, will be presented from 1 to 4 p.m., Jan. 6, in the SUB Activities Room. A second session will be offered from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. the same day and location. This seminar concentrates on erasing old habits and self-limiting thoughts and gives you a unique opportunity to recharge, refocus and revitalize your life. R.S.V.P. by Dec. 12 at 785.7457.
The University Women's League annual holiday party will be Dec. 6, 4-6 p.m., in the SUB Alumni Room. Faculty and staff, parents and children are welcome to enjoy the music, holiday stories and punch in the company of your University family and friends. Cost: a plate of cookies, and if you are willing, a canned good, small new toy or winter hat for a Kirksville social agency.
Scholarship Applications Accepted Now
The Truman State University Foundation annually provides financial support to outstanding Truman students. Last year, the Foundation awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships to some 215 students; even more funds will be awarded this year. These scholarships are made available through alumni and friends who designate their gifts to scholarships, making it possible for the Foundation to assist Truman students in achieving their educational goals. Scholarship awards, ranging from $125 to $1,300 each, are based on a large variety of criteria, including major, scholarship, class status and involvement, just to name a few. Please help spread the word - scholarship applications are being accepted earlier this year than in previous years and students should not miss this opportunity to apply for assistance.
Scholarship Programs, listing Truman State University Foundation scholarships available for the 1998-99 academic year, are available at the Financial Aid Office, McClain Hall 103, and division offices. Students may pick up applications from the Financial Aid Office through Jan. 16, 1998, to apply for the scholarships for which they qualify. Application deadline is 5 p.m., Jan. 16, 1998.