The Classics faculty were semi-finalists for the first-annual Department of the Year Award. Claire Drone-Silvers (a sophomore Classics and Linguistics major from Champaign, Illinois) nominated her Classics (i.e. Greek and Latin) professors for this recognition. This award as well as other teaching and advising awards were announced at the Academic Accolades Banquet on April 11^th. Pictured from left to right: Clifton Kreps, Claire Drone-Silvers, Bridget Thomas, Rebecca Harrison, and Alex Tetlak.

Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, will host a Spanish Poetry Slam on Wednesday, April 17th from 8-9:30 PM.  The slam will include poetry readings as well as karaoke, and prizes will be awarded for Best Recitation, Best Original Poem, and Best Karaoke Performance.  If you have questions or would like to participate, please contact Rachelle at rqw6174@truman.edu or tsusigmadeltapi@gmail.com.

Two organizations with close ties to the Classical and Modern Languages Department were recognized at the Leadership Recognition Awards of April 9, 2013. The 2013 Outstanding Small Organization President Award went to Norma Castro of H.A.L.O. (Hispanic American Leadership Organization), mentored by Prof. Sergio Escobar, and the 2013 Excellence in Diversity Organization Award went to Hablantes Unidos, mentored by Prof. Tom Capuano. Accepting the latter on behalf of Hablantes Unidos was Elise Keller, Spanish major and president of HU.

Over Christmas break, Dr. Sana Camara did an interview on Senegalese national TV about his work on popular Senegalese culture and literature. It has been posted online: Watch here.

“As a member of the Board of Governors for Truman State University, I can honestly say that my study of Latin has permitted me to be a more analytical and thorough member of the Board.  Latin teaches one how to think analytically, and it provides excellent insights into the workings of the English language.  I currently practice in the field of tax credits and banking where writing and communication are crucial skills, and the study of Latin has taught me how to use words and language for the benefit of my analyses and arguments.  In addition, the analytical skills one develops in translating difficult works into English are the same skills one uses to analyze court decisions and financial reports.  Good luck with your study!”   (Matthew Potter, JD, Truman 1996)

Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, will stage a production of Los Esclavos, a one-act play by Antonio Ballesteros. Performances will be held Friday, November 9th at 6:00pm in Georgian Room C; Sunday, November 11th at 2:00pm in Georgian Room A; and Monday, November 12th at 6:00pm in Georgian Rooms A & B.

Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, will host a presentation on el Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) with an altar and traditional foods on Monday, October 29th at 6:30pm in Violette Hall 1000.

Friday, Oct. 19, 11:00-11:55 am SUB 3203, by Matthew Potter, J.D., Truman alumnus and member of the Truman State University Board of Governors, on how his Truman education has helped him. Join us and bring your lunch if you want: 11:00 opportunity to chat informally; presentation at 11:30.

Did your foreign language professors enrich your academic experience at Truman and beyond? We would love to see you again and hear where in the world you have been lately. Get together with old classmates, network with other alums, sample international cuisine, and re-connect with your old professors. Please stop by our open house!

4-7 pm on Saturday, October 20 at the University Club, 516 E. Patterson St. (behind Ryle Hall)

Homecoming Schedule of Events for Alumni & Friends.