Around the Quad at Truman State University

Parents Fund Computer Lab for Violette Hall
Thanks to the generosity of Truman parents, all Truman students will have on-campus access to multimedia computers by the end of the year. Truman parents con-tributed more than $51,000 to the 1998 Parents Council Project during Tel-Alumni. Student callers were particularly excited about this project, a new computer laboratory in Violette Hall with powerful new computers with CD-ROM's, large monitors and multimedia capabilities. The computer lab, complete with printers, will relieve traffic on the library computers and provide faster and easier access in a convenient location. Truman alumni also responded with enthusiastic support bringing the 1997-98 Tel-Alumni pledge total to just over $331,000. More than 8,000 alumni talked with student callers and made pledges to fund a variety of campus needs including student scholarships, loans for computers and study abroad, and cultural events on campus, including the Kohlenberg Lyceum Series.

Ma Recieves Academy's Outstanding
Scientist Achievement Award
Yinfa Ma, associate professor of chemistry at Truman since 1991, was awarded the Outstanding Scientist Achievement Award by the Missouri Academy of Science. Winners must demonstrate, within the last three years, an exemplary record as a scientist and teacher. Ma's research since 1995 has produced 17 publications involving 28 undergraduate students. His teaching abilities earned him the Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, Missouri's Professor of the Year Award, and Truman's Educator of the Year Award, all in 1996.

Professor is Pulitzer Prize Nominee
Jim Barnes, professor of comparative literature and writer-in-residence, has been nominated for the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. Barnes was named in the poetry category for his book, Paris, published by the University of Illinois Press. According to Heinz Woehlk, head of the Division of Language and Literature, the nomination alone is quite remarkable. For a writer, the Pulitzer Prize is comparable to an Oscar. "A Pulitzer nomination is not easy to come by. It is costly for a publisher to submit any book for consideration. Barnes' book was submitted to the Pulitzer Committee who, in turn, must decide if the work is worthy. "Others have also recognized Barnes for his work. In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, Paris was nominated for a National Book Award which further substantiates the quality of Barnes' effort," Woehlk said. Barnes began his tenure at Truman in 1970 and recognition of his talent and his contributions to the University have grown ever since. The author of hundreds of published poems, essays and short stories, Barnes is well-known as a teacher and scholar. He has been awarded many fellowships, including a Fulbright Award in 1993-94 to study in Switzerland. His autobiography, On Native Ground, was published by the University of Oklahoma Press last year and in June, it won the American Book Award in the category of autobiography from the Before Columbus Foundation (Berkeley, California). Barnes credits the University for his writing career. Barnes said, "I teach and I write. I write and I teach. I can't separate the two. If it hadn't been for the University I wouldn't write. I need the University - I hope the feeling is mutual." Along with his teaching responsibilities, Barnes serves as the founding editor for the Chariton Review, a literary journal established at Truman in 1975. Published twice a year, the Chariton Review also has gained national acclaim, earning the designation as one of "19 Magazines that Matter" in 1990 by Writer's Digest. "The Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award nominations are grand honors," President Jack Magruder said. "We are very proud of Jim and pleased to have such a talented person working with our students. He is very much a part of what makes Truman a special place to learn."

Board Approves Modest Tuition Increase, Elects Officers
The Truman State University Board of Governors approved a modest tuition increase at their Feb. 6 meeting on campus. Tuition for the 1998-99 academic year will be $3,408 for in-state students and $6,024 for out-of-state students. The Board also approved a 5 percent increase in room and board expense. In other action the Board elected officers for the upcoming year. Ruth Mach was elected president. Mach, of Clayton, Mo., is a 1958 Truman graduate. Dorothy Munch, a 1981 Truman graduate, was elected vice president and James K. Reinhard of Paris, Mo., was elected secretary.

Carnahan Names Neighbors to Board
Governor Mel Carnahan, with the approval of the Missouri Senate, appointed Jessica Neighbors as student representative to the Truman State University Board of Governors. A junior communications major, she is the daughter of Jolene Neighbors of Kirksville and Erwin Neighbors of Higbee, Mo. This two-year student position provides the Board with a student perspective. Neighbors succeeds Matthew Braun. "I'm very honored to have been selected for this position and am looking forward to working with the Board to improve the University," Neighbors said. Neighbors is a member of Student Senate, where she serves as junior representative and external affairs committee chair. She is also active as a student advisor, student ambassador, peer reader and member of Chi Alpha.

Moody Named Educator of the Year
Anne Moody, associate professor of chemistry, was announced as the 1998 Educator of the Year at an April 16 banquet. Moody began teaching at Truman in 1990. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She received her doctorate from Colorado State University. She was a Camille and Henry Dreyfus Teaching-Research Post-Doctoral Fellow at Davidson College. "I have the greatest job in the world! My task it to educate Truman's extremely talented students, as they explore who they are, develop their own perspectives on life, and lay the foundations of their personal and professional futures," Moody wrote in her essay to the Educator of the Year Committee. "While formally I teach organic chemistry, I hope that my students learn the connections of chemistry to their own lives as well as practical problem solving strategies to ensure their success in later endeavors. I hope that they are able to use this challenging material to expand their self-perception, to recognize the outer limits of what they can become in life," Moody wrote. Finalists for this year's award included Carol Cox, Kevin Easley, Warren Gooch, Susan La Grassa and Emmanuel Nnadozie. The Educator of the Year program was organized by Student Senate, Alpha Phi Sigma, Pershing Society and Phi Eta Sigma.

Crabb Receives Governor's Award
R. Paul Crabb, associate professor of music, was presented a 1997 Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. Crabb was one of 62 faculty from Missouri's public and independent colleges and universities receiving the award. Crabb joined the faculty at Truman in 1991. His duties include teaching graduate level classes and applied voice, and conducting several choral ensembles. Since his arrival, the University has observed an increase in the number of students participating in the choral/vocal program. Crabb has organized annual domestic tours for the past 13 years. He has performed with his choirs throughout the United States and in Mexico, Canada, Western Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe and Russia.

Gordon Appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs
Garry Gordon, associate professor of art and interim vice president for academic affairs, has been appointed vice president for academic affairs by President Jack Magruder. "I have confidence in Garry's ability to provide sound leadership for the academic program at Truman, and am delighted that persons campuswide share my view of Garry's commitment, past accomplishments, and potential," Magruder said. "I look forward to working with the University community and with Vice President Gordon in achieving the goals outlined in the Master Plan and in providing the finest possible educational experience for Truman students." Gordon joined Truman's faculty in 1980. He has been recognized for his teaching and advising through many accolades.

State Farm Offers Major Support
The State Farm Companies Foundation has announced it will provide $100,000 to Truman State University in support of educational technology for Violette Hall. The gift will assist with the purchase of a range of student-centered technology for Violette Hall, including computer hardware, classroom software to support enhanced lectures and collaborative projects, and videoconferencing facilities. More than 100 Truman alumni are employed with State Farm, and the University has enjoyed a positive recruiting relationship with State Farm for many years. "We are delighted that State Farm has funded the 'Revitalizing Violette' proposal. The technology supported by the gift will enhance student learning in the major, as well as beautifully support elements of the new Liberal Studies Program," said Dean Van Galen, chief advancement officer.

Pictured are: Judy Lundberg, director of grants and sponsored programs; Rich Montgomery, State Farm regional vice president; Robert Dager, head of the Division of Business and Accountancy; Ronald Roberts, State Farm public affairs manager; Dean Van Galen, chief advancement officer; President Jack Magruder; and Steve Walker, State Farm human resources manager.

USS Truman Commanding Officer Addresses Spring Graduates
United States Navy Captain Thomas G. Otterbein delivered the commencement address to more than 800 undergraduates and graduates on May 9. Otterbein is the commanding officer of the USS Harry S. Truman, stationed in Norfolk, Va. The USS Truman is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier with a crew of 6,000 and more than 70 aircraft. The Truman, which is named after the only Missourian to ever serve as president, will be commissioned July 25. Otterbein graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1970 and received his master's degree in 1971. Following flight training, he was designated a naval aviator in Feb. 1973 and has accumulated more than 4,100 flight hours and 450 carrier arrested landings in his career. He spoke to the graduates of the similarities between the excellence of the USS Truman and the caliber of excellence exhibited by Truman students. The graduating class is important to the future of the United States as they enter the work force.

A Standing Ovation for Die Fledermaus
The Fine Arts Division performed a spectacular production of Die Fledermaus as part of its 1997-98 season on February 12, 14, 15. All performances were in Baldwin Auditorium and admission was free to all. While the original opera by Johann Strauss was set in Vienna during the 1850s, one of the unique aspects of this production was its setting in the early 1930s. Another difference was that this production was an operetta instead of an opera. This allowed for spoken dialogue between songs. "What we did is almost indiscernible from a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. While the music is an operatic style, the structure is similar to that of a musical. It's a nice taste of opera without having to attend a serious opera - it's opera light," said Lee Orchard, associate professor of theatre. The production was a huge success. Students made the 1930s costumes out of taffeta, tulle and satin. The actors, including one woman who portrayed a man, delivered an entertaining performance of this uproariously funny tale of practical jokes and retribution. The production was a union of efforts from both the theatre and music programs. The merging of the two areas had a positive effect on the Die Fledermaus cast. Senior theatre major Andy Akaster, playing the role of Frosch, said, "The music students have a very strong work ethic; it was very encouraging for me to be around people that work hard at honing their craft." The production employed the services of nearly 75 students, including actors, musi-cians and technical crew. The outcome was a delightful evening of entertainment com-plete with a full orche- stra, a well-designed set, and student performances that received a standing ovation at each performance.

Truman's Radio Station Hits the Airwaves At 88.7 FM
Truman's student-run radio station hit the air waves Feb. 10 adding a new alternative to the FM dial. KTRM is broadcast on 88.7 FM. The college station calls itself "The Edge" and follows an alternative music format. KTRM is a full-service radio station providing information on campus news, events and sports while featuring music genres not played by any other station in the area. Music is broadcast everyday from 2 p.m. to midnight. KTRM has been broadcasting over cable radio at 102.1 FMca. It was and will still be available on television Channel 2 for students on campus and on television Channel 36 for anyone living off campus. The Edge hopes to attract students and the Kirksville community. The disc jockeys are students who play alternative songs from a variety of artists. In addition to the college alternative format there are also specialty shows. The specialty shows feature music unique to the format of other radio stations in the area like jazz, classical, hip-hop and disco. KTRM Kirksville is a non-commercial station. It serves Truman State University and Adair County. KTRM provides a request line at 660-785-5638 and a fax line at 660-785-7601.

Hill-Ardoin 1998 Executive-In- Residence
Priscilla Hill-Ardoin, president of Missouri's Southwestern Bell, was this year's Raymond F. Bentele/Mallinckrodt Executive-in-Residence. She visited Truman April 7 - 8. Hill-Ardoin was involved in discussions with students, in and out of the classroom. Emphasis was placed on examining how the executive handles challenges in a "real world" setting. The Executive-in-Residence program was established in 1994, through the support of the IMCERA Group, in honor of Raymond Bentele. Bentele, a 1960 graduate of Truman, was president and CEO of Mallinckrodt from 1981 until his retirement in 1992. As a result of interacting with executives-in-residence, students better understand the programmatic as well as the theoretical, and faculty members gain insights that enable them to remain current on issues in today's changing classroom environment. Prior to being appointed in October 1997 to her current position, Hill-Ardoin served as associated vice president - corporate services for Southwestern Bell's parent company, SBC Communications Inc., and as chairman of the board for the SBC Foundation, the company's philanthropic entity. In addition, she represented SBC in an Executive Exchange Program where she served on the International Operations Subcommittee of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives handling international telecommuni- cations issues. Before joining Southwestern Bell, she started the Communications Department at Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas. Hill-Ardoin is a native of Houston, and holds degrees from St. Louis University (juris doctorate), Washington University (master's of business administration), Purdue University (master of arts in communications), and Drury College (bachelor of arts in theatre arts).

Unger Retrospective Exhibit Planned
The William E. Unger Retrospective Exhibition will be held in the Truman State University Art Gallery from Sept. 21 through Oct. 25, 1998. It will be on display during Homecoming and Family Day in the hopes of accommodating persons who plan to attend from across the United States and Europe. A Truman Art Gallery reception-lecture, framed by chamber music, will open the exhibition on Saturday, Sept. 19. For more information about the exhibit and/or to make a donation to the William E. Unger Retrospective Fund, contact Dr. James A. Harmon, Baldwin Hall 118, 100 East Normal Street, Kirksville, MO 63501. Tel.: (660) 785-4087, Fax: (660) 785-7463, or via E-mail: fa44@truman.edu

Retirees Honored At Annual Service Recognition Banquet
Faculty and staff retiring in 1997-98 were honored at a banquet on March 31.

Pictured are: (front row) Gene Schneider (Physical Plant, 32 years); Opal Hoerrmann (Registrar's Office, 25 years); Ann Gibson (Student Union/Business Office, 31 years); Connie Holt Jones (Language & Literature, 31 years); Clifton Presley (Public Safety, 15 years); Delores Lesseig (Nursing, 17 years); Dale Martin (Social Science, 32 years); Nancy May Hulen (Library, 31 years). (back row) Keith Morton (Physical Plant, 31 years); Leon Devlin (Industrial Science/Computer Services, 26 years); Cecil Wright, Jr. (Physical Plant, 26 years); Jim LeCompte (Physical Plant, 11 years); John Bartling (Math & Computer Science, 31 years); Gordon Franke (Science, 30 years); Frank Williams (Physical Plant, 12 years); Bob Moncrief (Physical Plant, 9 years); Joe Flowers (Math & Computer Science, 29 years); Larry Boggs (Physical Plant, 25 years). Not pictured: Bill Capps (Physical Plant, 21 years); June Conner (Physical Plant, 17 years); Eleanor Ellebracht (Library, 30 years); Jerry Fox (Physical Plant, 22 years); Pete Goldman (Science, 25 years); J. Paul Hunt (Communication Disorders, 27 years); Thomas Lundberg (Industrial Science/University Center for Printing and Publications, 23 years); Joe Morton (Physical Plant, 26 years); Patty Petit (Physical Plant, 17 years); Linnea Ratcliff (Language & Literature, 28 years); and Robert Schnucker (Social Science and Thomas Jefferson University Press, 35 years). Dr. Schnucker retired with the most years. He has dedicated 35 years to the University as a social science faculty and as the director of the Thomas Jefferson University Press beginning in 1986.

Violette Hall continues to undergo construction. Faculty will move into their new offices during the latter part of the summer. Classes will be moved into the building when all cables and technical equipment are functioning as planned.

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