It’s no secret that the Truman State University campus is absolutely beautiful with unique gardens that remind us of the wonders of nature. One of these places, the Gaber Clock Garden, provided the perfect setting for an event on Earth Day which is celebrated around the world on April 22. Special events in the Truman community included the Gaber Clock Garden Celebration which welcomed the season’s pollinators, such as birds, bees, and butterflies including a black swallowtail butterfly that stopped by right on cue to sample the nectar from a rose verbena.

Located on the south end Magruder Hall, the Gaber Clock Garden may look like just another pretty garden to the casual passersby, but on closer observation, you will discover the story behind its name. Constructed in 2005 by Truman students, faculty, staff, and Kirksville community members, the garden is named for the generous alumni couple who funded its creation, Elsie (Kins) Gaber (’87) and Ron Gaber (’82). It was designed as a solar timepiece. On a sunny day, the tall gnomon in the center of the garden casts a shadow on the ground so you can deduce the approximate time of day.

This special place also serves as a Pollinator Garden which includes diverse plants selected to provide food for different types of pollinators throughout the growing season. “Emphasis is placed on including a large number of native species of plants,” says Anne Bergey, instructor of biology at Truman, who oversees the garden. “Pollinators are in trouble these days, and a garden like this not only provides a small oasis for them, but potentially also demonstrates that this type of garden can at the same time be a place of beauty and inspiration for people.”

The garden space also serves as an outdoor classroom, and everyone in the Truman’s community of engaged learners is invited to enjoy and be a part of this ongoing project. Ashley Henry, a Truman Leadership Scholar, worked with Bergey to coordinate the Earth Day Celebration. “I loved seeing people of all backgrounds enjoying the nature that has always been around them and taking time to enjoy and understand the importance of nature,” says Henry. “Professor Bergey and I shared information about pollinators, such as plants they need to survive (such as the milkweed for monarch caterpillars) and their importance to our ecosystem.”

Dozens of other students contributed in a variety of ways to the success of the Earth Day event, which provided an opportunity to share information on how we can provide quality habitat for other species even in an urban setting.

A Celebration of Student Research, Scholarly Activity and Creative Achievement

Whether it’s in the lab, in the studio or other opportunities outside the classroom, students at Truman State University like to dig deep and explore subjects that interest them through high-impact learning experiences such as research. At Truman, where one out of five students participates in research in any given year, the University’s annual Student Research Conference on April 14, 2015, provided the perfect opportunity for students to share their work with the campus community.

For the 2015 Student Research Conference, more than 400 students from across the University’s various disciplines participated in presentations that ranged from oral paper and performance sessions, to studio art displays, to poster sessions. From science experiments to photography portfolios, the day-long conference showcased scholarly work by students at all academic levels from freshman to graduate students.

Jefferson Hartig, a pre-med student from St. Louis who presented a poster highlighting his research on “Attitudes and Behaviors of College Students Regarding Caffeinated-Alcoholic Beverages,” found that his project allowed him to put the information he learned in his courses into action. It also brought to life the knowledge he has gained from his professors over the years. “One of the most important things I learned from this project was how invested our professors are in teaching their students,” says Hartig, who worked alongside Alicia Wodika, his faculty mentor and assistant professor, Health and Exercise Sciences. “She was always there to explain something I didn’t understand, and she helped me to refine my abilities as a researcher.”

Hartig, who plans to pursue a career as a pediatric physician, notes how important it is for people to know what they are consuming before they consume it.  “There are so many dangers associated with caffeinated-alcoholic beverages, and I fear that a good majority of Americans don’t know that,” says Hartig. He hopes the research experience he is gaining at Truman will lead to future research projects that could help save lives.

Participating students were mentored by dedicated teacher-scholars from all across campus who have helped Truman achieve a reputation as a national leader in experiential learning activities. Amber Johnson, professor of anthropology, finds it extremely rewarding to watch students grow in confidence as they enhance their skills while working on research projects. “Working with students on research projects is also a huge intellectual challenge ― for me as well as for them,” says Johnson. One of her biggest challenges is helping students figure out how to communicate clearly about their own ideas. “Once they can be very specific about what they want to learn, they are able to develop strategies for collecting data,” says Johnson. “Research design is hard ― the analysis is easy and a lot of fun.”

The guest speaker for the conference brought a familiar face back to campus as Dr. Jeffrey Osborn presented the Plenary Address, “Pollen: More Than Something to Sneeze At.” Osborn, who currently serves as dean of the School of Science and professor of biology at the College of New Jersey, has built an illustrious career working with undergraduate students in his research. Prior to his current position, he served as professor and chair of biology, as well as director of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program at Truman.

Photos from the 2015 Student Research Conference

In the latest Princeton Review book, “The Best Value Colleges: The 150 Best-Buy Schools and What It Takes to Get In,” Truman State University is recognized as the ninth best value public college in the nation.

“Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., a newcomer to the top 10 public universities, boasted the lowest tuition for out-of-state students, $12,968.”

— USA Today January 28, 2014

Watch the video below and hear Rob Franek, author of “Princeton Review’s Best Value Colleges” explain why Truman is “one of the gems” and a “smokin’ value.”

Then take a look around to find out why Truman is consistently ranked among the best universities in the country. Whatever your interest, there’s a place for you here.

“We know that cost is one of the driving forces for many families when they are making their college decision. Truman has relatively few equals when it comes to getting a quality education at an affordable price. We understand how important it is for students to get their degrees with as little debt as possible, and we do everything we can to make that happen for them.”

— Truman State University President Troy D. Paino