Teaching junior high kids can be challenging. Teaching them computational thinking is a herculean task. But following months of preparation and research, one Truman academic club cut the Gordian knot—they developed a method to help teens learn some of the basics of computer science. At the OurCS conference at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, TWiCS (Tru-Women in Computer Science) presented the paper "Telephone: Phylogenetics Unplugged."

The Project
According to Jon Beck, associate professor of computer science and TWiCS mentor, the paper was designed to be a chapter in a book. "An academic group in New Zealand published a resource book for teachers called Computer Science Unplugged. It's designed to teach computational thinking to K-12 students," says Beck. Each chapter is a module that teaches one concept, based around an activity using objects like post-it notes or ping-pong balls.

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National leaders in Washington, D.C., should possess honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic. But according to Mark Grider, a Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General, these attributes hinge upon an often overlooked quality: humility.

"Working in Washington, D.C. is a great honor," he says. "You need to constantly remind yourself that you're privileged to be in your position, and being a leader is about serving others."

A Notable Career
When you have a resume like Mark Grider's ('95), you would think humility would run short. But Grider possesses the rare combination of modesty and an impressive professional record. Currently, Grider works at the Department of Justice as the Executive Director of the Intellectual Property Task Force and advises the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General on computer crime and intellectual property matters. Additionally, he serves as Special Counsel on Health Care Fraud.

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Loyal fans who attended OKGo's December 7 performance at Truman were not disappointed. And for those of us who have never been exposed to OkGo's genre of music, we were impressed. The group was funny, related to the crowd well, and rocked out the stage and the floor.

When OkGo took the stage, we weren't sure where to focus our attention. Smoke covered the stage, and the projection screen background flashed shapes, pictures, and colors that both confused and excited us. Then the band members came on the stage, complete in esoteric outfits. Two of the members were in suits, and two were wearing cabby hats and thick glasses. Somehow, it worked for them.

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When a Truman freshman sends in a housing application, that student isn't just dealing with chance, dumb luck, or blue-sky dreaming that he or she will get the housing preferences requested. There is a system: first come, first served. So hurry, because all freshmen (with very few exceptions), are required to live in a university residence hall for their first year at Truman.

Live Where You Want To
Roommate requests, as well as specific building preferences, are granted on a timely basis. "Applying early for housing allows students to submit their preferences earlier, and increases the chances of getting their top choices!" says Andrea O'Brien, Director of Resident Life at Truman.

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