The Plan Behind the Man

How the Trulaske gift transforms business and accounting education at Mizzou's business school

Robert J. Trulaske, Sr., who passed away in September 2004, graduated from the University of Missouri in 1940 with a BS BA degree. He attributed his success in business to the education he earned at MU. Last October, Geraldine Trulaske paid tribute to her late husband and his love for his alma mater with the latest in a series of gifts that provide financial resources to transform our college’s educational programs, thereby greatly benefiting not only today’s students but also future generations of students.

Mini Mizzou led the crowd to a rousing finale at the naming announcement ceremony.

More than 600 people attended the presentation October 19 in Cornell Hall when Curator Don Walsworth, flanked by Chancellor Brady Deaton, Dean Bruce Walker, and Mrs. Trulaske’s son Rob Trulaske, announced that the college would now be known as the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr., College of Business. See a slide show and video of the announcement at http://business.missouri.edu/naming.

The business school is just the second academic division at MU to receive named status. Based on ranking lists in U.S. News & World Report and other sources, approximately 75 percent of top-tier business schools are named.

The recent and future gifts from Mrs. Trulaske (the amount remains undisclosed at the wishes of the Trulaske family) will be used to advance the college’s priorities as contained in its strategic plan. A comprehensive planning process in 2004-05 identified 11 strategic priorities for the college.

Among the areas that will receive immediate support from the Trulaske gift are diversity, doctoral programs, professional development, and quality learning.

An early start on the path to success

Funds earmarked for professional development will help the college provide students with an array of outside-the-classroom activities that will enhance their knowledge, but especially the values and skills that are prerequisites for success in the business world.

Mary Beth Marrs, assistant dean for undergraduate programs and strategic initiatives, says the professional development program will also provide students with individual assessments to determine which competencies they need to attain.

Students visit Edward Jones as part of the Field Trip Friday program.

“Many colleges have bits and pieces of professional development, but we’ll be unique in our comprehensive approach to it,” says Dr. Marrs. Eventually, all students will be required to take a professional development course. Each student will select options from a menu of activities – including workshops, internships, mentoring and others.

Engaging high school students

The infusion of support will also launch a new summer enrichment program targeted to minority high school students. “If we can get sophomores and juniors in high school engaged while they’re still considering college options, it should attract even more qualified students to Mizzou and hopefully to the Trulaske College of Business,” says Sue Yun, coordinator for the college’s student diversity program.

Once enrolled at MU, minority students can benefit from the Vasey Academy. Annually, this program exposes about 60 minority students to business career possibilities by providing enhanced learning opportunities and access to professional role models.

Supporting the highest of higher education

Students who decide to pursue PhD degrees in business often have to assume a heavy debt load for the additional years of coursework. Mrs. Trulaske’s gift will allow the college to increase the financial support for its doctoral students, virtually all of whom will become professors in business schools.

Individualized learning

Quality learning is another strategic priority that will benefit from Mrs. Trulaske’s generosity. Quality learning means tailoring instruction to the full spectrum of students’ academic needs and interests. The gift will fund mentors, workshops, and boot camps to facilitate individualized learning opportunities.

“I am extremely pleased that our college will be forever associated with Robert Trulaske, Sr., because he was a very successful, ethical, and caring business owner in Missouri,” says Dean Bruce Walker. “Now, with the generosity of Geraldine Trulaske, our efforts to advance the college’s strategic priorities and to become one of the top 20 public business schools in the nation can move forward ambitiously and rapidly.”