The
eorgetonian G
April 17, 2013 l Volume CXXXIII Issue 10
Last Chapel honors Pres. Crouch Students expressed thanks and shared memories at the last convocation of the semester.
By MEGHAN ALESSI News Editor Students, staff and faculty gathered in the John L. Hill Chapel Tuesday morning to share “Last Chapel,” a studentled convocation, with President William H. Crouch as he approaches his retirement. Students had the ability to thank him for all he has done for the college in his 22 years as president. Students spoke on behalf of several campus
groups, including the Global Scholars, Equine Scholars, First Tee Scholars, President’s Ambassadors and Bishop Scholars. The Joyful Noise Gospel Choir also performed. Jose Baeza read Scripture and gave the invocation and Sam Gilbert presented Crouch with a bundle of letters written by the Bishop Scholars. Mrs. Crouch was also given a bouquet of orange roses by the President’s Ambassadors. President Crouch received a
framed resolution of appreciation, presented by SGA President Megan Norris, who said, “We wish Dr. and Mrs. Crouch the best into this next step of their lives. They have touched the lives of many in our community and in the words of Jake Masters this morning, ‘they have showed each of us what true love really is.. not just between people but within a family.’”
Source: Paul Atkinson
President William H. Crouch and Mrs. Crouch pose with current SGA President Megan Norris.
SGA presidential election ensues
By CAITLIN KNOX Editor-in-Chief
There are ve candidates running for president of GC’s Student Government Association (SGA). The election will take place this April 22-24, where students can vote via the online voting booth on my.georgetowncollege.edu. There will be an SGA House meeting this Thursday, April 18 at 11 a.m. in Asher 112. During this meeting, the presidential candidates as well as Executive Council candidates will talk about themselves and their reasons for seeking ofce. There are three sophomores
running for President—Allie White, Katherine Roy and Adam Wetherington—in addition to juniors Daniel Chick and Tevin Lloyd. The current president is sophomore Megan Norris. The term lasts a full school year, from the fall to spring semester. I asked some of the candidates why they were running for ofce, and here were their responses: “Since James Koeppe mentioned that I should run for SGA president, ideas to improve this college community have consumed my thoughts. There are multiple reasons why I decided to run for SGA President, but the most
substantial reason is simply that I have pride for my school. I want to see this campus become the best it can be and what better place to help that cause than student government?” –Allie White
“As the school is making some major changes, I think that this is the best time to run for this position, as now more than ever, there is the potential for positive changes within the school. I want to represent the student body to the administration honestly and realistically with the intention of solidifying a proactive relationship between the students and administration, while working
to maintain and raise morale.” –Katherine Roy I’m running for SGA President because I think that SGA hasn’t quite reached its full potential yet. I’ve wanted to be SGA President ever since I’ve been at Georgetown and Student Government is something that I’m very passionate about. Having transferred from UofL and witnessed their remarkable SGA, I have many great ideas that I would love to implement in order to benet all students. –Adam Wetherington “While the parking spot is denitely a nice, ashy perk, I’m running for SGA Presi-
dent because I care about the future of this amazing college—a place for which we all, despite its shortcomings, have a deep admiration. I believe, should I have the privilege of being elected president, that I will be the strong executive leader that Georgetown students deserve.” –Daniel Chick There has been a new use of social media for this election, as some of the candidates have been encouraging votes through Facebook. There are pages like “Allie White for SGA President,” and Adam Wetherington’s cover picture that reads, “Vote Adam Wetherington for SGA President.”
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Global
Headlines Sponsored by the Global Scholars Program
n Dual bomb blasts killed three and injured over 175 more at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Officials still aren’t sure if the terror act was domestic or foreign. n Despite being seen as a haven in a tough economy, gold prices have fallen around 30 percent since its record high in September 2011. n The strongest earthquake in 40 years rocked the border of Iran and Pakistan. It could be felt as far away as New Delhi, India. n The world begins to worry about the spread of a new bird flu virus, H7N9. Some carriers of virus have been asymptomatic. n The Dubai police add a Lamborghini Aventura to their patrol cars. The Aventura speed tops out at 212 mph. n Hugo Chavez’s handpicked successor won a narrow victory in Venezuela’s presidential vote, but his opponent questioned the results and demanded a recount.
Follow Global Scholars on Twitter! @GCGlobalScholar
News
The Georgetonian
A message from the Non-Discrimination Work Group
You probably know that gay rights have been in the national news, but you might not know that they are an issue on our own campus. Georgetown College protects students who identify as LGBT but not faculty or staff. We want to help x this problem. If you support gay rights on campus, please read on to learn more about us. The Non-Discrimination Work Group is comprised of students, faculty and staff who care about and work for fairness, diversity and equality in our campus community. Although the College does not actively discriminate against gay faculty and staff, it provides no formal policy against such discrimination, unlike protection policies on many other college and university campuses. We love Georgetown College and believe that the college cares about and supports all of its faculty and staff. That is why we think the college should change its faculty non-discrimination policy. As you may know, last year the faculty proposed to the Board of Trustees a new non-discrimination policy for faculty inclusive of gender and sexual orientation, but the Board did not
approve the change. We have written a letter asking the Board to reconsider. A number of student groups have already signed the letter. If your group agrees with us, we would welcome its support as well. If your group does not, as an organization, support the letter, you are welcome to show your support as an individual. Here are the highlights from the NDWG’s letter to the Board: •There is no federal or Kentucky law that protects against anti-gay discrimination, and although four Kentucky towns have local non-discrimination laws, Georgetown does not. This leaves LGBT faculty subject to dismissal at any time, regardless of tenure. We think we should work to change the law, but until that happens, we should change our campus policies. •Georgetown College cares about diversity and has a Diversity Committee to “identify critical diversity issues” on campus. We think this is just such an issue. •Surveys show that our campus and our state already support non-discrimination. Last year, the majority of Georgetown faculty and students sur-
veyed thought that accepting gay faculty was appropriate to our Christian mission. In 2010, 83 percent of Kentuckians favored protecting gender and sexual orientation from discrimination, and all of Kentucky’s Fortune 500 companies as well as its top 25 manufacturers/support rms already do this. Non-discrimination is good for business, the state and our college. Gay rights are still controversial, and some might say they have no place at a Christian college, yet many Christian denominations accept gay members, gay clergy, gay bishops and even gay marriage: http://bit.ly/eR2wln. Georgetown is already a place where most people care about, respect and even love their gay neighbors. Ask the Board of Trustees to align our policies with our practices by providing explicit protection for faculty that is in alignment with the protection already in place for students. Groups and individuals can view the entire letter to the Board and show their support by signing the letter at http:// www. change.org/petitions/gc-non-discrimination. Press Release
Non-Discrimination Week: some upcoming events! Thursday, April 18 Take Back the Night 9 p.m. on the steps of Giddings A march and rally event aimed at drawing attention to and directing action against rape and other forms of sexual violence against women and men internationally.
Follow @GCNonDisc to stay updated!
Friday, April 19 Day of Silence 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. (Campuswide) Breaking the Silence 5:00 p.m. (Outside the Grille) Day of Silence is a national youth movement bringing attention to the silence faced by the LGBT community and their allies. Participants choose to enact deliberate silence in order to echo silence caused by mistreatment.
Friday, April 26 Rally 2:30 p.m. A peaceful gathering of students, faculty, and staff showing Committee Members of the Board of Trustees our support for the recommended changes to the Non-Discrimination Policy. Silent Disco 8:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m. Ending the silence with a musical celebration.
Issue 10
News
April 17, 2013 Page 3
Food for Kids sponsored by SOC 118 still taking supplies
By RACHAEL YOUNG Staff Writer
One of the greatest things our students take pride in here at Georgetown is our commitment to service. Obviously, going to a college with such deep roots in the Christian faith, all students are encouraged to serve one another both on and off campus and to give of ourselves for the good of the greater community. A great number of our students are passionate about lling the needs of others and there are quite a few ways in which our campus shows support and love for people in need. One such group on campus has grown from a service learning course to a functioning project serving children in our local community. The SOC 118 service learning class, taught by Dr. Cribbs, has taken upon themselves a challenge to grow outside the classroom to provide food for underprivileged children during the weekends. Kati Knight, Whitney Gaines, Brittany Baker and Marcela Correa have started up this program that they hope can con-
tinue into the next school year through the help of others in their class and the campus as a whole. The Food for Kids program they have started partners with the Royal Springs Middle School backpacking program. The backpack program provides students three meals a day plus snacks on the weekends. This program is for students to receive full meals on the weekends as most of these kids would probably not have meals to eat otherwise. The food donations, after being collected and divided for the middle school students, are placed discretely in the students’ lockers every Friday for them to take home and enjoy. Interested in helping out? Looking for a way to get rid of those 200 Tiger dollars you’ve been hoarding till the end of the semester? Kati Knight, one of the program facilitators has this to say, “We would love more help! Students, faculty and staff can bring in all kinds of non-perishable foods! Pop-tarts, canned goods, granola bars, canned or juiced fruits and veggies, shells and
cheese and raviolis. Those kinds of items are generally what they are looking to send home so they won’t spoil.” Any items that students can donate can be dropped off to the Sociology house located next to the Student Wellness Center on HollyThe Georgetonian/ KATI WILSON hock behind the Donations are being accepted at the Sociology House. AGD house. Gently used clothing would also be appreciated as the Tiger dollars to good use or visit Walschool is also hosting a clothing drive Mart or our lovely new Kroger Marketfor the children who may not be able place and pick up some much needed to go out and buy new clothes as they food items! Help our awesome fellow grow! Tigers make a difference in the lives of Remember as Miss Joe hands you children in our community! Hats off to your lunch today with that huge smile everyone involved in this program here on her face, there is someone out there, on campus as they answer the call to maybe quite nearby, not so lucky. So serve the needs of others! head over to the C Store and put those
Georgetown Baptist to hold annual Bishop Revival By LEANNDRA PADGETT Staff Writer Next week (April 22-25), the Bishop Revival will take place at Georgetown Baptist Church. This annual event commemorates the partnership between Georgetown College and Bishop College, a Texas institution with a strong ministerial program which closed in 1988.
Through the Bishop Scholars Program, students who are recommended by or descended from Bishop alumni receive a scholarship to Georgetown and “help add to the rich Bishop history” and memorialize the college (georgetowncollege.edu). The revival next week will “be a time of worshipping and supporting the efforts of keeping Bishop College alive in an African-American style worship
service,” according to Robbi Barber, Associate Director of the Ofce of Diversity. The theme of the week is Journey of Leadership: Inspiring Unity focusing on the Scripture Ephesians 4:3. Speakers include Monday: Dr. Crouch; Tuesday: Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, Pastor of Eastern Star Church, Indianapolis, Ind.; Wednesday: Dr. Sheila Bailey, Founder of Sheila B Ministries, Dallas, Texas; Thursday: Dr. Stephen
Thurston, Pastor of New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, Chicago, Ill. The speakers (other than Dr. Crouch) are all graduates of Bishop College. In addition to a meaningful worship experience, each service provides NEXUS credit. Services start at 7:00 p.m. and last until about 9:00 p.m. each night. Come to a service and take part in this inspiring tradition!
Sports
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The Georgetonian
Jackie Robinson remembered By ERIC BALMER Staff Writer There may not be a more inuential, inspirational and brave person to have played the game of baseball than Jackie Robinson. From the moment he stepped onto a major league
eld in 1947, Robinson faced many hardships but did what most thought was the impossible and broke the Major League Baseball color barrier. Robinson was abused by harsh words and racial slurs from opposing fans, and even some players on as his team
Softball Senior Day By ERIC BALMER Staff Writer After four years of playing ball at Georgetown College, the seniors celebrated with a victorious double-header. Last Saturday, the women of the Tiger’s softball team managed to win both of their games on their Senior Day against University of Pikeville. GC shutout Pikeville 4-0, and exed their muscles on offense in the second game, beating the Bears 10-2. The seniors that were celebrated on this day were Madelyn Brown, Hillary Plain, Mallory Johnson and Katie Mann. These players were an essential part of Georgetown’s success, as they recorded 10 of the 22 hits. In the rst game, the Tigers were dominate on both offense and defense. Mann and Plain both hit homeruns (Mann’s was a three-run blast). Kayla Williams had a shutout performance and six strikeouts. In game two, Katie Mann was the starting pitcher and
was also able to pick up the win. Mann had a great game, as she only gave up three hits, eight strikeouts and two runs in ve innings. Seniors of next year also showed their skills. Taylor Shaw went 4-for-5 in the second game and scored a run, while Chelsea Riney went 3-for-5, scoring two runs. Georgetown coach Thomas Thornton thought though this day was full of emotions, his players made the plays they needed to. “Senior day is always tough. Emotions are high and this one was no different. I think we made the defensive plays we needed to and nally settled down at the plate in game one. After that home run by Katie we were ready to roll for game two” (georgetowncollegeathletics.com). GC with the two wins improved their record to an overall record of 27-11, and a 17-11 Mid-South Conference record. The Tigers next play is against Campbellsville University (29-11, 17-3) on Tuesday.
refused to play by his side. On the eld, the treatment of him by his opponents was brutal at times. In one particular game against the Cardinals, he was on the receiving end of a seveninch gash. Not all the players in the Majors hated him though, and there were people who genuinely cared for and looked after Jackie. His manager, Leo Durocher, was on record saying that he didn’t care what color his players were; what was most important was how they played. He said that if one of his players had a problem with him playing Robinson, they could leave. If breaking the color barrier was the only signicant milestone that Robinson achieved
in his ten years in the major leagues, he would have been a success, but his stats were just as impressive. During his time playing in MLB, he had a .311 batting average, 1,518 hits, 734 RBIs, 197 stolen bases, as well as six All-star appearances and a World Series victory. Oh, and by the way, Jackie Robinson is a rst ballot hall-of-famer. On Monday, April 15, Major League teams around the nation celebrated the life and baseball career of the great Jackie Robinson. In fact, April 15 is National Jackie Robinson Day. The day is actually the same day that Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947. He played for the Brooklyn Dodgers in the number 42, which
is now a league-wide retired number. Recently, “42” was released in theatres in memory of Jackie Robinson. The movie is the life story, historic signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers and sports career of the man who courageously wore the number 42. Robinson strove to make a difference in people’s lives. “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives” (Jackie Robinson). He truly had an enormous impact on people in his day, and he will without question be on the minds and hearts of fans for many years.
Baseball
W. 8-1 vs. Blueeld
Apr. 19. vs. UPike 6:00 p.m.
Softball
W. 10-2 vs. UPike
Apr. 20. vs. Union 1:00 p.m.
Men’s Tennis
L. 2-7 vs. Campbellsville
Apr. 19. vs MSC Tourney
Women’s Tennis
L. 4-5 vs. Campbellsville
Apr. 19. vs MSC Tourney
Sports
Issue 7
GC Baseball pull off away series sweep
By CAMERON NIXON Staff Writer
The men’s baseball team continues their trek through the mid-south and the NAIA in general with another sweep of a conference opponent. After losing to Union College on the road 8-18 on April 9, the Tigers played three great games at Blueeld College winning them all. Their record now sits at 28-14 overall, 15-6 in the mid-south conference. Against Union, the Tigers had a two-run lead to start in the rst inning, but Union took control in the second and fourth without ever relinquishing it. They scored in the second, fourth, sixth and seventh innings to put the game
away early. Ryan Serrato and David Higuera both had good games, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and 2-for-5 with one RBI respectfully. The rst and second games against Blueeld went to extra innings. The Tigers won 8-6 in 10 innings in the rst game, and 12-10 in 11 innings in the second. Down by three runs in the top of the eighth, the Tigers scored twice and then once in the ninth to force the extra innings in the rst game. They scored twice more in the 10th inning to win. The second game played out similarly to the rst, with the two teams battling for the lead, except for this time the Tigers were up at the top of the eighth. Blueeld’s Rams scored
two at the bottom of the eighth and extra innings were needed after a scoreless ninth inning. After scoring two in the 11th inning, Chris Villabolos put the game away, winning his second game of the season. In the nal game, Blueeld scored in the bottom of the rst and then never again. The Tigers scored in the top of the third and went the distance to beat the Rams 8-1.
Staff Writer The Tigers’ women’s tennis team sits well in the midsouth, with a 5-2 record within the conference. The men have struggled, at 2-4, within the conference. Overall, the women are 13-6 and the men are 6-12. This weekend, both teams faced Campbellsville University at home. The women lost 5-4 and the men lost 7-2 against Campbellsville’s own Tigers. Both Campbellsville teams are ranked within the top 25 in the coaches’ poll.
The men’s tennis team won two out of three matches in doubles, as Gustavo Echeverria and Ryne Least beat a Campbellsville group 9-8 and Ross Phelps and Zach Thomas won 8-6 as well. The men’s team didn’t fare so well in singles, losing every match against No. 16 ranked Campbellsville. The women played a bit closer against Campbellsville’s No. 19 ranked women’s team. They found themselves down 2-1 after doubles, with senior Haley Hart and freshman Kelly Swanson getting the lone win. In singles the tigers made it
S E N I O R
Source: www.georgetowncollegeathletics.com
S P O T L I G H T
Senior shortstop Tanner Baldwin plays on the GC Baseball Team. Hometown: Lexington, Ky Position: Shortstop Favorite memory from playing at GC: Just hanging out with
. my teammates on and off the eld and the friendships I have made with them while playing here. Plans after GC: Work with my great aunt at Equus
Men/Women’s Tennis drop match to CU By CAMERON NIXON
April 17, 2013 Page 5
interesting as Kelly Swanson, Shelby Eden and Jacqueline Otis each won. Shelby Eden dominated, winning all 12 of her sets. All of the women’s losses in the mid-south this year come from teams in the coaches poll. The men’s and women’s teams will both play in the quarternals on Friday the mid-south conference tournament. The men will play on the road against an unannounced team while the women will host a quarternal game here at Georgetown.
Standardbred Inc.
Hall of Fame Class of 2013 Georgetown College athletics is pleased to announce the 2013 Athletic Hall of Fame Class. John Owen, Kent Garret, Jim Carty, Jessica Leonard and Elizabeth Brown McHale are the individuals being inducted on May 18 at the Thomas & King Conference & Leadership Center. The 1989 women’s basketball team will also be inducted and Bob Tripure will be honored as the distinguished alumnae. Milton “Shorty” Price Award for Service to Athletics will be Jessica Greathouse and Claudia Costello. Rick Crawford Award for Philanthropy is Robert N. Wilson. Brad Davis Award for Game Administration is Billy Perkins. Donna Hawkins Coaching for Signi cance Award g oes t o B ryan J ohnson.
Source: www.georgetowncollegeathletics.com
Features
Page 6
The Georgetonian
Student teaching offers hands-on experience By EVAN HARRELL Features Editor Most seniors take nal capstone courses their last semester, some spend months in preparation for oral examinations and still others complete various projects like art shows or an internship. There is, however, another subset of students who fulll those requirements and work eight-to-ve, ve days a week. Student teachers spend one of their last two semesters at various schools in and around Scott County experiencing teaching in a very authentic fashion. As soon as these seniors come back to campus, they spend a week of seminar in preparation for the student teaching experience, gathering materials, rening methods and asking last-minute questions. This year, these students are: Nicole Armes, Chelsea Chafn, LeRon Collier, Autumn Eckler, Christina Marti, Morgan Taylor, Ben Thompson, Rachael Castillo, Ethan Daiker, Allie Englert, Evan Harrell, Mason Head, Van Isaac, Ann-Marie Miracle, Rebekah Moore and Breanna Stratton. The student teachers then spend 14 weeks in one or two schools (depending on their certication) not only shadowing teachers but also taking on responsibilities leading up to one or two solo weeks in which they perform all the duties of a certied teacher, including planning for and teaching all classes. They are expected to arrive at the school and leave at the same time as the teacher and attend faculty meetings. The student teachers are also required to plan
and fulll a leadership project at the school in which they are placed. Education professor Carol Williams is in charge of placing the student teachers in their schools. She had this to say about the experience, “Here at Georgetown College, our education students accrue 200 eld placement hours prior to the student teaching semester. These eld placement experiences help to create a climate where pre-service teachers can experience teaching in a variety of settings, focusing on positive strategies, activities, tips and tools that prepare them for the student teaching semester and ultimately their careers. Having this springboard into student teaching prepares our students to be able to create order out of chaos; by modeling selfmotivation and self-discipline, they manage the most difcult day with skill and grace, while coping with the ever changing pedagogy.” Add on the workload of preparing for capstone presentations, orals or a senior recital and it is amazing these students still have a social life. Allie Englert is an English education major; she says, “Although I’m thankful for the experience and I’ve learned more than I can say, I would be lying if I didn’t admit that it is a challenging experience. Student teaching limits your time on campus and, consequently, limits your interaction with fellow students and faculty members. Still, student teaching allows potential teachers the opportunity to gain classroom experience prior to beginning a teaching career. I’m certain that the lessons I’ve learned from my
cooperating teacher and time sibilities. For now, I am learn- to six lesson plans including prespent with students in the class- ing to do as all teachers must: assessment and post-assessment room will prove invaluable in Choose your battles.” data and an analysis of that years to come.” When asked how she man- information. Rachael Castillo, also an aged to still be involved, history While some seniors may English education major, said, education major Breanna Strat- have mentally checked out of “At the risk of alienating other ton says, “I had everything their last semester, these stuseniors whose senior compre- planned out beforehand. I only dents are truly working until the hensives are undoubtedly chal- brought home what I needed end, but for those who feel edulenging and time-consuming, I and left the rest at school. I cation is their true vocation, it must admit that student teach- made sure that I had fun my is just part of the journey. As ing poses unique challenges, last semester of college instead Professor Williams says, “The particularly for secondary edu- of being stressed out.” student teaching semester procation students, who also have Throughout the experience, vides the day-to-day, hour-tosenior comprehensive exams in they have been compiling a stu- hour reality of what it means to their respective elds. Second- dent teaching portfolio they will make a difference in the life of ary education students complete defend to two education profes- a child and afrms that teaching our majors a semester early to sors. The portfolio will then be is not a job, it is a calling.” This allow for student teaching, and reviewed a committee compris- semester’s student teachers will our last semester of college, ing area teachers and adminis- be presenting their portfolios we essentially work a full-time trators. It will contain essential next week beginning Monday. job. Student teaching requires 35 documents such as a resume, a Their nal ofcial day of student hours a week in class, plus a min- philosophy of education, a pro- teaching is Friday, May 3. imum of ve hours after school fessional growth plan, a classeach week and time spent grad- room management plan and a ing papers and lesson planning teacher work sample with four at home. We do this while preparing for senior comprehensives in our majors, trying to stay connected on campus and, for some of us, writing senior theses. That said, I maintain that student teaching is the single most exhausting but also exciting and exhilarating project I have ever taken on. I only wish I had the time and energy to devote The Georgetonian/EVAN HARRELL sufcient effort The sun sets beautifully on the Ensor Learning Resource Center. to all my respon-
Features
Issue 10
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Ashleigh Barker By LEANNDRA PADGETT
Quote My Georgetown Professor “What a nice day we have today. It’s the first day you didn’t have to get up, kill a bear, and wrap its steaming carcass around your body for heat. Summertime: I love it.”
Staff Writer Ashleigh Morgan Barker is a woman of many talents and interests. Once you get to know her, you are inspired by her convictions and entertained by her humor. Ashleigh is a psychology and religion double major. After graduating in May, she plans to eventually continue her schooling. How that looks is uncertain; she may go to graduate school for psychology or enroll in a seminary such as the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky. In the long run, she can see herself doing counselling, and those who have spent time around her can attest to her good listening skills and sound judgment that would aid in the profession. Ashleigh has been heavily involved in religious life and social justice issues during her time at Georgetown. She has been a part of Common Ground (formerly known as Campus Ministry) since her freshman year. Among other involvement, she has served as a Freshman Family Group parent, Common Ground (now Rooted) worship planning team and theology reading group. This year she serves as the Common Ground ministry team leader. She was also the treasurer for the Student Abolitionist Movement for a year and a half. Appropriately, her favorite memory from her time on campus involves a SAM event. She participated in Occupy Georgetown for Fair Trade, a weekend long event in which students, faculty and staff camped out on Giddings Lawn and gave speeches about
April 17, 2013 Page 7
Dr. Coke
“Free radicals are evil! They are like serial rapists! They will stop at nothing to deflower a molecule.” Dr. Knapp
Posted on the “Quote My Georgetown Professor” Facebook group Source: Ashleigh Barker
Ashleigh is a psychology and religion double major who loves llamas and cats. She is also very involved with Common Ground and the Student Abolitionist Movement. human trafcking and modern day slavery. The protest was after the style of the Occupy Wall Street movement and involved sleeping in tents in the middle of campus with a campre and informative posters. It was a successful event which was both fun and exciting as well as inspiring and educational. Like many other GC students, Ashleigh chose Georgetown because she wanted a small school and felt really comfortable on the campus. “All the people that I met,” she remembers, “faculty, students were really welcoming.” Her advice to future Tigers? “Get to know your professors really well. Some of my professors have become some of my greatest friends and, of course, mentors.” Also, she advises students not to spread themselves too thinly. Though “there are a lot of great things to get involved with… pick
Georgetown Tree Huggers
one thing and get really involved with it” she wisely suggests. That way you can be more committed to what you are doing. Ashleigh has also served as an admissions tour guide, sang in the choir and chorale (with an amazingly beautiful voice) and won GAC BINGO. She is learning to play mandolin and has a fantastic collection of coffee mugs. Given any superpower, she would want to be able to teleport. She used to want to read minds, but perhaps her studies in psychology have shown her what a dangerous power that would be. Ashleigh is from Raceland, Ky. (near Ashland) and wants to travel anywhere there are beautiful mountains. She has a younger brother and really loves both llamas and cats.
The Georgetonian/COLLIN SMITH
This week’s Tree Hugger is senior Meredith Cave.
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ArtskEntertainment
The Georgetonian
The Plastic Trigger: “Violence, the interactive medium and the goal to stay objective” By AUSTIN CONWAY Staff Writer The shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last December stands as one of the worst tragedies of this young decade. Despite all certainties and absolutes concerning the matter, I remain perplexed by a factor that seems to not only linger but endure. My qualms lay with the emotional reaction to the tragedy, particularly how it has affected both individuals and larger collectives. Of course this event was traumatizing. We as a nation, and as human beings, have every right to our various emotional responses, be they sobering fear or paralyzing grief. The emotional response I take issue with, however, is anger, more specically the vehicle and target of said anger. Anger as an emotion isn’t unjust, yet I worry it is misdirected.
In light of this terrible incident people have begun pointing ngers and casting blame, looking to nd a potential source for the pain and suffering that has been caused. In tragedies past, the usual suspect would most certainly be gun violence and the discourse that would follow would most certainly surround that hot topic. In an impressive display of blame passing, the National Rie Association has opted to reshape the narrative, shifting the blame from guns to our entertainment. In a statement issued shortly after the shooting, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre insisted that “video games kill people,” believing fully that “there exists in this country, sadly, a callous, corrupt and corrupting shadow industry that sells and stows violence against its own people, through vicious, violent video games with names like ‘Bulletstorm,’ ‘Grand Theft Auto,’ ‘Mortal Kombat’ and ‘Splat-
terhouse.’” Of course it is also worth noting that shortly after LaPierre’s statements the NRA released a shooterstyle mobile game on the iTunes apps store, allowing individuals who play the game to use up to nine different guns, including the M9 or the AK-47. Don’t worry, though; the appropriate age the NRA suggests is four and up. It isn’t just the NRA that is attempting to directly link video games to violence, as Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) demonstrated recently when discussing the matter on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” Elaborating on her stance, she expressed that video games exist as some kind of “simulator” which one uses to “practice” on, stating that “It enables the individual to become much more familiar with that depiction of death and blood” thus adding to a kind of desensitization. The senator from California is not the only elected ofcial to take a similar stance. In fact, Sen. Jay
Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) had introduced a bill into Congress that would study violent video games and the impact that they have on children. Interestingly enough, Vice President Joe Biden was tasked with leading an initiative that looked at both causes and effects of gun violence, and one of his responsibilities had him meeting with representatives from the video game industry. Given the nature of things, I must be completely honest. Experiences this medium offers can be very violent. The truth of the matter is violence is popular. The greatest selling annual title is Activision’s “Call of Duty;” a series that witnessed its last entry selling 7.4 million units in its rst month. Likewise, on average the most prominent and successful genre is the First Person Shooter, a genre that xes the the viewpoint of the camera behind the barrel of the weapon equipped. Regardless of how “intense” such a genre might sound, let’s not ignore the fact that “The Hunger Games,” a lm that centers on children killing other children, was one of the biggest hits of the year. Personally, I do not feel the need to defend violence in the interactive medium because frankly it isn’t exclusive to just the interactive medium. In this regard, only the greatest of hypocrites will castigate one for the sins of all. Perhaps one of the largest issues still lies with how the medium is perceived by the masses. While I don’t want to play the “They don’t understand because they’re old” card, I can’t but help acknowledge a difference in
Issue 10
ArtskEntertainment
April 17, 2013 Page 9
understanding among individuals who are largely detached from the world of interactive entertainment. Existing still is a misconception that “video games” are very much toys. Opinion of the medium aside, one thing that we should all agree on is the fact that such content requires a level of respect that the masses have yet to put upon it. Diversity in content and context is something that this medium continues to do rather well, ranging from classic experiences that still allow us to play a plumber hopping on turtle shells to fourth wall breaking, third-person
shooters that question why we even play such games. Things have changed. And although I would admit the violence is at times great, I would not forfeit that it is mindless. For every study I could reference that has disproven a link between violence and entertainment I am sure someone could counter with a study that nds a correlation. Ultimately, both sides of the argument can utilize their respected numbers. But when dealing with the human psyche one simply can’t throw numbers up as absolutes. No other motivation or inuence has
been actively pursued as the cause more than the interactive medium. No one seems to place much signicance in the fact that Adam Lanza’s mother was the one who reportedly took him to gun ranges in the rst place or the fact that he exhibited odd personality characteristics long before that day in December. Answers aren’t always easy to come by. But we must start by asking the right questions. Largely blame has shifted. The NRA nds itself desperately trying to preserve real guns at the expense of the digital ones. I can’t but help wonder,
however, in the quest to uphold the Second Amendent, can one really justify the sacrice of the First? Developers are storytellers. And the discs used to store their work come to life on television and lm screens across the world. Digital gun or no, it is still art. In a world so eager to point ngers, perhaps we need to step back and pay more attention to who is pointing the ngers and why people nd themselves so eager to blame an artist’s creation on a screen, rather than the person actually holding the gun.
By COREY HOWELL
Soprano Dawn Dailey performed “We Need to Hear from You” with a beautiful accompaniment on piano by her mother Tanya Dailey. Dawn’s performance was light and lovely, with a softness that, when necessary, gave way to a voice emanating with powerful assurance. Fellow sopranos Wes Moses, Nikita Taggart and Stella Hundley, also performed. Wes’s rendition of “I Surrender All” was a surprise to all who had not had the pleasure of hearing him perform before. Standing at well over 6 feet, Wes’s high pitched soprano, almost falsetto, resounded with power but remained tender, reecting the song’s message. Hundley and Taggart both denoted a shift from gospel to opera. Performing “The Ballad of Baby Doe” and “Se tu m’ami, se sospiri” respectively, the two ladies displayed absolutely stunning classical voices, making the incredibly difcult songs seem effortless even when singing in a foreign language. The student solos nished with a performance of “Ave Maria” by baritone Shakir Mackey. A denite contrast to the
high sopranos of those that had preceded him, Mackey’s deep and booming voice displayed immense condence and command while displaying a gentleness necessary for the prayer-like Photo Source: Corey Howell nature of the “Joyful Noise” Choir perform under director Landen A. song. Wilson. After two more brilliant ensembles led by director ning, men and women in the audience Landen Wilson and Georgetown stu- sang along, clapped, danced in and out dent Sam Gilbert Wilson introduced of their seats, whooped and hollered the nal act of the evening—a return and most of all praised Jesus. At the performance from renowned baritone, start of the evening, Georgetown StuKeith Dean. The imposing Dean lled dents Natalie Hymer and Mary Bishop the room with his deep and booming read aloud from Psalm 34 and said that voice, feeling the music and the words through prayer and through song, the go through him. The singer’s undeni- group hoped they would be able to do able charisma grabbed onto the room at least a little something to aid those and held tight, the audience enraptured struggling in the world today. And if by his gorgeous serenade. the joy the choir brought to the John L. The power of the voices of the Joyful Hill Chapel audience is any indication, Noise choir and the words they sang they did just that. were undeniable. Throughout the eve-
Georgetown Students bring “Joyful Noise” to adoring audience
Arts and Entertainment Editor There were little introductions given during last night’s Spring Concert. But, as choir adviser Mrs. Robbi J. Barber said, the choir needs little introduction. Last night, April 15, the Joyful Noise choir let their voices speak for themselves. Led by choir director and musician Landen A. Wilson, the Joyful Noise choir, a group of sixteen Georgetown College students (along with musical accompaniment by students Wes Smith and Flint McCallum), performed a plethora of different songs, ranging from gospel to opera. Apart from wonderful group performances of songs such as “Hallelujah to the Lamb” and “Chasing After You” (led by the extremely talented and soulful voices of brothers DaVon and Deandre Pitts, also the director of the show) in which the group’s voices blended brilliantly into one joyous whole, the night also featured many solo performances by a number of immensely talented student singers.
Opinion
Page 10
The
The Georgetonian
Georgetonian Student comments on Greek Banquet
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By LEANNDRA PADGETT Contributing Writer The Greek Banquet is an insult to Independents. That sounds a bit harsh. The concept is ne; I’ve got nothing against organizations eating, celebrating or recognizing each other together and it’s kind of nice for them all to be uniting for an event rather than ghting or being rivals or whatever the alternative is. The offense lies in the way the rest of campus was treated while the Greeks were enjoying their feast. The Caf was closed and the alternative “meal” was unacceptable. We were warned; signs had been posted the week before and an email was sent to all students which read “Tigers, Please remember the cafeteria will be used for Greek Banquet tonight. For those not attending, dinner will be served in the WOW Grille. There will be a pasta buffet and salad. Cash EQ will also be available from 4:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.” Well, many on campus did not have the option of “attending” the banquet and being warned did not make dinner any more satisfying. I went to the Grille for dinner on Sunday night and found Styrofoam plates and two items of food. There was a penne bake and spaghetti with meat sauce. This is neither a pasta buffet nor a salad. And even if it was, it is not acceptable as the only choice for stu-
dents on a meal plan. Yes, the Grille and Mulberry were open, but many students, especially at this point in the semester, do not have Tiger dollars. This leaves them with the alternative Caf offering as their only meal option without spending extra money. Well it doesn’t matter, everybody likes pasta, right? It is a popular item, but is not a balanced meal nor is it something that everyone can eat. What about students who are lactose intolerant? That knocks out the penne bake and leaves only spaghetti with meat sauce. What if they’re vegetarians? That eliminates meat sauce (I hope you enjoy plain noodles or penne). Gluten free? Vegan? Diabetic? On a low carb diet? Those populations would not be pleased. Worse than the poor option is the message Sunday’s dinner sent. Intentional or not, what was portrayed was that students participating in Greek life have priority over students who do not. Both populations have paid the same amount for meal plans, but one group was given a special banquet (again, that’s not a problem in and of itself) while the other was relegated to the basement with unacceptable meal options. A school dedicated to diversity should value both Greeks and Independents (and yes, we prefer the term Independent to the proposed title of “nonGreek”; we are not identied by what we aren’t). The school
does not always promote Greek students over others, but last Sunday they did. It was insulting and displayed an attitude of preference for one group of students over another. That is the opposite of what we stand for as an institution and, for those who practice, as Christians. The possible solutions are numerous. Option 1: have the Greek Banquet after the normal Caf hours Option 2: open the Caf to all students for certain hours and close it just long enough for the Greek Banquet Option 3: have a sufcient alternative meal for Independents during the Greek Banquet. If it is difcult to plan ahead for students with special dietary needs, ask them to contact dining services ahead of time making their needs clear. With just a little effort and planning, everybody could get a good meal and Georgetown could express their appreciation for all students.
Send in any funny or serious questions that you would like answered right here in the advice column for The Georgetonian at georgetonian@ georgetowncollege.edu! Questions answered by Hannah Kreiger
Opinion Student reacts to creationism
April 17, 2013 Page 11
Issue 10
By ZAC LOSEY
Contributing Writer It’s no secret that recent studies all show that American students lag far behind other nations in science and math rankings. Scholars, educators and politicians have all brainstormed and offered solutions, none of which have made an immediate impact. While there is no single reason for our poor performance and there is certainly no simple solution, I believe that widespread religious opposition to science is a major factor. While not all religious people or organizations are hostile towards scientic ideas, a very large number of Christian fundamentalists have created a strong political inuence that has undermined scientic literacy in this country. Evidence of this can be found in several recent studies. A Gallup poll conducted last June showed that 46 percent of Americans believe in a literal interpretation of the Genesis account of creation—in other words, the universe including man and animals was created <10,000 years ago as they are now. No evolution, no old earth, no Big Bang. That means that roughly HALF of Americans have chosen to reject some of the most evidenced theories in science. And when I say theory I do not intend its lay meaning, but a scientic one in which a theory is “a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that can incorporate facts, laws, inferences and tested hypotheses” (from the National Academy of Sciences). This term is
used to describe a plethora of ideas, including the Big Bang Theory, theory of evolution by natural selection, general and special relativity—all of which tend to spark some debate outside of scientic circles. It is also used to describe some less controversial ideas, such as cell theory, germ theory and theory of gravity. Scientists have amassed so much evidence for these ideas there is no debate about them (at least not inside of academic circles where people are actually familiar with evidence). Unfortunately the fundamentalism that seems to be rampaging through our political system tends to either completely misunderstand these theories or disregard the massive amounts of evidence behind them. Many states have pushed for laws that allow non-scientic concepts to be discussed in classrooms. In 2008 Louisiana passed a horrendously misnamed Louisiana Science Education Act that allowed for creationism to be taught in public schools by veiling it as a supplemental “evidence-based critique.” While breaking the backbone of modern biology and allowing teachers to tout evolution as “just a theory,” it also promoted denial of climate change. Tennessee followed suit when it modeled its own creationism law after Louisiana’s. Dozens of bills have been introduced across the country, including ones that were (thankfully) struck down in Arizona, Colorado, Montana and Oklahoma. Despite the fact that bills seeking to
repeal the Louisiana Science Education Act had the support of thousands of citizens, numerous major science and religious organizations AND 78 Nobel laureates, they have all failed. Politicians across the country are systematically tearing at the foundation of scientic literacy by creating controversy where it isn’t. Over and over these politicians will claim that we should “teach the controversy.” The problem? There is no controversy. The evidence for evolution by natural selection and the age of the earth is so strong that no one is arguing about whether or not species have evolved or whether the earth is much, much older than 10,000 years old. The only thing that scientists argue about is HOW these things happen—about the exact processes, mechanisms, stages and events that have taken place. Scientically ignorant politicians plague our government. Paul Broun, who is a member of the United States House Science Committee has called evolution and the Big Bang Theory “lies straight from the pit of hell.” A host of Texas politicians, led by Representative Sheila Lee, held a congressional brieng advocating for intelligent design. Congress is also cutting science funding despite the fact that scientic research is absolutely essential in creating new benets for humanity and that it returns an investment “ranging from 30 to over 100 percent.” Science has brought humanity many of its greatest gifts. Cures, vaccines and treat-
ments for innumerable diseases have been found through the scientic method. I’m yet to nd someone who objects to science when it brings them technologies like electricity, medicine and cell phones. Even though these things have all been discovered through the same rigorous process as theories like evolution they are not targeted because they don’t contradict the narrow-minded literal Biblical interpretation of fundamentalists. Unless we turn around this abysmal situation we can no longer expect America to be at the front lines of scientic and technological endeavors. Other countries are readily embracing fundamental scientic ideas and have left us in the dust because of it. We must ght against the current atmosphere of opposition to science that is
so prevalent. It is essential that our science classrooms only embrace the evidence-based ideas that have been so rigorously tested by scientists. This alone will not remedy America’s miserable performances in science. What it will do is ensure that we do not continue to hurdle backward and instead make progress toward our next great leap for mankind. Gallup poll: http://www.gallup.com/ poll/21814/ evolution-creationism-intelligent-design.aspx Science investment return from Federal Reserve: http://www.federalreserve.gov/ pubs/feds/ 1997/199712/199712pap.pdf
Dear George :Advice for Tigers When going to Keeneland should you dress for comfort or glamour? When going to fancy events at Keeneland that require one to dress up, girls are faced with the time old question: should I look glamorous and be uncomfortable, or look not as good and be comfortable? I tell you the answer is both! Not uncomfortable and not good, but glamorous and feeling comfortable! The trick is to pick out an outfit that looks chic, but allows you to be yourself and be comfortable with what you are wearing. If you’re worried about the wind blowing around your dress you can wear a short pair of leggings under it, or even a thin pair of shorts. Also, if you choose to dress completely for comfort you can always wear a lot of accessories to dress up your outfit, like bracelets, necklaces, cute shoes or hats. Honestly, comfort should always be chosen over looking glamorous and uncomfortable because how are you going to enjoy yourself if you are continually checking that your dress is in place or those high heels are pinching your feet?
T
BP Dr. Mergner to appeal tenure
By ALLIE ENGLERT A woman without regrets The Georgetown College community prides itself on the close-knit environment of its faculty and students. Thus, when Dr. Stephen Mergner’s application for tenure was denied, many members of the GC community were shocked. Serving as the current chair of the political science department, Dr. Mergner is a professor revered by a large number of students across Georgetown’s campus. Morgan Floyd, a senior political science major and advisee of Dr. Mergner says, “Dr. Mergner has become an important part of my Georgetown College experience. Anyone who has had him in class can tell you how much he cares about his students and personally invests in their lives.” When asked to comment on the situation, Dr. Mergner says that he “was one hundred percent blind-sided and devastated by the decision of the faculty committee.” Upon further discussion, Dr. Mergner revealed that he never received a negative evaluation during his six years as a professor at Georgetown College, and thus, had no cause for concern when he submitted his tenure application. The committee gave him a good/ excellent rating in the category of teaching and an excellent rating in professional activity. In addition, Dr. Mergner received a good rating for research and satisfactory for student advising. The letter from the faculty committee claims “After 2008, it is much less clear where Dr. Mergner is active on campus in student-related activities in a sustained capacity.” Considering how many students speak highly of Dr. Mergner, this account seems to be an inaccurate description of the relationship he has
with his students. The area of concern that ultimately led to the committee’s decision to deny Dr. Mergner tenure concerns an issue with “institutional relations.” The Georgetown College Faculty Committee ranked Dr. Mergner “minimally satisfactory” in this area. This area is based on how often Dr. Mergner attended VIP days, required Commencement ceremonies and other extraneous college activities. “The complaint was that I didn’t make myself as available on nights and weekends as they would have liked, and I admit that it is a challenge.” Dr. Mergner resides in Cincinnati with his wife and three young sons; he explains that due to his wife’s job requiring her to work extremely long shifts on the weekends, it was incredibly difcult for him to nd childcare on weekends to attend these events. Dr. Mergner went on to explain, “It’s deeply distressing that the college would give you positive evaluations and make you believe that you have nothing to worry about.” When asked if he had any reason to believe that this aspect of criteria might be an issue of concern within his application for tenure, Dr. Mergner simply said no. “No one ever pulled me aside and told me that this could be a potential issue,” he explained. Georgetown College students who believe the committee’s tenure refusal as an mistake will be pleased to know that Dr. Mergner has appealed the committee’s decision. His application for tenure was resubmitted to Dr. Rosemary Allen and sent to the faculty committee yesterday. If the committee upholds their original decision, Dr. Allen will then have look over the application and make her own call. “Then Dr. Crouch will review the case as a
whole and make his own call. If he believes that I should be granted tenure, my case will be discussed at the next Board of Trustees meeting on April 26.” However, Dr. Crouch must rule in the afrmative in order for Dr. Mergner’s case to reach the level of the Board of Trustees. Without tenure, Dr. Mergner will have a one- year contract that terminates at the end of the next school year. If tenure is not granted after his appeal, he plans to leave academia. “Students ask me if I am angry, if I never want to come back, and the answer is absolutely not. I love my job. Georgetown is a teaching school, teaching is the most important aspect of education here, as it should be.” Many students have expressed their outrage over this situation. Randy Doss, a political science major, is saddened that GC has decided against a professor who Randy describes as “inspirational.” He explains, “I rmly believe that Dr. Mergner has taught me many things in my college career that have not only prepared me for my career path but also for life in general. He is one of the most passionate and deserving professors I have ever met. This is why it truly disappoints me that my college does not see and value the same individual that every student past and present has come to love.” Tanner Mahoney sees the failure to tenure Dr. Mergner a mistake. “I have always encouraged and supported a progressive Georgetown College education, one that prepares students for life after college, whether it be graduate school or a career of their choice. Professor Mergner embodies this standard of education that Georgetown College professors should strive to imitate within their own classrooms. His
passion and dedication to students is unmatched on campus, and it is a disservice to the student body to alienate him from the prestigious academic commendation of tenure. I give my full support to Professor Mergner in all of his endeavors and would encourage others to do likewise.” Jake Conner, a political science minor, says the decision to not tenure Dr. Mergner will show “how out of touch the administration is with what really matters to the students.” He went on to describe Dr. Mergner as “one of the most effective and entertaining teachers” at Georgetown. All students who spoke with this writer expressed their hope that the situation will be revoked through Dr. Mergner’s appeal. Randy Doss said, “I hope their will be a reconsideration, but either way I know Dr. Mergner will continue to teach and inspire in anything he does. It has been an honor and a blessing to be able to learn under him.” Despite the devastation of the faculty committee’s decision, Dr. Mergner has remained positive and appreciative of the support he has received from the students of the Georgetown community. “The one light of absolute joy in this whole situation is that I have received a tremendous outpouring of love from past and current students.” Dr. Mergner’s dedication in the classroom is evident from the outcry of his students. One can only hope that Georgetown College makes the correct decision as Dr. Mergner’s application for tenure is reevaluated. And if you don’t know, now you know, Tigas.
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