Fabulous Homecoming Celebration and October Board of Governors Meeting

Dear Colleagues:

I hope everyone had the opportunity to experience our fantastic Homecoming celebration.  The theme this year was “Truman!  Where Bulldogs Come to Win,” and did we ever!

From Monday’s Homecoming Kickoff throughout the entire weekend, Bulldog energy, pride, and enthusiasm were in full force.  Students, alumni, and honored guests enjoyed the purple-lined streets, celebrated our distinguished 2025 Dogs of Distinction, participated in the Homecoming Parade, which was grand marshaled by our esteemed alumna, The Honorable Mary Rhodes Russell, and cheered for our victorious Bulldogs during the football game.  An enormous thank you to all who played a part in making Homecoming such a spectacular event, in particular the Homecoming Committee, Union and Involvement Services, and the Office of Advancement.

As part of the Homecoming celebration, Truman had another significant win, with the celebration of the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Kirk Building, Senator Roy and Abby Blunt SKILLS Center, and Student Success Center.  Those in attendance had the opportunity to tour the newly remodeled facility, and we were graced with the presence of U.S. Senator Roy and Abby Blunt and Craig Berryman, our newly named inaugural director of the SKILLS Center.

In keeping with tradition, we were also pleased to welcome members of the Board of Governors, Foundation Board of Directors, and Alumni Association Board of Directors to campus for their annual October meetings.  Their steadfast teamwork and commitment ensure that Truman continues to play at the top of its game.

Governor Philip J. Christofferson, Chair of the Board, began the Board of Governors meeting by recognizing several members of the University community.  The Board presented a resolution of commendation to Alexis Peterson, president of Student Senate and a senior criminal justice studies and social issue advocacy double major and legal studies minor from St. Joseph, Missouri, in recognition of earning a National Championship in Impromptu Speaking at the Phi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament held on March 13-16, 2025.  The Board also presented resolutions of appreciation to Truman’s Higher Learning Commission Leadership Team, who worked tirelessly to assure reaccreditation.  Members of the team included chair Kevin Minch and members Nancy Asher, Kathryn Brammall, Dean DeCock, Eric Freedman, Tyana Lange, Christopher Maglio, Steve Parsons, Alexis Peterson, Jonathan Vieker, and Tim Walston.

Also, during the Board of Governors meeting, RubinBrown LLP accounting firm reviewed the draft of the University’s audit report.  I provided a President’s Report highlighting the exemplary efforts of many individuals, both on and off campus, to save the ROTC Bulldog Battalion from deactivation.  Charles Hunsaker, Associate Vice President for University Advancement; Calaneet Balas, President of the Foundation Board of Directors; and Dustin Carmack, President of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, shared updates on Advancement and the work of their respective boards’ activities.  The Board approved the Ryle Hall Masonry Repairs 2025 Project to address repairs needed on the northwest corner of the dining and lounge portion of the structure due to shifting stonework on the portico.  Finally, during their committee meetings, the Board reviewed financial reports, received updates on construction projects and equipment purchases, and received updates from academic affairs on five-year program reviews and personnel changes and student services in student engagement and marketing.

The complete open session agenda from the October 17 meeting can be found on the Board of Governors website, located at https://www.truman.edu/about/our-people/board-of-governors/board-of-governors-agendas/. The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Saturday, December 6.

Have a great second half of the semester, and thank you for making Truman the place where Bulldogs come to win!

All the best,
Sue