How do you pick the best school for your child's future?

The choices are myriad, and the costs are dizzying. You may be searching for the seemingly elusive: a school with high academic standing and affordable tuition. But that's exactly what Truman offers. Truman is recognized as a leading university because of its affordability and academic excellence.

A Serious Education
Truman moved up to the 26th rank in Kiplinger's "Top 100 Public Colleges," and not just because of its affordable tuition. Published in Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, February 2008, the scoring of the colleges and universities reflected an emphasis on academic strength, carrying more weight than cost (almost two-thirds the total).

There's no question why, with Truman's acclaimed core curriculum, small class sizes, outstanding pre-professional programs, and challenging honors program. The safe environment, along with professors who care, is ideal for any student seeking an Ivy League experience at a fraction of the cost.

No Mounds of Debt
With 59 percent of Truman's students graduating without an ounce of debt, Kiplinger took notice. The editors of Kiplinger explain their rankings: "Our rankings for the best public colleges deliver a first-rate education without breaking the bank," and Truman is no exception. This is made possible by abundant need-based financial aid and affordable tuition for both Missouri and out-of-state residents.

To learn more about financial aid packages, visit http://financialaid.truman.edu/.

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It's known as "The Toughest Job You'll Ever Love."

The Peace Corps—it demands sacrifices. But Truman students have figured out that the rewards outweigh the hardships. That's why Truman has 20 alumni currently serving in the Peace Corps. In fact, Truman ranks 25th among medium-sized schools producing Peace Corps volunteers!

Alumnus Kyle Gifford, class of '06, knew the Peace Corps was the right choice for him.

"One of the main reasons I joined PC," Kyle says, "was my desire to serve the world in a more global capacity, and I think Truman helped invoke this desire."

Building a Network
Currently stationed in Noyemberyan, Armenia, a small town of about 5,000, Kyle is working to develop a wireless network for the region. Since he left America in June 2006, he has been part of a 300 percent increase in wireless clients for the Peace Corps. His work has expanded to five new villages in the area.

Says Kyle, "I've learned that making a difference in the Peace Corps is done by appreciating and building upon little victories to make change happen."

All in the Little Things
Kyle knows there's more to his role than expanding technology.

He also works at the local schools with his three site mates, organizing English clubs and programs that include writing competitions and spelling bees. Kyle appreciates these small victories, even if it's just showing someone how to make American chili, because "they genuinely change the way people here think about Americans and give the volunteers a medium to expose the culture, problems, and history."

In Their Shoes
Kyle admits that leaving home is hard. He returns to America this coming August as a stronger person, with a new appreciation for government institutions that are still developing.

"As an American living overseas," says Kyle, "I have experienced being an outsider, and have learned to adapt to and appreciate the differences and similarities between our cultures. Plus, I never thought I could live without running water and hamburgers for this long!"

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"Hoop Diving," "In the High Chair," and "Chutes and Ladders": These are the acrobatic acts performed by the Peking Acrobats that captivated a sold-out Truman crowd. The Kohlenberg Lyceum Series kicked this semester into high gear with the acrobats' performance on February 16 in Baldwin Auditorium. Students, teachers, parents, and children were dazzled by seemingly impossible moves and tricks.

Junior Jessica Perkins echoes many students' sentiments about the performance: "It was definitely one of the coolest shows I've seen."

With each unique act, performers used ordinary objects to execute extraordinary stunts. One acrobat, for instance, balanced multiple glasses on her face while scaling a ladder that teetered on an uneven surface!

Since their creation in 1986, The Peking Acrobats have given countless electrifying performances. Relying on finely developed strength, flexibility, and control, the performers effortlessly flip between poles, do handstands on top of towering stacked chairs, spin tables on their feet, and lay on the tips of pointed swords! Lasting two hours, the show ended with the entire cast of performers climbing onto one everyday bike.

Every semester the Kohlenberg Lyceum Series brings outstanding events to Truman's campus. The Peking Acrobats show is just one of the many events to capture the attention of those at Truman. For information about future events and dates, visit http://lyceum.truman.edu/.

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"My year [of study abroad] was the single-most important year of my education," wrote popular novelist John Irving, "or perhaps more broadly, my growing up …"

No more is that true than it is for college students.

A study sponsored by the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) confirms that 96 percent of students who study abroad experience increased self-confidence; 98 percent better understand their own cultural values and biases; and, 80 percent experience an increased interest in academic study.

There are many opportunities for your Truman student to reap the benefits of studying abroad.

Expedition Lessons
One trans-continental trip happens only every three years: a small group of students travel to Egypt with Dr. Sara Orel, an Egyptologist and Truman professor. For two weeks, starting just before New Years, students live the Cairo culture—and earn a few credits in the process.

While there, the students are exposed to the city's long history.

"They get a good feel," says Dr. Orel, "for what Cairo has been like over the 5000 years that people have been living there."

Students go to museums, attend dance and vocal performances, visit pyramids, religious sites, and excavations, and study the Greek and Roman sites of Alexandria. During the trip, students keep a journal of everything they've experienced and learned.

It's not just history majors going on the trip.

Dr. Orel has made the journey with math majors, health and exercise science majors, art history majors—students across the board.

"I take anybody's application as serious as the rest of them," says Dr. Orel. "But you do need people who can handle weird food and try new things, like riding on camels."

And ride they did. To get to remote pyramids, students mounted camels for transportation. Outside the city limits, students were awe-struck by the desert landscape, ruins, and broken pieces of pottery, which sprinkled the sandy floor. History was alive—something to be experienced and not just read about.

Uncovering the passion and excitement of education is important to Dr. Orel: "I started this project because I like Egypt a great deal, and the whole point of this is that I can share it with students."

By tasting unfamiliar foods, engaging in conversations with locals, touching artifacts, and participating in cultural performances like belly dancing, students returned to Truman State University with an excitement for learning—and a better understanding of their place in the world.

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