Again, I really appreciate the advice offered here. I'm having my LBS rebuild the wheel with Double Taper spokes, recycling the hub and the rim. They say it will be done early next week.
I hate being without my bike though... and I still want to learn how to build a wheel, so I'm going to go about my reading and research and begin accumulating the bits I need to build a generator hub for the front wheel. I hope to use the equipment and expertise in the campus bicycle co-op, thus eliminating the necessity to purchase a truing stand right now.
Once again, thank you for your help!
Aeneas