Marilyn Gibbons accepts her honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from President Troy Paino during commencement ceremonies Dec. 14. Gibbons is only the fifth person in the University’s history to be awarded an honorary degree and is believed to be the first individual to have devoted 50 years of service to the University. She started working in the Registrar’s Office in 1963 and officially retired Dec. 31, 2013. During her years of service, she worked under 10 of the University’s 16 presidents.
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Interdisciplinary Grant Opens Door for Surprise Opportunity
Shelley Washington (’13, ’14) and Josh Reinhardt (’14)
Many students fill their summers with Netflix, work, vacations and internships, but theatre and creative writing major Josh Reinhardt (’14) and graduate student of music education, Shelley Washington (’13,’14), spent their 2013 summer going through the unique process of writing a musical.
Reinhardt and Washington were chosen as part of a research project that was proposed by David Charles Goyette, assistant professor of theatre, and Charles Gran, associate professor of music. Goyette and Gran chose to apply for an Interdisciplinary Community Grant from the Office of Student Research in order to mentor students in the creation of a new musical. The two professors had collaborated on numerous projects in the past where Gran would compose music for shows that Goyette was either writing or directing.
Both Reinhardt and Washington noted that they had not considered writing for musical theatre before this opportunity came along.
“Without the grant, I don’t know if I would have set out to do this on my own,” Washington said. “There isn’t a big culture of musical theatre in the music department. Usually majors are composing opera or choral pieces.”
Reinhardt echoed Washington’s sentiments, noting that he had taken playwriting courses and had written a few of his own works, but that none of his experiences ventured into the realm of musical theatre.
But after a summer of creative collaboration and a semester of workshops and revisions, Reinhardt and Washington have created “Better Off Dead,” a one-act musical based on the play, “Is He Dead?” by Mark Twain. The play follows a fictionalized version of famous painter Jean-Francois Millet as he fakes his own death to increase the value of his paintings. Reinhardt noted that changes were made to the original piece in order to make a musical adaptation possible, including changing the setting from Paris to New Orleans. Washington was excited to work with a style of music familiar to her.
“I grew up in a pretty musical family and I latched on to jazz at a pretty early age,” Washington said. “I was already familiar with the music of New Orleans through zydeco programs on NPR that I listen to with my family.”
Both students attested that although the eight-week summer writing period was intense, it taught them new lessons about collaborating with experts in different disciplines. Since the original grant period, the musical has taken quite a journey. Last August, excerpts of the show were performed at the Summer Research Symposium before a full workshop performance of the show in Baldwin Auditorium at the end of September. The musical duo teamed up again at the end of the semester to present excerpts from the show at Washington’s master’s composition recital, and prospective students witnessed portions of the show performed at the Truman showcase in January.
Before applying for this grant, Reinhardt was planning on applying for internships in literary management and graduate school for playwriting, and Washington was planning on pursuing a career in elementary music education. However, they both now believe this grant opportunity has encouraged them to consider a different path, as they are applying to musical theatre writing and composition programs in addition to their other pursuits.
In keeping with the nature of the Interdisciplinary Community Grant’s dedication to creating a transformative experience, Reinhardt reflected that his work on the show has influenced his perspective.
“I learned how to put all the pieces of the project together in ways that I wouldn’t have previously.” Reinhardt said. “I learned an approach to writing that comes from more than one direction.”
Truman Media Network Unveils New Website
Earlier this year, the Truman Media Network (TMN) debuted a new website that serves as the collaborative hub for all student media outlets.
The site is the product of a continued effort between the Index, TMN Television, KTRM 88.7 the Edge and Detours Magazine to share resources and offer educational opportunities in digital convergence of media.
Marilyn Yaquinto, associate professor of communication and chair of the Student Media Board, notes the website is an important step in creating student media that is effective and relevant. She feels the collaboration of different media outlets allows a wider range of journalistic experiences, reflecting the multi-media approach of today’s media marketplace.
“Before, students had to choose just one platform to tell a story,” Yaquinto said. “Now that we have this hub, students are becoming excited about telling stories using whichever technology is best-suited for the situation.”
All student media outlets now meet on a weekly basis in order to minimize overlap between news presented, effectively creating an avenue for a greater quantity of engaging media.
If it is any indication, people have started to take notice as TMN outlets have brought home a number of awards already this year.
The Missouri College Media Association (MCMA) named the Index Best in State at its 2014 conference in Kirksville. MCMA is the state organization for student print media and is affiliated with the Missouri Press Association. Truman hosted the conference since Index editor-in-chief Emily Battmer has been the MCMA president for the past year. Twenty Missouri schools and 150 participants gathered on Truman’s campus for the conference. Wall Street Journal editor and Truman alumnus Nate Becker delivered the conference keynote. In addition to receiving MCMA’s top honor, the paper and its staff received numerous awards for writing, photography and design.
TMN members also faired well at the Missouri Broadcast Educators Association (MBEA) conference this spring. MBEA only acknowledges first place and honorable mention recipients, which for Truman included awards in the categories of audio news feature, audio station promo, video news story, video sports show and multi-media.
Truman Media Network’s new website can be found at tmn.truman.edu.
News Briefs
• Brent Buckner, professor of biology, received the 2014 Excellence in Education Award from the American Society of Plant Biologists for his commitment to innovative teaching and high-quality mentoring, along with his engagement in funded projects that reach far beyond the University. He was commended for his impressive record of working with undergraduate students on meaningful research projects leading to mutual publications, as well as placing students into excellent graduate and professional programs.
• Robert B. Graber, professor emeritus of anthropology, served as guest editor for a special issue of the higher education journal On the Horizon. It can be found online at emeraldinsight.com.
• Jesse Krebs, associate professor of clarinet, performed Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 with the Kansas City Symphony (Jan. 22-26) at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts.
• Chad Montgomery, associate professor of biology, has been selected as the new director of the Office of Student Research. He succeeds Michael Goggin, professor of physics, who served as the interim director during the past year. The OSR serves as a central resource for student research, scholarship and creative activities at Truman and works to promote, facilitate, highlight and assess faculty-mentored student research across all disciplines.
• Troy Paino was recognized as the “most devoted” university president by the website NerdScholar. In February, in honor of Presidents Day, the site compiled a list of personable presidents. The site is dedicated to helping students find the right school for them.
• Truman’s MLK Day of Service was recognized in the January edition of Missouri Campus Compact (Vol. 5, No. 2).
Newsmakers
Gerald “Shag” Grossnickle (’38), Ben Pitney (’55), Shane Cavanah (’64, ’67), John Bailey (’86) and Bob Roberts (’87) were all inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in December 2012.
Gene Bartow (’52) was inducted into the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Hall of Fame in June 2013. Bartow, who passed away in January 2012, gained notoriety as he coached six universities in 34 seasons and won 674 games while making 12 trips to the NCAA Tournament.
Marthlu Bledsoe (’61) and her Peace Corps group, Philippines II, were honored with the 2012 Peace Award from the Small Book Publishers for their book, “Answering Kennedy’s Challenge.”
Richard Daut (’78, ’81) was named the Nevada (Mo.) R-5 2013 Teacher of the Year.
Mary (Rhodes) Russell (’80) was elected as Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court by her colleagues and began serving a two-year term July 1, 2013. Russell was also named the 2013 Truman Alumna of the Year and was honored during Homecoming festivities in October.
Larry Lunsford (’81, ’83) began a two-year term as Rotary International director July 1, 2013. He will serve on the administration committee of the RI Board. He will also serve as a member of the audit committee, the liaison director to the communications committee, and on two joint board/trustee committees.
Denise Howard (’82) received the Dixon Ticonderoga Award for Exceptional Merit at the 2013 CPSA International Exhibition for her artwork entitled “Tree of Character.” The award is one of the most prominent in the annual show and comes with a $1,000 cash prize.
Lisa Janis (’92) was named National Childcare Teacher of the Year by the Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation for her project “Using Music and Movement to Show Our True Colors.” Janis is an early childhood educator in the Lindbergh School District.
Alan Kramer (’92) was named the assistant dean of students at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Ga. He began his duties July 1, 2013.
Jennifer (Mueller) Naddeo (’95, ’96) was appointed to the Education of Children with Disabilities Advisory Council by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn in October.
Kerry (Lipman) Hayes (’96, ’97) received the Ft. Zumwalt East Educator of the Year Award.
Tyson Ketchum (’96) was named to the Kansas City Business Journal’s “Best of the Bar” list of outstanding Kansas City lawyers chosen by their peers. He has been included on the list every year since 2008. Ketchum is a member of the litigation practice group for Armstrong Teasdale. He is licensed to practice law in state and federal courts in Missouri and Kansas as well as in the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Molly Hastings (’97) received the 2013 Lon O. Hocker Award from the Missouri Bar. The awards are made annually by the Missouri Bar Foundation to young lawyers who have demonstrated unusual proficiency in the art of trial advocacy. Three lawyers are selected each year, one each from St. Louis, Kansas City and outstate Missouri. Hastings is a public defender in Kansas City. In September, she was featured on ABC’s “20/20” for her defense work in a Jackson County murder case.
Erin (Winfrey) Stark (’99) served as a Mom Tester on “Good Morning America.” She and two other mothers tested products and offered their reviews. Her segment can be seen at gma.yahoo.com/video/gma-mom-testers-review-spring-080000070.html.
Ken Hussey (’01) was included on Jefferson City Magazine’s “Ones to Watch” list for 2013. Hussey is the community relations director of the Jefferson City Area YMCA and the state director for the Missouri YMCA Youth in Government Program.
Dominic Armstrong (’02), a tenor, made his New York Philharmonic debut Nov. 22 when he was invited to take over a lead role at the Lincoln Center. Performing on short notice, the New York Times noted Armstrong “sang the demanding solo role with assurance, stamina and subtlety.”
Nikki Walton (formerly Alicia Lee) (’05) was featured on the Sept. 12, 2013, episode of “The Dr. Oz Show.” Her segment can be seen at doctoroz.com/episode/mirror-mirror.
Jessica Mayo (’06) was recognized as one of the “Up & Coming Lawyers” by Missouri Lawyers Weekly. In 2012, Mayo co-founded the Migrant and Immigrant Community Action (MICA) Project, a community organization committed to working with low-income immigrants to overcome barriers to justice. She currently serves as co-director of the organization, working with clients from immigrant communities throughout St. Louis, southern Illinois and southeastern Missouri.
Amy (Schweizer) Guthrie (’07, ’09) received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award, presented by the Missouri Community College Association, is given to the top community college teachers in the state. Guthrie teaches at North Central Missouri College.
Sara Kurovski (’07) was elected mayor of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, in November. She is the youngest mayor in the city’s history and the first woman to be elected to the position.
Danna Kelly Herrick (’09), a former member of the cross country team, finished 21st in the women’s division of the ING New York City Marathon, Nov. 3. She ran the course in 2:44.19.
Emily Davis (’12) began a two-year Brethren Volunteer Service assignment in November. She will work with Midwives in Haiti in Hince, Haiti. Midwives for Haiti offers education and training in prenatal care and skilled birth assistance to Haitian nurses.
Ashley Elder (’12) was selected as a “PR Champion” by the Council of Public Relations Firms (CPRF). The group of champions are recognized as young stars within their firms and have demonstrated an early track record of success. “PR Champions” must be nominated by a respective firm, and if selected, asked to answer questions about working in the public relations industry. Elder, who works for The Vandiver Group out of St. Louis, is one of only two featured champions from Missouri.
Study Abroad Course Exposes Students to Ancient and Contemporary Cultures
Mark Appold, far left, with students, pictured from left to right, Jordyn Williams, Samantha Wickam, Grace Curtright, Sierra Horton, Jane Rademacher, Katie Shannon, Caitlin McGrath and Brandon Bolte at the Roman Coliseum.
Six weeks of intense learning and diverse experiences took place in summer 2013 for eight Truman students who participated in the East Meets West study abroad program led by Mark Appold, associate professor of philosophy and religion.
Students traveled through Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel and the West Bank with time spent at ancient and modern sites. The study abroad trip also included two weeks of hands-on excavation work at Biblical Bethsaida, once a capital city in the Iron Age, but a small fishing village at the time of Jesus and home to five of his disciples. Truman is a member of the Bethsaida Consortium.
While in Israel, students lived in a Jewish kibbutz and on weekends visited historic sites from the Sea of Galilee to the Mediterranean and south along the Jordan River to the Dead Sea.
Students spent four days in the Palestinian West Bank, followed by a four-day stay in a pilgrim house in Old Jerusalem. While traveling to Rome, Naples, Athens, Corinth, Istanbul, ancient Ephesus and other places, students gained insight and critical understanding of political, religious and cultural differences and ongoing efforts at conflict resolution.
The study abroad course carried six credit hours and involved preparatory meetings, reading assignments, book reports, diary and research paper.
Truman students have the opportunity to study abroad in more than 50 countries. For more information, check out studyabroad.truman.edu.
KTRM Offers Live Streaming Capabilities
KTRM can now be lived streamed on smartphones. Through the Truman application on the iPhone and Android, KTRM now offers live streaming, which is newly improved for easier connecting and listening.
To connect to KTRM’s live streaming, visit streaming.truman.edu:8000/ktrm. Another way to connect with KTRM is through a smartphone app called “TuneIn.” This application offers live streaming of KTRM and other local radio shows.
Stay connected with everything on-campus through the Truman Media Network at tmn.truman.edu. The Truman Media Network provides links to The Index, News 36, KTRM and Detours magazine. Additionally, alumni might be interested in Harry, the new bi-annual journal highlighting research and innovation, produced by the Truman Institute and available at institute.truman.edu/harry.asp.
Increase in New Students at Truman
Truman began the fall 2013 semester with an increase in new student enrollment compared to last year’s class. In August, the University welcomed to campus a new freshmen class that included 1,330 students, an increase of nearly four percent compared to last year. The incoming freshmen touted an average ACT of just over 27 and high school GPA of 3.77. More than 80 percent of the students came from Missouri, with the remainder hailing from 23 additional states and 18 foreign countries. A majority of the transfer students, nearly 60 percent, came from two-year colleges, most of which are located in Missouri.
Commencement Speakers
Family Day 2013
