Issue 7 - Spring 2014 by The Georgetonian

The

eorgetonian G

March 5, 2014  Volume CXXXIV Issue 7

President Greene meets with GC Fairness GC Fairness creates dialogue over next steps to promote policy change on campus

As GC Fairness approaches its first anniversary on campus, 24 members met with the new President. GC Fairness is a gathering of students, faculty and staff who address challenges concerning fairness, diversity and equality in the campus community. It supports Georgetown College’s acknowledged commitment to diversity and advocates creating an environment where all are welcomed, valued and protected equally. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the group’s future steps to promote the faculty non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Last year, the group offered its recommendation to the College’s Board of Trustees. Despite strong support by stu-

dents, faculty and staff, tection is perceived by difthe Board failed to take ferent people or groups action. across campus. Dr. Greene Dr. Greene discussed stated that he does not see how the group should a benefit to Georgetown approach the Board on College being on the “point this subject. He stated of the spear” with respect that the Board of Trustto the social change surees must maintain a rounding gay rights. Likeprofessional distance Source: GC Fairness wise, he implied that his from faculty and staff Members of GC Fairness campaign for commitment to fairness and to conserve its ability to their cause during a Board meeting. the College’s willingness to act as an executive body. accept gay faculty, staff and This said, Dr. Greene also said that demonstrations and students should be seen as a mentioned that the Executive activist type organization are measure of progress. Council (including the Presi- often perceived negatively Members of the group, dent, the Provost and the Dean and, therefore, should be dis- however, stated that the of Students) serves as a liaison couraged. However, GC Fair- absence of a policy is inherbetween the College commu- ness maintains that peaceful ently discriminatory and nity and the Board. Thus, GC demonstrations are valid ave- makes individuals uncomFairness will look to raise its nues through which to express fortable as they live in a state concerns through this avenue an opinion, as it has demon- of perpetual insecurity. It was in lieu of direct contact with strated in the past. also pointed out that prospecthe Board. The discussion also tive faculty screen places of Similarly, Pres. Greene included how the lack of pro- employment based on where

they feel they will be accepted and this lack of policy can be publicly perceived as hostile. In the immediate future, Pres. Greene assured that the concerns raised by GC Fairness “will be presented before the Executive Council and the Board of Trustees.” He expressed concern that Georgetown College’s faculty, staff and student policies with respect to discrimination protections do not align and are not coherent. GC Fairness is committed to continuing discussion with the President and, through the appropriate channels, the Board of Trustees. GC Fairness will carry on with its efforts to promote social justice on campus. Press Release GC Fairness

Student explains sustainability initiative By MORGAN REEVES Contributuing Writer The sustainability program at Georgetown College has undergone some changes over the past few years. While it is still a work-in-progress, GC has taken steps to make recycling more accessible to all members on campus. The college has acquired a

variety of containers around campus in which people can place recyclable materials. Located in the student center, LRC, Rec, academic buildings and student dorms are three types of containers: small fliptop bins, blue cylinder containers and Pepsi bottle-shaped containers. Items that can go in these bins include paper, cardboard, aluminum cans

Source: Mechanicsburgborough.com

Recycling is one step that can help the environment. and plastics No. 1 and No.

2. This includes plastic bottles as well as the plastic food containers from the Mulberry. Bottles, cans and food containers should be emptied before placed into the bins. The second type of recycling containers are red “Herby Curby” type bins which are located behind almost every dorm. These bins are marked with the word “Recycle” and

the reduce-reuse-recycle logo. These bins accept all materials that can be placed in the smaller bins around campus as well as glass. Finally, GC has one recycling collection dumpster located in the back parking lot behind Anderson Hall.

SUSTAINABILITY, pg. 3

News

Page 2

Global

Headlines Sponsored by Global Scholars

 Russia invades the Crimean Peninsula of the Ukraine, drawing widespread condemnation from the West and pushing Ukraine to the brink of a civil war.  12 Years a Slave, the story of a free African-American that was captured and sold into slavery won Best Picture at the 86th Academy Awards on Sunday night.  The trial of Oscar Pistorius kicked off in South Africa with the former Olympian entering a plea of “not guilty” for the February 2013 murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.  Scientists have found what they’re calling the oldest fragment of Earth known in existence. The ancient crystal called zircon was found on a sheep ranch in New Zealand and is said to be 4.4 billion years old.  Last month for the first time in what is likely to be many, more Americans used smartphone and tablet apps to access the internet than those who used a PC.  NASA announced they have discovered 715 new planets, the biggest single discovery in history. Scientists say some of these planets, which were discovered by the Kepler space telescope, could support life.

The Georgetonian

Governor defends same-sex marriage ban By ZAC LOSEY Staff Writer

n Feb. 12, U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn II issued a 23-page ruling concluding that Kentucky must recognize same-sex marriages. The ruling does not allow marriages to be performed within the state, but does ban Kentucky from treating “gay and lesbian persons in a way that demeans them,” and would require the state to recognize same-sex marriages performed outside of the state in the same manner as any other. In his decision, Heyburn stated that while states may define marriage and tether certain benefits to it, they cannot “impose a traditional or faith-based limitation” as doing so would be a violation of the Establishment Clause. The George H.W. Bush appointee stated that, “Assigning a religious or traditional rationale for a law does not make it constitutional when that law discriminates against a class of people without other reasons.” The preliminary order struck portions of a 1998 Kentucky state law, as well as a 2004 constitutional amendment that defined marriage as “between one man and one woman” and prohibited the recognition of samesex marriages from states and countries where they are legal. Heyburn wrote that the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees same-sex couples equal protection under the law amongst the states, and thus Kentucky is not permitted to deny fundamental rights such as marriage. Initially, Jack Conway, the Kentucky Attorney General, sought for a 90-day delay on the ruling, while he reviews whether or not to appeal the ruling and prepares the state to implement it. Hours after he filed for the stay, Heyburn issued a final order that directs Kentucky officials to recognize same-sex marriages that were

performed out of state. Heyburn’s final order does include a 20-day postponement of his initial ruling taking effect, though he had initially indicated there would be no such a delay. In explaining the reasons for want-

same-sex marriage ban discriminated against a minority and is doomed to fall, so the state shouldn’t squander its limited resources trying to save it,” reports Kentucky.com. Naturally, there have been strong reactions from those on both sides of the issue. As expected in such a socially conservative state, uproar against the ruling has been swift and many religious/conservative groups have urged Gov. Beshear and the attorney general to appeal the final order. An attorney for the Family Foundation of Kentucky, a strongly conservative and religious lobbying organization, stated that, “In 2004, the question was put Source: Kentucky.com Plantiffs Michael De Leon and Gregory before the Kentucky voters, who overBourke of Louisville filed suit aginst HY’s whelmingly approved the definition ban last July. The was couple married in of traditional marriage between a man and a woman. Obviously that was a Canada in 2004. recent action by Kentucky voters and ing to deny delay in its implementation, we intend to defend the expression of Heyburn has said there could be much that sentiment.” confusion for Kentuckians who move Gov. Beshear announced Tuesday, quickly to gain the legal benefits from Mar. 4 that he will appeal the federal a same-sex marriage if the state decides judge’s ruling in the same-sex marriage to appeal a month later, thus calling the case without Conway’s help. Kentucky. final implementation of the order into com reports that Beshear will spend question. However, Kentucky state $125 per hour on private lawyers to officials now have 20 days to figure out pursue Kentucky’s appeal. how to best implement his order. An attorney for the plaintiffs who While the judge recognized that this sued the state for the right to have their stay extends a policy that is unconstitu- same-sex marriages from outside the tional, it allows the state “proper time state recognized has stated the delay to administratively prepare for compli- is going to cause unnecessary harm. ance.” This postponement came after a In an interview, she stated that, “The hearing in which the attorney general’s state already knows how to treat maroffice explained it needed time to meet ried couples, and all it has to do is treat with various state agencies to review these couples like married couples.” what laws are going to be affected, thus Neither the initial ruling nor the allowing localities to implement the final order will affect a separate lawsuit order with efficiency and consistency. that is attempting to force Kentucky to The order is currently on hold until issue state marriage licenses to sameMar. 20 sex couples. Two same-sex couples are Since then, Conway has made clear awaiting a final ruling from Heyburn that he will not challenge the judge’s order, on this issue, now complicated by the though the attorney general’s office had Governor’s appeal, but a decision is not been representing the state in the case. expected for some months. Conway explained, “Kentucky’s

News

Issue 7

March 5, 2014 Page 3

Ukraine crisis escalates as Russian troops occupy Crimea By ZAC LOSEY Staff Writer

n Monday night, Ukrainian forces in the country’s southern peninsula of Crimea reported that Russian military is not only holding them hostage in various bases throughout the region, but have also issued an ultimatum: surrender or face armed assault. As of the time of this writing, Russia has so far denied any such escalation of an already tense situation. Protests began late last year after Ukraine’s then acting president Yanukovych announced he would begin abandoning an agreement that would have kept strong trade ties with the European Union, instead opting to work more closely with Russia. The protests quickly gathered momentum, and police began launching raids that spread quickly throughout media outlets. In January, several deaths resulted from clashes with police after Ukraine’s parliament had issued draconian anti-protest laws, which it quickly annulled after protestors began to storm government offices. Feb. 20 saw Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine’s capitol city, turn into a war zone as the death toll rises to 77 with hundreds wounded. Reports and videos show snipers firing on protestors. While President Yanukovych had brokered a deal with his opposition, protestors remained defiant to authorities and soon began to take control of government buildings, calling for elections on May 25. When it was discovered that Yanukovych had fled to Russia, parliament decided to remove him from power and set elections to take place in May. Tensions mounted as Yanukovych appeared on television announcing that since he was legally and lawfully elected as president, he will not bow to the coup-d’état, despite the fact that opposition leader and his “arch-rival”

Yulia Tymoshenko was freed from prison and travelled to the capitol. Parliament almost immediately named one of Tymoshenko’s close associates, Olexander Turchynov, as the interim president. On Feb. 28, unidentified gunmen in military uniforms started to show up outside of Crimea’s airports, igniting fear of Russian intervention in the country. The next day, Russian parliament approved the request of President Vladimir Putin to deploy Russian troops in Ukraine. Military forces in Ukraine went on full alert, and the West began to express extreme alarm and disapproval over Russia’s act of aggression. In a telephone conversation

with President Obama, Putin said that Moscow “reserves the right to protect its interests and those of Russian speakers in Ukraine”. On Sunday, Putin and Obama held another conversation in which the U.S. president informed Mr. Putin he had violated international law by compromising Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, to which the Russian president again responded that Moscow will protect its interests in Ukraine. Then Monday Russia’s Aleksander Vitko, head of the Black Sea Fleet, set a deadline for Ukrainian forces to surrender, also threatening two warships. A spokesperson for the Black Sea Fleet denied these reports

though, saying they were “utter nonsense”. As of Monday night, NATO and UN officials were still scurrying to meetings and summits in an attempt to decide what action to take. The United States and various allies have begun to discuss imposing economic sanctions, but diplomats from France and Germany have been ardent that “strong diplomacy” must be the first line of action, and that sanctions were to be avoided unless all else had failed. The hope as of this writing is that Ukrainian and Russian officials will speak directly to one another to reach an agreement and avert violent action on the part of either country.

with energy management companies to evaluate the college’s energy use and ways to make it more cost-efficient and environmentally-conscious. The college had a power-down operation over Christmas break. This included turning off computers and lights and adjusting the heating of

action group, is collaborating with the Kentucky Student Environmental Coalition to implement sustainability projects on GC’s campus. While GC continues to improve the sustainability of the college, the recycling program has come a long way since its beginning stages. If you have a suggestion for where a recycling bin is needed or if a recycling bin needs to be emptied, please call or leave a message for Tina Robinson in Building Services at 863-8116, indicating the location of the bin. If you would like to get involved with Georgetown’s environmental efforts, feel free to come to GSI meetings on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. in Asher 033. All members of the GC community are encouraged to stop and think twice before throwing something recyclable into a trashcan. As Mr. Horne said, “it’s everybody’s role to be a steward of our land and air.”

Sustainability Continued from Front

The recycling dumpster is distinguishable from the waste dumpster by the words “GC Recycles” painted on the side. People can use the dumpster to recycle glass, paper, cardboard, aluminum and plastics No. 1 and No. 2. The dumpster also provides a means for recycling larger materials, such as cardboard boxes. Bart Horne, Director of Facilities, explained that recycling also takes place behind the scenes. The Maintenance, Grounds and Building Services departments have their own recycling dumpster that they use to recycle materials from construction and maintenance work, such as compressors in air conditioners, light bulbs, cardboard and wooden pallets. The IT department takes care of recycling e-waste, including old printers, ink cartridges and computer screens. Mr. Horne said that recycling is just one area related to sustainability that the college has been working to improve. GC is currently collaborating

buildings not in use over the break. In addition, GC is considering energy efficiency in dorm repairs and reconstructions by using Energy Star products and technology.” “The biggest thing we can do is awareness. Energy management and recycling both require awareness of the general campus,” Mr. Horne commented. The Georgetown Sustainability Initiative, GC’s environmental

Sports

Page 4

The Georgetonian

GC sports face winter weather woes By ERIC BALMER Sports Editor Wintry weather has caused both the Georgetown baseball and softball teams to change up their schedules. Snowy and icy conditions as part of winter storm “Titan” made things difficult for outdoor sports to continue play. The softball team was forced to cancel doubleheader games for Tuesday and Wednesday. Because of the harsh weather, GC has opted to not play in two games against Indiana University Southeast and Union College

this week. This isn’t the first time that weather has caused issues for the ladies of the softball team. Earlier in the season the Tigers were supposed to travel up to Indiana to face IUSE for a doubleheader that was eventually cancelled. They also had games which were supposed to be played against Union that were moved from their original date, but those were played on Feb. 16 (two wins for Georgetown). Georgetown softball coach Thomas Thornton said because the storm provided harsh conditions, they weren’t

able to properly prepare and the weather were too unbearable. “This storm moved in, and we just can’t get the field ready in time nor will the temperature be safe enough to have everyone outside for these [games],” (georgetowncollegathletics.com) the GC coach said. The Tiger baseball team also had to adjust their schedule but did so in a different way. Since GC baseball has already missed nine games this season because of weather, they decided instead of playing at home, they would travel to their warmer weather oppo-

nents. Tiger coach Micah Baumfeld has stated it’s been a tough year due to weather, but it’s not unheard of to have these conditions early in the season. The coach said, “This has been very tough on our schedule, but when you live in Kentucky you come to expect the unexpected weather. I’m glad that Reinhardt was able to work things out, and we will get these games in before another big conference weekend”(georgetowncollegathletics.com). GC traveled to Georgia on Tuesday to play the Reinhardt

University Eagles on Tuesday in Waleska, and then they’ll have a game the next day against RU at a neutral location in Marietta. Later this week, Georgetown will travel to Lindsey Wilson College for a match with one of their Mid-South Conference rivals. The first pitch of that game will be 4 p.m. on Friday in Columbia, Ky. Then, a doubleheader is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday against the two teams.

Tigers fall short against Patriots By KAITLIN FAHEY Copy Editor As regular season play was winding down, Georgetown’s men’s and women’s basketball teams found themselves in Williamsburg, Ky. on Thursday, Feb. 27 to play against teams from the Uni-

Women’s Bball Men’s Bball Baseball Softball Men’s Tennis Women’s Tennis

versity of the Cumberlands. Though both Tiger teams had beaten the Patriots earlier in the season, Georgetown fell short this time as the men lost by three points and the women lost by one. The women, who played first, got off to a slow start – at one point late in the first half,

L. 60-61 Univ. of Cumberlands L. 71-74 Univ. of Cumberlands W. 5-4 Cumberland Univ. W. 8-0 Huntington W. 9-0 Brescia L. 1-8 Bellarmine

they were down by 19 points. In the second half, the Tigers made a fierce comeback and outscored the Cumberlands by 14 points for the period; however, it ultimately was not enough. The final score was 60-61, ending the Tigers’ threegame winning streak. Jessica Foster and Teonia

Mar. 7 vs. Rio Grande 7 p.m. Mar. 6 vs. Bluefield 7 p.m. Mar. 5 @ Reinhardt 11 a.m. Mar. 5 vs. Union 2 p.m. Mar. 7 vs. Lindsey Wilson 3 p.m. Mar. 7 vs. Lindsey Wilson 3 p.m.

McCune led the scoring for the Tigers, each finishing the game with 12 points. Andrea Howard and Devanny King each had nine, Lizza Jonas and Kourtney Tyra each had six, Haley Armstrong had four and Mykal Farris had two. As with several other games earlier in the season, each Tiger that played scored at least once. The women finished their season with a 19-7 record, going 13-5 in the Mid-South Conference. The men’s game was close in score throughout the entire match. At the end of the first half, the score was tied with each team having 34 points. In the second half, however, the Patriots were able to edge out the Tigers, giving the game a final score of 71-74.

Leading the Tigers’ scoring in the second game of the day was Senior Monty Wilson with a game-high 23 points. Deondre McWhorter had 13 points as well as a game-high 15 rebounds. Noah Cottrill, Jaylen Daniel and Russ Middleton each finished with eight points, Montavious Marc had six and DJ Townsend had five. The men finished their season with a 20-9 record, going 11-7 in the Mid-South Conference. The next step for both teams is to compete in the MSC Tournament this week in Lebanon, Tenn. The men’s team will play tomorrow, March 7 against Bluefield College and

(Cont. pg. 5)

Sports

Issue 7

March 5, 2014 Page 5

UNC faces complex football scandal By MEGHAN ALESSI Features Editor It has not been uncommon throughout the history of collegiate athletics for programs to be riddled with violations. The Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs football program received the “death penalty” in 1987 for the rampant practice of paying players as a recruiting incentive. It took them 20 years to begin to pick up the pieces of a shattered program that was once dominant. Individual players have also been caught violating rules when it comes to money. For example, it was alleged that Johnny Manziel a.k.a “Johnny Football” (quarterback for the Texas A&M Aggies and the first freshman to win the Heisman) sold autographs in Jan. of 2013. Although the NCAA never found any hard proof that he did so, they came to an agreement with the Aggies to suspend him for half of the first game of the season. In 2010 the University

of Southern California was forced to vacate all wins from the 2007-2008 men’s basketball season after it was declared that OJ Mayo was ineligible for play that season. The reason he was declared ineligible is because he received monetary benefits. Money isn’t the only thing that can get a player or program in trouble. It seems that academics are causing some trouble as well. One program that is currently under fire has been in trouble for both money and academics in recent years: the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 2010, during their season opener, at least 14 football players were required to watch the game from the bench because of an ongoing investigation. It was alleged that players were receiving money from an agent named Terry Watson in an effort to entice those players to sign with him when they took their football careers to a professional level. During that season, seven of the 14 didn’t play a single game.

(Tigers cont.) the women will play Friday, March 8 against the University of Rio Grande. Both games will tip off at 7 p.m. In the regular season, both the men and women were victorious over their respective tournament opponents. If the Tigers advance to the semifinal games on Saturday, March 8, the men will play either the

University of the Cumberlands or Campbellsville University, and the women will play either the University of the Cumberlands or the University of Pikeville. The final games of the tournament will be played during the afternoon on Sunday, March 9.

Four of those players were eventually declared ineligible to play in the NCAA (three of which entered the NFL draft). The Associate Head Coach, John Blake, resigned. He had received money personally for providing accessibility to players. In 2011 Head Coach Butch Davis was fired, although he claimed to know nothing about the situation. In 2012 the NCAA put down sanctions on UNC’s football team that included three years of probation, a ban from the 2012 postseason and a reduction in football scholarships. In the midst of all of this, stories have surfaced about the illegitimacy of several courses offered at UNC. There are reports of up to 200 lecture courses that are not actually being taught (in fact they don’t even meet for class) as well as unauthorized grade changes numbering up to 500 since 1994. One department in particular, African-American Studies, holds the majority of these allegations. The stu-

dents most affected by this are football and basketball players who are often guided into taking these courses that don’t actually exist so they can focus on athletics. Mary Willingham, a professor and an advisor at the university, has been called a “whistleblower” since she came out publicly with information on her experience. She attempted to tell university officials about the situation, and they responded by taking away her supervisory role, which she is appealing. They also condemned her for having the nerve to speak out on the matter. Willingham said, “I was part of something that I came to be ashamed of. We weren’t serving the kids. We weren’t educating them properly. We were pushing them toward graduation, and that’s not the same as giving them an education”(businessweek. com). She reported that several athletes were reading at a grade school level and barely met the minimum for accep-

tance into the university. Richard Southall, the director of the College Sport Research Institute at the University of South Carolina was quoted saying, “We pretend that it’s feasible to recruit high school graduates with minimal academic qualifications, give them a full-time job as a football or basketball player at a Division I NCAA school and somehow have them get up to college-level reading and writing skills at the same time that they’re enrolled in college-level classes” (businessweek.com). UNC is most likely not the only university in the nation experiencing these types of problems. However, it speaks as an example of how athletics and academics do not always go hand-in-hand and begs the question of whether athletes who do not want a college education should be allowed to take scholarships from those who are not just there as a stepping stone to the NFL or NBA, especially when the education being offered is invalid.

Writing Center will be temporarily closing! The writing center will be closed for spring break at 11 p.m. on Thursday, March 13. It will reopen on Monday, March 24, when classes are back in session.

Source: clker.com

Features

Page 6

The Georgetonian

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Scott Drake By ANNA MEURER Opinion Editor In some ways Scott Drake seemed predestined to come to Georgetown College. A native of Lexington, Ky., he’s had a long experience with the college because several of his family members are alumni, including his parents, uncle, brother-in-law and sister. With that background, he said, “I didn’t even imagine going anywhere else.” That being said, his college career has been a mixture of following in his family’s footsteps and also pursuing his own unique course. A biology major and chemistry minor, both demanding programs, Drake was also a participant in GCPALS, a grant

program that allows students the opportunity to pursue research, usually in the summer of their junior or senior year. Drake was fortunate enough to be able to do research at UK’s Center for Oral Health Research, which fits in nicely with his future plans. After graduation, he plans to marry his long-time sweetheart and fiancée Kelly Cole and move to Louisville, where he hopes to attend University of Louisville’s Dental Source: Scott Drake School. Looking back Scott hopes to attend University of after nearly four years of Louisville’s Dental School. classes, he lists physics, taught by Dr. Dickinson, and you have the opportunity to relationships, taught by Dr. take either of these classes I McKenzie, as his favorites. “If would strongly recommend

Benefit concert to be held during spring break By MEGHAN ALESSI Features Editor Ashley Morgan, a 2009 GC alum, is taking a year-long legal fellowship with International Justice Mission (IJM) and will be moving to Cambodia this summer. She will be assisting prosecutors as they combat sex trafficking. As their website states, the International Justice Mission “is a human rights agency that brings rescue to victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent

Source: ijm.org

IJM combats sex trafficking. oppression.” On Thursday, March 20 there will be a benefit concert to raise money for IJM and Morgan’s work overseas. Nathan Angelo is going to be the musician at the concert. He is a familiar face to Georgetown, as Jesse Farley,

Academic Director of Success, recalls. She said, “He used to tour Georgetown all the time when he first started. When I was in school he was on campus or at Upbeat Café at least once, sometimes twice a year.” You can check out his music at nathanangelo.tumblr. com. The concert will be held at Natasha’s in downtown Lexington. Keep an eye out for more details. This is a great way to spend a night of your spring break if you will be in the area.

them,” he said. Outside of academics, he has been involved with FFG and is heavily involved in his fraternity, the President’s House Association. This year he is serving as the fraternity’s Standards Chair and Little Sis Coordinator. Described as funny and loyal by those close to him, he enjoys hanging out with his friends and watching sports when he’s not in classes. “I love watching volleyball, basketball and baseball the most,” he said. He is also involved in intramurals as both a participant and referee. He said basketball and volleyball are his favorites there as well.

Reflecting on his time at Georgetown, he said, “You could say that I was predestined to Georgetown, but I have loved my experience here! I was able to be a part of PHA just like my dad, uncle and brother-in-law.” He says his favorite Georgetown memory was, “getting to go with the Christian Leadership Scholars to Hilton Head my sophomore year.” For all of the underclassmen, he recommends getting involved on campus early. “If I could give any advice to freshmen, it would be to join all the clubs that interest you,” says Drake. “There are tons of opportunities here, and it is a lot easier to join a club when you are a freshman than when you get older.”

Elizabeth Place

is in need of items: •Trash Bags •Laundry Detergent •Dishwasher Liquid •Toilet Paper •Napkins •Paper Towels •Feminine Napkins/ Tampons •Women’s Shampoo •Toothpaste/ Toothbrushes •Ziploc Bags

Drop off items in the Common Ground lounge in the basement of the Chapel.

Issue 7

Features

March 5, 2014 Page 7

Georgetown offers Spring Break mission trips By CASSIDY CLAYTON Staff Writer This year, Georgetown is offering students three different alternative spring break trips. The three locations are Camden, N.J.; Louisa, Ky.; and Ecuador. The Camden trip has about 10 students signed up, but will include some faculty members as well. This group will work alongside Urban Promise, an organization that helps inner city kids grow up in a Christian environment with in-school and after school events. Bruce Main, along with his wife, leads Urban Promise, which holds summer internships in Camden and Honduras for those seeking further time in mission work (for more information go to: http:// www.urbanpromiseusa.org/). The students going to Camden for this spring trip have been holding weekly meetings to prepare for their upcoming journey. These meetings entail the basic strategies for each mission trip – to come with an open mind and an open heart. Also, be flexible! Those participating in missions are there to work for the good of others, not to complain when the job is not being done fast enough. Joel Reihmer, a junior, has been on the Camden trip before. His advice: always keep a smile on your face. Joel Reihmer’s time in Camden was “just awesome.” His favorite memories include playing ultimate Frisbee during down time and getting to play with some amazing kids. Camden is a troubled city,

so just being a friend to these kids can help in numerous ways. Reihmer’s first time to Camden was a little scary at first, but this time he knows the environment and has no apprehension about doing it again. “Camden’s heading in a positive direction, and when people have that mindset it makes it into a reality quicker. Trips like this really help.” Source: Eduarda Cardoso The newest trip added Students started a garden at to the list is to Louisa, Ky. Elizabeth Place last spring. Around 15 students will spend their time there, helping rehabilitate Appalachia. Within four to five days, students will assist with home repairs for the community, including installing dry wall and sheet rock and doing basic repairs. Many local churches co-sponsor this trip, including the Newman Center and Campus Ministries. The final trip is to Ecuador. Ecuador will be inhabSource: Jesse Tingle Jesse Tingle participated in the ited with 10 Georgetown Mission Arlington trip in 2010. students to do a number of projects, not all of which are decided yet. As spring break gets closer, more information is to come. For those going on an alternative spring break trip, the experience is invaluable. Georgetown students are highly encouraged to look into short-term missions, even if they are not through the college. Explore an area outside of your comfort zone, or stay local and try to Source: Hannah Waugh improve the community in Hannah Waugh and Tevin Lloyd which we live. Either way, went on the New Orleans trip in there is plenty of work that 2011. can be done. We need to be

Previous spring break mission trips have gone to places like Mission Arlington, in Arlington, Texas, New Orleans, La. and the Elizabeth Place in Georgetown. Source: Joel Reihmer New trips can Students travelled to Camden, N.J. last be initiated by spring to work with inner city kids. students, so if you know a a part of the solution, not the place in need, speak up. problem.

Quote My Georgetown Professor “Lake Victoria is the root of Da-Nile!” - Dr. Griffith Posted on the “Quote My Georgetown Professor” Facebook group

Georgetown Tree Huggers

The Georgetonian/ABBY SMITH

This week’s Tree Hugger is Senior Lauren Brooks.

Page 8

ArtsEntertainment

The Georgetonian

And the Oscar goes to...

By SHAY McCLEAVY Staff Writer

This past Sunday, the Oscars held their 86th Academy Awards, a celebration of this year’s achievement in film. It was a fun, if a bit plodding, award show featuring some nice off the cuff moments and wonderful speeches. Ellen DeGeneres hosted the event, opening with a playful and funny monologue. There were jokes about who would be awarded Best Picture, “Possibility number one: 12 Years a Slave wins Best Picture. Possibility number two: You’re all racists,” as well as those aimed at individuals such as Jennifer Lawrence and Liza Minnelli, “That is one of the most amazing Liza Minnelli impersonators I’ve ever seen. Good job, sir.” It was a good year for films based on true stories, with six of the nine Best

Picture nominees inspired by our past. The nominees were: 12 Years a Slave, American Hustle, Captain Phillips, Dallas Buyers Club, Philomena, The Wolf of Wall Street, Nebraska, Her and Gravity. Gravity took the top spot for technical awards, which is no surprise for those who have seen director Alfonso Cuarón’s tense outer space thriller. The incredible visual effects, sound design and editing proved more than just eye candy to the Academy. Cuarón also became the first Mexican filmmaker to win Best Director. Dallas Buyers Club featured the two Best Actor performances of the year with Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, both bringing home the golden statue for acting. Of course McConaughey’s last words were his charismatic catchphrase, “Alright, alright, alright!” Best Leading Actress was awarded

to Cate Blanchett for her role in Blue Jasmine, nicely praising the other nominees while stressing that films centered on women are profitable. Newcomer Lupita Nyong’o won Best Supporting Actress for 12 Years a Slave, thanking not just her cast and crew, but saluting the many slaves whose stories formed their film. She ended her wonderful speech with the lovely statement, “No matter where you are from, your dreams are valid.” In between the awards, Ellen made small talk with both the celebrities and the viewers at home, not to mention taking pictures for Twitter and crashing the social media site. She also bought pizza for some A-list stars, passing around boxes with a real pizza man looking a little lost and surprised to be serving Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, Jennifer Lawrence and many others. Musical performances by U2, Karen

Best Picture: 12 Years a Slave Directing: Alfonso Cuarón—Gravity Actor in a Leading Role: Matthew McConaughey—Dallas Buyers Club Actress in a Leading Role: Cate Blanchett—Blue Jasmine Actor in a Supporting Role: Jared Leto—Dallas Buyers Club Actress in a Supporting Role: Lupita Nyong’o—12 years a Slave Writing (Adapted Screenplay): 12 Years a Slave Writing (Original Screenplay): Her Animated Feature Film: Frozen Short Film (Animated): Mr. Hublot Short Film (Live Action): Helium Foreign Language Film: The Great Beauty, from Italy Documentary (Feature): 20 Feet From Stardom Documentary (Short Subject): The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life Production Design: The Great Gatsby Cinematography: Gravity Costume Design: The Great Gatsby Film Editing: Gravity Makeup and Hairstyling: Dallas Buyers Club Music (Original Score): Gravity Music (Original Song): “Let It Go” from Frozen Sound Mixing: Gravity Sound Editing: Gravity Visual Effects: Gravity

O, Pharrell Williams and Idina Menzel (awkwardly mispronounced as ‘Adele Dazeem’ by John Travolta) set up the competition for Best Original Song. The catchy “Let it Go” from Frozen was the winner, and the film itself won Best Animated Feature. When it came time for the Best Picture award, Gravity led the competition with seven wins. Yet, it was the absolutely wonderful 12 Years a Slave by Steve McQueen coming away with the top prize. It marks the first time in the history of the Oscars that a black filmmaker directed the Best Picture winner. McQueen was literally jumping with joy as he ran up to the stage, celebrating and dedicating the award to those who preserved Solomon Northup’s tale, while reminding us that slavery still exists in our world.

Source: Mediabistro.com

Ellen DeGeneres’ star-studded selfie broke Twitter history. Leonardo DiCaprio fans everywhere were shocked when Matthew McConaughey went home with the Oscar instead of him. They hope to comfort him with an explosion of memes created in his honor. Source: Dailymail.co.uk

ArtsEntertainment

Issue 7

March 5, 2014 Page 9

Young alum shows “Music Does” By CALIESHA COMLEY News Editor This past Saturday, March 1, Evan Harrell (’13) took to the Chapel stage one last time to perform his senior recital-lecture. With tux on and tuba in hand, Harrell fulfilled his final requirements for his Bachelor of Music Education degree. As the title alludes, Harrell’s recital-lecture consisted of both a performance of musical arrangements and a self-written lecture on the importance of music programs in public schools entitled “Music Does.” Harrell’s senior event was postponed due to his rigorous student teaching schedule during his last semester as a student. Harrell explains, “It has been really difficult picking out my own repertoire and rehearsing on my own without the help of Dr. LaRue (his lessons professor), and writing my lecture without guidance from professors. But, it was also helpful because I had to rely on myself.” It was apparent, however, that Harrell’s work on his own yielded incredible results. Though Harrell’s familiarity with the stage did little to assuage his nerves before the performance as he stood in the Chapel corridor talking with his

accompanist, his proficiency on the tuba did not falter. He first performed a six-part collection called “Six Studies in English Folk-Song,” originally composed by Ralph Vaughn Williams. He was accompanied by pianist Glenna Metcalfe. Parallel only to Harrell’s overwhelming musical talent the afternoon of his recital-lecture was the inspiring delivery of his presentation, “Music Does: funding and providing intrinsic support for music programs in public schools.” This topic was no doubt provoked by the many and deep cuts in music programs across the state of Kentucky. After all, Harrell reminded his audience, only a mere 3 percent of the entire federal budget is allotted for education, and music education is expensive. Yet Harrell argued that the expense of music education is little in comparison to the intrinsic value of the arts. High education in the arts has been linked in empirical studies to degree attainment as well as community service. Music education is often regarded as an equalizer that supports a “multiple intelligence” approach to education that privileges the many ways in which students can learn the best. Music and arts education has also been associated

with higher performance in math and composed by Giacomo Puccini, was reading, improved social skills and less arranged by Harrell himself. “Nessun truancy. In addition, the manner of Dorma” from Turandot was given a trimusic education encourages discipline, umphant flair and was a beautiful way detail-orientation, learning by repeti- to end Harrell’s spectacular recital-lection and, above all, an insatiable desire ture evening. The powerful sentence which for professional and personal improveended Harrell’s lecture best encapsument. late the evening: “In an educational setAll of these were presented in the ting where good is good enough, music lecture as qualities that good teaching begs us to do more. In a society that is in music can instill in students. These, so focused on I, me and my, music calls Harrell argues, are hindered by adminus beyond ourselves. Music does what istrative fear because of music eduother things do not and cannot; music cation’s intrinsic and immeasurable does. And that should be worth fightbenefits, regardless of empirical results. ing for.” The complete lecture can be Harrell calls fellow supporters of the found at www.evanjamesharrell.wordArts to “learn to render those abstractions into actions and present this kind press.com. of information to our school boards and administrators.” Having seemingly inspired himself by the end of his lecture promoting the intrinsic value of music education, Harrell then returned to his tuba to captivatingly perform two more, longer arrangements. The first was Handel’s “Where’er You Walk” The Georgetonian/COLLIN SMITH from Semele. The second Alum Evan Harrell came back to give his senior song, though originally recital and lecture.

Rooted: with President Greene Common Ground invites you to a special night at Rooted featuring Dr. Greene, GC president and Food and fellowship at 8:30 p.m. scholar in New Testament and Early Christianity, Worship starts at 9 p.m. speaking on “Walking with Jesus through the Gospels.” Jones Hall Nelson Suite Tuesday, March 11

Opinion The Georgetonian Who cares about the poor?

Page 10

The Georgetonian

Editor-in-Chief............................................. Hannah Krieger Managing Editor................................................ Eric Balmer News Editor................................................ Caliesha Comley Sports Editor...................................................... Eric Balmer Features Editor............................................. Meghan Alessi A&E Editor..........................................................Caitlin Knox Opinion Editor.................................................. Anna Meurer Back Page Editor................................Leanndra W. Padgett Web Editor ..... .....................................................Max Terril Photo Editor.......................................................Collin Smith Technical Editor...............................................Caitlin Knox Copy Editor....................................................... Kaitlin Fahey Copy Editor......................................................Racquel Ryan Copy Editor................................................. Brooke Whitaker Faculty Adviser...........................................Jennifer Beckett

The Georgetonian is a free weekly newspaper published most Wednesdays during the academic year by Georgetown College in Georgetown, Ky. Its contents are written and edited by current students of Georgetown College. Letters to the editor should be under 600 words and should include the writer’s name and telephone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity. Please send letters to one of the following addresses:

email georgetonian@georgetowncollege.edu

post

The Georgetonian Georgetown College 400 E. College Street Box 280 Georgetown, Kentucky, 40324

All material printed in The Georgetonian is copyright ©2013 Georgetown College, unless otherwise noted. Any republication in any form without express permission from the writer and editor is prohibited.

Scan with your QR code reader

facebook.com/ Georgetonian

instagram.com/ Georgetonian

By AUSTIN FRALEY Staff Writer

Like the lead singer of a band who tones it down halfway through the concert, I’d like to take a moment to sit down on the edge of the stage, let my feet dangle and just chat with you. Most of you know that I wrote for the opinion page quite a lot last semester and a bit the semester prior. While most people don’t realize that sometimes I was simply advocating a viewpoint I did not care about at all in order to make a few bucks (I know, what a sellout); sometimes I did genuinely care about what I was writing about. What surprises me is the most common criticism I heard from people. “Oh, he’s probably just going to say something about how no one should care about anything other than the poor.” For my article on Greek life (from which I got more criticism from Greeks than independents even though I was more critical of independents), people more than once complained, “He’s going to say that Greek life is dumb and that we should put our money into better causes, even though Greek life is responsible for a ton of the charity work on campus.” That’s great, honestly. My disagreement with Greek life comes more from the fact that it is by its very nature exclusive and I simply cannot agree with that, but I stand completely behind the charities that they support. Yet the thing I cannot understand is how this is seen

as a legitimate critique. “He’s going to say we should care more about the poor,” as if that’s a bad thing. I understand that most believe I am out of line because they think they do care about the poor. But let’s be honest, there are more important things to us. I know so many people that know for a fact that iPhones and iPads cause rebel groups in the Congo to gain weapons and rape women, and they are assembled by slaves in China. If the $500 new iPhone was sold at cost it would be worth about $46. But does this stop people from buying them? No. Many Christians I know recognize the fact that Christ does not con-

buckets for miles every single day. But does this stop me from showering for so long? No. So, do I think we try to care about the poor? Yes. But obviously not enough. We care enough to do things for them—to do things to help. But we don’t care enough to not do the things that harm them. If we stop doing small things that harm them, maybe we wouldn’t have to do all these big things to help out the poor. We would realize our fault in this struggle that people have. We care about the poor. But it frustrates and horrifies me that people see it as a legitimate problem that I advocate for unprivileged people unnecessarily, as if we could ever do

Source: Facebook.com

The GC Conflict Free Initiative is one of the groups on campus that addresses poverty in its mission. done living in gigantic houses, but does this stop them from living in houses big enough for dinosaurs to live in? No. I cannot even withhold myself from this criticism. Most mornings, I take the longest shower of anyone in my building, knowing full and well that most people in the world can’t even find clean drinking water. I’ve been to Africa, and seen with my own eyes small children carrying dirty water in

enough to care more about our fellow human beings. There is always room to improve. I have to apologize for the overall tone of this article, but at a certain point I have to let my feelings out. I have to vent. I only hope that anything I say might change things. I stand on the same ground as those that I’ve criticized here. I am just as guilty as everyone else. But I want to change, and I hope and pray that you do too.

Opinion World’s worst bridge-builder asks for forgiveness

Issue 7

By JONATHAN BALMER Staff Writer

“Never forget that only dead fish swim with the stream,” Malcolm Muggeridge, the English satirist, journalist and great contrarian, often said. If I ever was a two-bit parody of someone, it may be Muggeridge. He was a disaffected leftist who tired of fellow journalists’ platitudinous liberal views of history which assured their audiences, “moderate men of all shades of opinion,” that “wiser counsels” would “prevail.” Loudly, Muggeridge protested that society was not one of “moderate men” and “wiser councils” overcoming dark ages but lamented, “The orgasm has replaced the Cross as the focus of longing and the image of fulfillment.” He was a fierce lone warrior against popular opinion. He could also be a senselessly contrarian hack. The pit of his career was the televised Life of Bryan debates in which he took on Monty Python for charges of blasphemy without, apparently, having seen the end of the film.

March 5, 2014 Page 11

John Cleese of Monty Python, who respected Muggeridge as a satirist, found his regard for him plummeted during the debate. “He was just being Muggeridge,” Cleese commented, “preferring to have a very strong contrary opinion as opposed to none at all.” It has been to my great frustration that this venue, the newspaper, is not used more by students to speak about uncomfortable ideas. I love the freedom to put my foot in my mouth, and I would rather have an uncouth opinion printed than none at all. But, therein also, is my sin. The purpose of conversation is first to generate conversation, second to identify and hash out differences and third to bring meaningful constructive change. Surely I have only succeeded at the first. You see, sometimes I, while being contrarian for its own sake, forget my ultimate goals and (more importantly) the humanity of those of which I spoke of. For all the times I devalued another for the sake of a hasty hyperbole or opinion I viewed as glitzy, Mea culpa. Please forgive me. There is a time and

place for these things, which I too often abused. What is the better model then? It is not silence. Perhaps at the campus’ current tumultuous state we may find a contemporary model in Andrew Marin (the man who shows us that “neutral” is non-synonymous with “noncontroversial”). Of course neutral is not the perfect term for Marin. He is very against plenty of things: revenge, the use of people as means to a political end and a politic of domination and subjugation. Marin’s organization, the Marin Foundation, exists to promote mutual understanding, to bridge build, between religious people and the LGBT+ community. It does this by inviting progressively and conservatively-minded church entities and conservative and progressive gender/ sexual minorities to transcend the dominating, polarized, winners-of-history-take-all political climate. The Marin Foundation recognizes that people of various views can always work for the greater well-being of one another without “one side of

history” trampling the other. The organization seeks peaceful living and respect—period. Naturally, such a message has drawn criticism both from a slew of conservatively religious people (who think the Marin Foundation hasn’t done its duty in denouncing gay sex as a sin—a refrain which apparently has not been trumpeted enough) as well as liberally minded people. Dan Savage called the organization “sneakily homophobic” and “Westboro Baptist in the drag of false contrition: God hates you — now with hugs!” At length, Andrew Marin has responded to both complaints. Perhaps the best summary of his views is that “[t]he biggest misnomer in contemporary society is that everyone must agree in order to love each other well. Fighting for an end result of ‘agreement’ is called a dictatorship, not pluralism.” While “neutrality” on today’s hot topics from the Ukraine, to Syria, to marijuana and gay marriage legalization, to budget cuts is not—what’s the buzzword?—sustainable for individuals, it must be

attempted in some fashion. Work like that of the Marin Foundation is needed. Such work recognizes people of differing views will always exist and they encourage not segregation or one dominating another but actual inclusion (the kind that isn’t an enforced police state wrapped in pretty pink wrapping paper). These bridge builders do what I have not: pave the way forward to actual coexistence among opposing views. As we consider all the forthcoming changes here at Georgetown College we must realize nasty, difficult decisions will be made. They will, we hope, be constructive decisions which respect all parties even as all parties must make sacrifices. The surgeon wounds to heal, and I fear Dr. Greene, and many others, will soon be our surgeons. We will also have to be our own surgeons. There will be much to think about. The newspaper, littleread-it-may-be, remains one of campus’ primary sounding boards: let us use it to not only deconstruct but to build.

I’d agree with you — without some super important event (and sometimes even then), the soft bed wins every time. Yet in recent days I’ve become convinced that it’s actually the opposite. I’m not crazy, I promise. Here’s why morning people have got it right: 1. I see the sunrise every morning. And it’s beautiful.

2. First dibs on breakfast. ‘Nuff said. 3. Traffic at 5 a.m. is almost non-existent. So are red lights. And cops. Win. 4. The coffee at the gas stations is as fresh as it’s going to be — and the cashier people are so excited to see other living beings that they give you free doughnuts. 5. By the time every-

one else is just getting going you’ve already been up for 3+ hours. The feeling of productivity and accomplishment is inevitable. 6. No chance of running out of hot water for showers. Especially a win when it’s -5 outside (ask me how I know). 7. Quiet. Blissful, wonderful quiet. You don’t realize how busy and distracting our

world is until it’s asleep. 8. Because you didn’t sleep, afternoon naps are totally justified. This isn’t to say that everyone needs to start setting their alarms for 5 a.m. or that night owls need to have a Saul/Paul experience. If anything, it’s to say, give it a go, if only once. Go forth and seize the morning.

The many reasons why morning people have got it right

By ANNA MEURER Opinion Editor

My day starts at 4-5 a.m. Why? Because I work at a barn and I have 17 hungry ponies to feed and take care of before showering (barn smell isn’t appealing to most people) and going to class. That sounds horrible, doesn’t it? Two months ago,

THE BACKPAGE “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot...”

By LEANNDRA W. PADGETT Backpage Editor / Earth Lover

elays are rare and cancellations unheard of, so everyone was in for a shock (or pleasant surprise) when GC classes were canceled Monday. I thought I’d experienced my last snow day back in high school, but Mother Nature and Dr. Allen decided otherwise. As this Kentucky winter has been unusually cold and especially snowy, I can just hear some skeptics making statements like, “Global warming’s a scam! This is one of the coldest winters I can remember.” Their mistake comes from the fact that we are talking about global warming — not local warming. While parts of the U.S. endure an exceptionally cold winter, other parts of the world are experiencing record high temperatures. From France, Spain, Austria and Switzerland to China and southern Africa, January 2014 ranked as one of the top five warmest Januaries on record (climatecentral.org). Think that this winter is a fluke? Worldwide, January 2014 was “the 347th consecutive month with above-average temperatures compared to the 20th century average…

one month shy of 29 straight years” (climatecentral.org). Things seem to be getting warmer. While strict temperature difference is part of the problem, changing weather patterns also result. The west coast is experiencing drought right now, as Kentucky has a very wet winter (climatecentral.org). While it is impossible to pinpoint exactly how much of this change is due to human interference, it is common sense that some of the blame can be attributed to the changes that began with the Industrial Revolution. Today we’re starting to see the results. Now, I consider myself a fairly conscientious person in regards to the environment. I try to “go green” as much as I can. Still, when I took a carbon footprint assessment earlier this semester for an environmental science class, it estimated that my lifestyle yields 14 tons of CO2 emissions a year. This is below the U.S. national average of 27 tons a year (largely due to the fact that I live in a dorm and not in a building by myself or with just a roommate). But before you congratulate me on my exemplary performance, note that the world average is 5.5 tons per year. For my contribution of almost three

times the global average to be considered good is problematic. We (as global citizens/Americans/Kentuckians/Georgetonians) need to be more environmentally conscientious and recognize the impacts our individual lifestyles yield. GC has some green initiatives — Georgetown Sustainability Initiative being the most organized effort. One of the college’s 8 Guiding Principles states that “Stewardship is our responsibility.” GC makes recycling easy with bins all over campus. There are select bathrooms with motion sensor lights to save electricity, and the Caf offers Meatless Mondays. But we have our share of failures, as well. To name just a few examples, the lights in the Writing Center do not turn off at all; something is wrong with the wiring and they blaze 24-7. At the end of the year, the huge dumpsters positioned outside of the dorms are filled with waste. Our energy consumption is disproportionate. We could look to Berea College for inspiration. Their eco-village and new Deep Green Dorm offer unique and environmentally friendly housing opportunities for students. The college produces much of its dining service’s

food through the work study program and has a unique aquaponics system (a fish-and-plant-greenhouse-combo) and a sustainability and environmental studies program. Both as a college and as individuals, we need to implement more environmentally friendly measures. This cold winter is a reminder that we are greatly affected by nature and weather. Much of it is out of our control, but we can make a difference at least in our carbon emissions. If we don’t, as the Lorax warns, “nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Source: Facebook.com

Dr. Seuss’s birthday was on Sunday.