Good Times at Truman State University
We just returned from a great day at Truman State University, in Kirksville, Missouri where our son Paul began his university adventure in mid-August.
Paul was awarded a full academic scholarship to this unique public
university: one of the few in the country that has dedicated itself to
being a liberal arts university, with a strong focus on academics.
Proof? The Truman State University football team was crushed today, 48-0, by
Northwest Missouri State University. I was not aware there even was a
university in the northwestern part of Missouri. I'm pleased to be
involved with a university that places a premium on academics, not a
football program.
Mom was glowing, as only moms can do when they are with their sons. It was parents' day weekend and we enjoyed seeing Paul enjoying himself so much, and doing so well. He was happy to see us, proud to introduce us to his friends and show us where he goes and what he does. Boy, it sure brought back a lot of memories of the fun and excitement of college days for his mom and dad! We toured the campus, marveled at a very neat and clean dorm room, which no doubt it always so neat and clean, and enjoyed Paul showing us his progress in his classes, via some impressive online tracking tools the students have. We spent time in the thriving metropolis of Kirksville, Missouri: population 5,000, not counting the 5,500 or so people at the university.
Good times, indeed, thanks be to God.
Oh, yes, I finally was able to meet one of my favorite U.S. Presidents, Harry S. Truman. He seemed please to meet me. He could not wipe that big grin off his face.
Our daughter, Kimberly, graduated from Truman in 2000 with a marketing/communications degree. She received an excellent undergraduate education there and is now pursuing a MBA from Concordia, Mequon. I remember dreading the 6 hour drive from our home (Pecatonica, Il) to Kirksville. However, it was always a pleasure to see her and besides, that’s what parents do!
Blessings to your son.
As a graduate of Truman State University myself, I think that your son will have a great educational experience there as I did. Be sure he takes classes from the following people (I assume they are still there):
Dr. Adam Davis
Dr. Clifton Kreps
Dr. Rebecca Harrison
Good luck to him!
I loved Kirksville when I visited for an interview at the osteopathic college, which several family members attended. Missouri feels like home.
By the way, there’s 17,000 in the town, even though it so spread out and tree’d that it feels like less!
Congratulations!
My Mother graduated from Truman many years ago.(Actually before it was Truman, I think it was North East Missouri State.) My Grandfather, David March was a History Professor there also many years ago. Our family has a special love for that campus and Kirksville. As young children I and my brothers spent two weeks every other summer 3 blocks from campus. We would walk over to my G’father’s office and thought how cool teaching at a college would be. None of us attended there, but we were always proud of Mom’s Alma Mater.
In Christ
Pastor Adrian Piazza
Paul, my son, the Lutheran Pastor, and daughter in law also graduated from Truman State. They, in fact, began their studies at Northeast State for one year before it was changed to Truman State. The next time you are there look at the weather vane, which I believe is on the library, it is permanently welded to the NE
One of the other posts mentioned Dr. Adam Davis who turned out to be one of Joel’s favorite profs. I would suggest to your son Paul that he take at least one course under him.
Joel and Debbie worked at the writing lab which was a great experience for both of them.
Paul, nor you, will regret the Truman State education experience.
Bill Dieterichs