Randy Smith, professor emeritus of music, created the Dr. Randall A. Smith Saxophone Scholarship in October 2024 with a gift of $50,000.

For his career he served as professor of music, running a successful saxophone studio while also teaching music courses. His greatest impact was in Music Analysis I – the foundational music theory class where all first-year majors learned musical concepts and were also introduced to college life, Truman’s campus and the Kirksville community. This scholarship, for undergraduate or graduate music majors, continues Smith’s decades of dedication to Truman students.

Anthony Ray Hinton

Ambassador “Sully” Sullenberger

The Holman Family Distinguished Speaker Series was named for Squire Paul and Meeda (Daniel) Holman by their children to honor their parents’ long association with Truman and is funded through an endowment with the Truman State University Foundation.

In March, Anthony Ray Hinton, author of “The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row,” spoke about the power of hope. In 1985, Hinton was arrested and charged with two counts of capital murder in Alabama. Sentenced to death, he spent the next three decades in prison. With the help of civil rights attorney and best-selling author Bryan Stevenson, Hinton won his release in 2015.

In April, Ambassador “Sully” Sullenberger, captain of US Airways Flight 1549, spoke in Baldwin Hall Auditorium. Sullenberger became internationally renowned on Jan. 15, 2009, when he and his crew guided their disabled jetliner to an emergency water landing in New York City’s frigid Hudson River during what has been called the “Miracle on the Hudson.” All 155 aboard survived. Sullenberger and his crew received international acclaim for their actions, including the passage of a Congressional resolution recognizing their bravery.

By the Numbers:

Total raised
$123,181

Total Donors
287

First-time Donors
60

Unique Funds Supported
87

The Annual Day of Giving was held in celebration of National Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day, April 21. Matching donations from alumni and friends doubled the impact for many funds.

Athletics – Support of Athletics provides student scholarships, offsets recruitment costs, allows for purchasing new equipment and much more. Mark (’97) and Jill (’98) Schell generously provided a $25,000 gift to match donations to Bulldog Athletic funds. A total of $50,690 was raised. Go Dogs!

Investing in Students – Nearly $150,000 from the Investing in Students Fund has been awarded to students who have faced financial hardship over the last decade. Monica Foster, a generous friend of the University, provided $10,000 in matching support to help Truman students who need it most. A total of $20,390 was raised to assist future students.

Truman Visit Program Fund – The Truman Visit Program Fund was established by Doug (’94) and Diane (’95) Villhard to provide access and opportunity for capable high school students who might not have the funds needed to travel to Truman to participate in a campus visit. The fund is used to help get prospective students to campus to see what the “Truman Experience” is all about. The Villhards provided $10,000 in matching funds, and a total of $20,815 was raised.

Foundation Board of Directors Match – Truman’s Foundation Board of Directors provided $12,800 in matching support. The match provided special incentives for first-time donors with a $100 matching gift to the fund of the donor’s choice. During the Day of Giving, more than 180 donors gave to 18 different funds because of the Foundation Board’s special incentive.

Calaneet Balas

The Foundation Celebration took place April 5, honoring the impact alumni and friends of the University have on the campus community.

In conjunction with the evening’s events, the 50th anniversary of the Gen. John J. Pershing Scholarship was celebrated as well. Several alumni and friends were recognized for their philanthropy during the last year as new members of Truman’s prestigious giving societies. Those in attendance heard from students, watched a sneak-peek performance from “Peter and the Starcatcher” by Truman’s Theatre Department and heard about the impact of private gifts to the University community. The Honorable Ann Covington received the President’s Leadership Award for her years of generosity, and Mastercard was given the Distinguished Corporation/Foundation Award in recognition of their long-standing partnership with Truman.

For a full listing of all of Truman’s giving societies, go to truman.edu/giving/societies.

Dale and Shari Schenewerk

Susan and Rob Scheurer, Carol and Dave Rector, and Scott Ellis

Koelle and Rita Barbour, Kelly and Arthur Freeland

Jared Sacquitne-Darrington

Lauren and Bret Gramlich with Suejeong “Jay” Hwang

Melba Bowen, Bill Lovegreen and Nettie Carpente

Bob Dager, Marilyn Romine and Kevin Kuebler

Amanda Gioia and President Sue Thomas

The Baldwin Hall Auditorium Seat Naming Campaign offers the chance to name a seat for yourself or dedicate one in honor/memory of a loved one.

Baldwin Hall Auditorium has been an integral part of the campus and Kirksville communities since the 1950s. As the largest performance space in the area, every student who comes to Truman steps foot in there at least once. From convocation during Truman Week, lip sync competitions for Greek Week, SAB comedians or lyceum shows and speakers, the auditorium is full of milestone events and memorable moments. Gifts to the Baldwin Hall Auditorium Fund will help Truman continue bringing world-class performances and educational experiences to the stage.

For more information about the campaign, go to truman.edu/baldwinseats.