The 2013 Taste of Truman Has Been Cancelled

May 28, 2013

Dear Taste of Truman Registrant/Potential Participant:

It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you of the cancellation of this year’s A Taste of Truman due to lack of enrollment.  We have seen a gradual decrease in the program’s enrollment over the last few years, and this year’s enrollment is too low to provide the critical mass of student-faculty interaction we feel is needed for a good experience.  Out of respect to the faculty who need to make decisions on course preparation, and due to the costliness of preparing a program with such uncertain numbers, we have decided it is best not to extend the registration deadline any further.

Those who have paid fees to the program already will receive a prompt refund.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

We started A Taste of Truman in 2010 in the hope that it would grow to resemble several other “Mini College” experiences taking place around the country, or even expand to resemble something similar to the Elderhostel/Exploritas programs for retirees.  We were very enthusiastic about the love and devotion numerous return participants showed for the program over its three-year run.  For me, it was one of the notable highlights of the year. 

This will not be the end of our alumni-focused programming.  In the future we will continue to strive to find alternatives that meet the needs of our alumni for continuing education, professional development, and enrichment.  It may even be possible that a Taste of Truman-like program reemerges some day in a reconfigured fashion.  I welcome your feedback and thoughts toward that end.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office.  Once again, my apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Sincerely,

Kevin M. Minch, Director

The Truman Institute

If you are an alumnus who yearns to recapture a few days of the college experience, a teacher in need of some classroom enrichment ideas and continuing education, or a member of the community seeking a sampling of the liberal arts experience that Truman is known for, then we think you'll love the Taste of Truman.  It's an inexpensive way to capture (or recapture!) a little of the college experience.  What's best of all is that there isn't a single exam or paper to write!

What is It?

The Taste of Truman is an opportunity for lifelong learners to attend short lectures by some of Truman's greatest professors.  Many of the faculty who teach in the Taste of Truman program have received one of Truman's three top teaching or advising honors:  The Allen Fellowship (honoring those who have greatly contributed to the life of the University and its students), the Teacher of the Year Award, or the Lee Advising Award.  All of the faculty are recognized by alumni and current students as being among the most dynamic teachers on campus.

Participants have the opportunity to choose one out of two Extended Courses that meet twice, for a total of six hours, designed for more intensive examination of subjects that don't fit very nicely into a shorter lecture.

Additionally, participants select four Great Lectures from a set of eight (two during each time block) to attend over the course of the weekend.  Each great lecture lasts slightly under 90 minutes and focuses on a topic both near and dear to the professor lecturing as well as of interest to a general audience.  Topics each year range from science to humanities and from art to astronomy.  There is a little bit of everything to sample at a Taste of Truman.

Who Can I Contact for More Information?

For more information, or to request a printed registration form, contact Jana Morton in the Truman Institute at (660) 785-5406 or e-mail jmorton@truman.edu.  Mail inquiries may be addressed to:

The Truman Institute

110 Baldwin Hall

Truman State University

100 E. Normal Ave.

Kirksville, MO  63501

This Event is Co-Sponsored by the Kirksville Tourism Division

http://www.visitkirksville.com