Issue 2 - Spring 2014

The

eorgetonian G

January 29, 2014  Volume CXXXIV Issue 2

Changes coming to GC’s campus

President’s message states operations of GC need to be brought back into balance

By HANNAH KRIEGER

lower the costs and increase enrollment. The first part of the plan pertains to determining Late last week President what changes will be initiated.

Greene met with faculty, staff By late spring, Greene is conand members of SGA to talk fident that there will be a plan about the changes that George- already underway to remedy town College must come to the out of kilter balance for the embrace. Greene stated that college. the “operations of the colThe second part involves lege have to be brought back cutbacks in programs, faculty into balance.” When Greene and staff. The president will became the 24th president of recommend to the provost Georgetown College, he was certain programs that may be not unaware that the expen- considered for discontinuaditures and revenue were not tion. Greene emphasized that adding up. However, he real- programs being cut is a comized that there is tremendous pletely normal affair that all potential on this campus, and colleges go through. Since prohe wants to help Georgetown gram cuts have not been made achieve what it is meant to. on Georgetown’s campus in Greene plans on a three– many years, it will make this part “strategic renewal” that process more difficult. will be fiscally responsible, President Greene’s recommendations on which programs to cut will not necessarily lead to termination of those programs.

The current programs that are being looked into include: music; French; German; economics; commerce, language and culture; and computer science. Greene said appropriate notice will be given before a program is ended.

There are a variety of different factors that The Georgetonian/COLLIN SMITH will be taken into considerGeorgetown College is well ation, including the interest known for being a liberal arts level in the programs and college. the relative importance of Editor-in-Chief

the programs to the campus.

The review process of some programs has already been in place since last year, but no actions have been taken.

Another area that faces cutbacks involves the faculty.

Greene said that Georgetown has an excess of faculty members in relation to its student body. Normally, having a great number of faculty is a good thing, but usually only wealthy institutions can afford to have such small ratios. The student to teacher ratio at Georgetown, currently 10-11:1, is out of balance to the normal ratio that an institution like Georgetown should sustain, which is 15:1.

Greene commented on Georgetown’s ratio saying that it is “wonderful if you have the sources to afford it, but Georgetown does not.”

Once again, Greene is making recommendations on the possible 22 positions that will be reviewed for discontinuation. Staff positions will be reviewed carefully as well as there is room to reduce, but how many workers will be cut is still undetermined.

While reducing some areas around campus, the third part of the plan involves growth and new beginnings. Admissions is consistently working to bring in more future Tigers and raise enrollment for the next incoming class.

At this time, the number of students we have enrolled is higher this year than it was last year.

The plan is to keep increasing the growth of incoming freshmen. For the next academic year, the plan is to have 350 incoming freshmen. However, President Greene explained that he would The Georgetonian/COLLIN SMITH love to have even more President Greene brings change students attend the colto campus in order to help the lege and the number is campus flourish. just a minimal and attainthat Georgetown is going able quota.

Greene is also interested through are not that unusual, in “identifying and investing but because Georgetown is a where we can grow [new] small college in a close comprograms.” There is a lot of munity, it makes the process potential in the health care more difficult to go through. fields, business area and the If a program that senior banking industry. Greene students are involved in is wants to find a way to plug in going to be terminated, Greene academic programs relating to assured that they would work these fields to help the indus- with the students to make sure try and Georgetown College they can get what they need as well. There is the possibil- to graduate. He said that “we ity of adding a criminology will be very attentive to the and criminal justice program needs of the students as we along with a Masters business work through this.” Greene program. The goal of adding said all changes will come at these programs is to comple- appropriate notice to both the ment the strengths the college students and faculty. already possesses in the liberal President Greene is taking arts and sciences. these steps to ensure the future In the span of two to three and continuation of Georgeyears these changes should be town College. He said that “I completely implemented to came here to help this college help the campus come back flourish and I intend to see it into balance. Greene stressed through.” that the processes and changes

Page 2

News Graves Center prepares Emerging Leaders in and outside of GC

The Georgetonian

Global

Headlines Sponsored by Global Scholars

 The sales of Apple’s iPhone have slowed in recent months.

Though still selling more than 51 million worldwide, the company fell short of expectations set by shareholders.  Fears continue to deepen of the security situation at the Sochi Olympics. Some athletes have gone as far as to hire private security firms for protection.  Beatles fans celebrate the 50th anniversary of Beatlemania- the arrival of the musical group on U.S. soil. Their first appearance on U.S. television was on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964.  Deposed Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi is on trial in Cairo for his role in assisting jailbreaks during the Egyptian uprising. He appeared in court in a soundproof and steel caged box.  Ukraine’s prime minister and entire government resigned, and its parliament scrapped anti-protest laws that had infuriated the opposition, in the biggest concessions yet to protesters in the on-going crisis in that country.  President Obama announced he will use executive powers to increase the minimum wage for government contractors to $10.10 per hour, an increase from the current rate of $7.25 per hour.

Follow us on Twitter! @GCGlobalScholars

By ANNA MEURER Opinion Editor

T

he Graves Center for Calling and Career may just seem like a nice brick house with a mouthful of a name, but it’s a golden ticket for many students on campus. Initially established with funds from the Lilly Endowment, a private philanthropic foundation, to support “campus engagement in the theological exploration of vocation,” the Center has since been expanded and maintained through the generosity of such college benefactors as Rollie and Lena Graves, Billy and Suzy Thurman, James Baldwin and John Williams, among others.

Since then the Center has also shifted to a more career-oriented emphasis. The main purpose of the Center, said Holly James, Associate Director, is to “develop students from a professional perspective and guide [them] in career development.” Director Ray Clere added that the Center is designed to “prepare students at Georgetown for a fulfilling career and a life after college.”

Currently, the Center offers an array of resources for students. Open on the weekdays from 8-5, students are encouraged to make individual appointments for personalized help.

A little known fact that resources

are structured on a graduated scale, ranging from basic resume review and self-assessment tests to advanced networking aid and mock interviews.

A large emphasis, James insists, remains on guiding students towards the path or paths that are best suited to their abilities and aspirations. “We don’t make the decisions for them,” she says.

Furthermore, the Center’s website (www.georgetowncollege.edu/career) contains an extensive list of resources, videos and podcasts, career- and discipline-specific links and networking links for students, parents, alumni and faculty alike, including job listings Beyond individual meetings with students, James and Clere make a large effort to engage with the campus community outside of the Meetinghouse.

Upcoming events include a LinkedIn workshop on Jan. 30 at 11 a.m., a Spotlight Career Fair on Feb. 27 from 2-5:30 p.m. and numerous Emerging Leaders workshops. Further details can be found on the Center’s website.

Additionally, Clere and James make an effort to connect Georgetown to the wider community through networking, workshops and conferences.

According to James, “Big companies often overlook small schools” and she wants “them to think of us every time they are looking to recruit students.”

Another goal, said Clere, is to be “on the cusp when advertising our stu-

dents [to employers].”

James and Clere both consider the Center to be largely successful in its efforts to reach students. Despite that, James asserts they are always gathering and evaluating feedback from students, alumni, faculty and employers in an attempt to continuing improving the Center.

Both note that though the Center is widely familiar on campus they hope to increase their depth of involvement.

“I think we need a clarification of what we can really do,” says James, “because every student is at a different stage and has a different challenge.”

Clere agrees. “They’ve seen us but [several] haven’t heard us.”

Another desire expressed by Clere was for a greater partnership with the academic programs and greater integration into the GC atmosphere. “Career development is central to student experience,” he said, a fact that many students don’t seem to realize. “It’s not enough to just have four years of academic experience anymore.”

Suggestions have included offering career development options, either in courses or funded internships, for academic credit either in conjunction with major or Foundation and Core requirements. Ideas are still in development but one thing is clear: the Center will continue to work for the benefit of its students.

Emerging Leaders: Dates to Remember Wed. 1/29 Thurs. 1/30 Thurs. 2/6 Resume Workshop 6-7 p.m.

JHN Suite

Interview Success Workshop 6-7 p.m.

JHN Suite

Interview Success Workshop 11 a.m.- noon JHN Suite

News Chapel changes support existing ministries

Issue 2

By AUSTIN FRALEY Staff Writer

T

his semester has already seen some big changes with the ending of the President’s Ambassadors program among other things. Another change that is coming is the restructuring of the Tuesday morning Campus Worship Chapel service. Starting this semester, the amount of Campus Worship services per semester will shift from approximately six to approximately three.

Campus Minister Bryan Langlands has said that although low attendance has a little to do with this, the main decision for the shift was a response to where the student investment is.

Langlands explained, “With all the evening opportunities for worship such as Rooted, Thursday Night Seconds, Devos and Depth Groups, it just makes more sense to work with and try to

January 29, 2014 Page 3

make even stronger areas where there is umbrella ministry for all the evening already strong student investment.” ministries that already have student One question commonly asked support. among prospective students when This process is still in development, touring campus but ideas for how to put this into is if we have regaction are already underway. ular chapel. LanOne of these ideas is to bring gland’s vision is back the Holy Week traditions that eventually on campus. Traditionally, during the response Holy Week different ministries will resemble, would combine to do worship “Yes we have and service projects on different it every Tuesdays. day, it’s called The Chapel Team would Rooted,” or ideally become a group that “Yes, it’s every does less by itself, but which Thursday, it’s can host these combined serSource: Georgetowncollege.edu called Thursday vices. These traditions have Campus Worship takes on a Night Seconds.” been absent for quite some new character by supporting This same time and it is estimated that it existing campus minitries. response could would take some work to get apply to other them back. Yet, Langlands and campus worship groups as well. the Chapel Team agree this change will In this way, the hope is to eventu- be, in the end, worth it. ally turn Chapel into somewhat of an As for the chapel service itself, Lan-

glands hopes that the shift will actually make Campus Worship even better than it has been in the past. “We’re really trying to do more with less,” he says. “Rather than have several somewhat known speakers, having fewer services will allow us to bring in fewer, but more well-known and impactful speakers.”

This decision was influenced by the amazing turnout for Sujo John’s 9/11 story last semester, which has provided insight into the direction the team wants the chapel service to move towards.

As with all things shifting, Langlands and the Team emphasize that it is important to note that this is still in the process of changing. In the final stages, things may not be exactly as expected or planned.

Whatever the outcome, Langlands and the Chapel Team are hopeful that this will improve the ministry on campus rather than hinder it.

Greek Life welcomes Williams as new Area Coordinator

By MEGHAN ALESSI Features Editor

H

unter Williams is Georgetown’s new Area Coordinator for Greek Life. After joining the Student Life team in October, she had just a few months to prepare for her first recruitment week at Georgetown, and overall she thought it was successful.

Williams is no stranger to Greek life herself. She was a member of a Greek organization at Western Kentucky University during her time in college. She also served as the Panhellenic President in college and continued on to be a recruitment adviser for three years after she graduated.

When reflecting on the size differ-

ence in recruitment here as opposed to at Western, she enjoyed that it is “more intimate and you get to know people.”

She also stated that she appreciates the tradition of Chapel Day and the excitement it brings.

Williams reports that this year, of students who went through recruitment, 58 women were matched into sororities and 42 men pledged fraternities.

It was rumored that there was a lack of students, and of men specifically, going through recruitment due to poor GPAs. However, Williams noted that there were only a few men that signed up and were declared ineligible.

Many students speculate that low numbers in recruitment correlate with low numbers of freshmen in general.

This year’s recruitment saw the addition of an online component.

Rather than a paper bid system, it was all done electronically. Williams said the last thing she wanted to do was “kill a bunch of trees, so why not do everything online?”

Williams explained that she would like to now switch focus to the Panhellenic Council and Inter-Fraternity Council. Her intentions are to give the students in Greek organizations more ownership and responsibility, as well as build a more positive image across campus.

She also encouraged that all Greek organizations “need to be supportive in order to be successful,” as a goal for them to work toward.

The Georgetonian/COLLIN SMITH

Hunter Williams brings new ideas to GC Greek Life.

Sports

Page 4

The Georgetonian

Bike bog snorkelling is the new fad

By ERIC BALMER Sports Editor Through covering a semester worth of random sports each week, I’ve come across many obscure sports. None perhaps compare to the one I explored for the sports section this week: Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling. No sport I’ve ever learned about pairs the grossness of muddy swamps and fear of drowning in one grand event.

The world championships

for Bike Bog Snorkelling are held in Wales. In the early 2000’s a local pub landlord, after a little too much whiskey, thought it would be a good idea to ride a mountain bike through marshy waters with a snorkel.

Each contest is based in the small town of Llanwrtyd Wells. Participants are required to ride their mountain bikes two lengths of the “Waen Rhydd Bog” in the town, which is only six feet deep but still deep enough for

riders to use snorkels. Riders must cross the 45 foot marsh just twice to completely finish the race and whoever has the fastest time, wins the world championship.

Times of the race range anywhere from a minute to just over two minutes. The world record holder for both sexes is Dineka Maguire, who in 2013 completed the competition in one minute and 23 seconds.

Possibly the most interesting facts of the race are not

about the course itself, but about the specifics of what’s penalized. Certain events that may happen as a result of the race including falling off your bike or even vomiting because of the awful odor of the swamp, will not count against the competitors. Despite all of the undesirable possibilities associated with the race, people from all over the world come to give the competition a shot. In an attempt to piggy back off of the success of the untraditional competition, the

conditions. Despite the short delay, both Tiger teams were able to return to Georgetown as victors – the women achieved a final score of 80-60, and the men came back from an 11-point deficit to yield a final score of 91-87.

The women took the court first, capturing an early lead over the Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders. The score was tied twice in the first five minutes

of the game, but it was onward and upward from that point for Georgetown as the senior trio of Andrea Howard, Kourtney Tyra and Lizza Jonas led the team to their win.

Howard scored a gamehigh 20 points, Jonas scored 17 and Tyra scored 14, breaking 1,500 for her career. However, each player who took the court on Sunday contributed points for the Tigers: Teona McCune

had eight, Devanny King had seven, Jessica Foster had six, Mykal Farris had four and Haley Armstrong and Tena Johnson each had two.

The win over Lindsey Wilson brought the women’s record to 14-3 overall and 8-1 in the Mid-South Conference.

The men’s team took the court shortly after the women’s victory. The first half was a bit shaky, as the score was tied seven times, leaving the Blue Raiders leading by three at the half. Lindsey Wilson continued their scoring streak, leading the Tigers by as many as 11 points during the second half. However, Georgetown took the lead towards the end of the game after DJ Townsend stole the ball and handed it to Noah Cottrill, who in turn passed to Monty Wilson for a layup.

It was Wilson who led

small welsh town has hosted the Triathlon Bog Snorkelling Championships.

Source: Emmawoodphotos.co.uk

This competition is not for the faint of heart.

Gtown basketball finds ways to win

By KAITLIN FAHEY Copy Editor Georgetown College’s men’s and women’s basketball teams traveled to Columbia, Ky. this past weekend to compete against Lindsey Wilson College in a double-header.

The matches, which were originally scheduled for Saturday Jan. 25, were postponed to Sunday due to severe weather

Women’s Bball Men’s Bball Tennis Baseball

W. 80-60 Lindsey Wilson W. 91-87 Lindsey Wilson Yet to begin season Yet to begin season

Jan. 30 @ Rio Grande 6 p.m.

Jan. 30 @ Rio Grande 8 p.m.

Feb. 1 @ Bellarmine 2 p.m.

Feb. 8 vs. St. Francis 1 p.m.

the men in points, reaching a game-high of 32. Dominique Hagans, Montavious Marc and Noah Cottrill also achieved points in the double-digits.

The win over Lindsey Wilson brought the men’s record to 15-5 overall and 6-3 in the Mid-South Conference.

Both teams continue their travels this week in another double-header against the University of Rio Grande tomorrow, Jan. 30. The women’s game begins at 6 p.m., with the men’s game directly following at 8 p.m.

Sports

Issue 2

January 29, 2014 Page 5

Sticks and stones have hefty price tags

By MEGHAN ALESSI Features Editor If you missed the postgame interview from Richard Sherman following the Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49er’s game last Sunday, you should look it up. There has been a lot of controversy since then over whether his loud comments were acceptable or not. Erin Andrews, an ESPN reporter, interviewed Sherman immediately after the Seahawks won the game 23-17, while they were still on the football field.

Andrews said, “On the final play, take me through it.” Sherman responded by screaming, “Well, I’m the best corner in the game. When you try me with a sorry receiver like Crabtree, that’s the result you’re going to get. Don’t you ever talk about me!”

Andrews, taken aback, then replied with, “Who was talking about you?” Sherman quickly said, “Crabtree! Don’t you open your mouth about the best, or I’m going to shut it for you real quick. L.O.B.” L.O.B. refers to “Legion of Boom,” which is a nickname for the Seahawks secondary.

Michael Crabtree is a wide receiver for the 49ers who is currently under a six-year $32 million contract. Not bad for a sorry receiver. Sherman is under a four-year $2.22 million contract with the Seahawks.

However, CNN reports that his agents estimate he could make upwards of $5 million from advertisers following his interview, so we may see more

of Sherman in commercials during the Super Bowl and not just in the game itself.

The interview with Sherman was full of raw emotion.

It wasn’t scripted, wasn’t well thought-out or rehearsed. It was a player that was still amped up from winning the game that is sending his team to the Super Bowl. Does that

known for its violence and high crime rates, and went on to graduate from Stanford University. He clearly came from a rough background and has been successful. However, when it’s all said and done, your personal background doesn’t matter when you are expected to behave in a professional manner. ESPN even made a comparison between him and the comic book character “Motormouth.”

This is not his first offense when it comes to publicly calling people out and talking smack.

Source: Fanpop.com In March of last Sherman was fined for trash talking year he appeared on after a game.

ESPN’s First Take with Stephen A. mean it was acceptable?

Smith and Skip Bayless. He Sherman was fined $7,875 began arguing with Bayless by the National Football about how good of a player he League for his bad sports- is. He took it to a personal level manship. He was seen making and proceeded to tell Bayless, choking gestures, symbolizing “in my 24 years of life, I’m the 49ers’ choking the game. better at life than you.” When Then, after deflecting the 49ers Bayless asked Sherman if he pass into the end zone, secur- thought he was better than ing the Seahawks’ victory, he Darrelle Revis (a cornerback taunted Crabtree on the field. for the Tampa Bay BuccaCrabtree responded by push- neers), he simply replied with, ing Sherman’s facemask away. “I’m better than you.” ImmeThen there was the interview. diately after this comment, he Perhaps even more intrigu- began talking about his work ing than the interview itself through community service was the way in which the and helping out with high viewers responded. They school kids, as if that made his took to Twitter to call Sher- comments acceptable. man everything from a “thug” That’s not all. He then to their hero. Fans of Sher- went on to tell Bayless, “I’m man brought up his personal intelligent enough and capable background. He grew up in enough to understand that you Compton, Calif., infamously are an ignorant, pompous, ego-

tistical cretin” and “I’m going to crush you on here in front of everybody, because I am tired of hearing about it.” If you have ever watched First Take, you know that sometimes Bayless is a hard man to like. However, in this context, Sherman’s words were unnecessary and

took away from what could have been a positive interview about his successful season in the NFL. Only time will tell if he will be a household name due to his tremendous athleticism, his trash talking or most likely a bit of both.

Fall Intramural standings Men’s points

TEAMS

PHA

LAMB PHI TAU PIKE FACULTY/STAFF KAPPA ALPHA INDEPENDENT

Women’s points

TEAMS PHI MU SIGMA KNIGHT KAPPA DETA ALPHA GAM INDEPENDENT

Total 305 345 35 205 230 480 225

Total 565 290 50 305 95 290

Features

Page 6

The Georgetonian

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Jonathan Balmer

By ANNA MEURER Opinion Editor When tasked with describing Jonathan Balmer, one is faced with the question, “Where to begin?” At the beginning, it would seem. He is the older of two brothers, both of whom attend Georgetown. Balmer, candid almost to a fault, says he chose Georgetown because it was “smaller than my hyper-competitive new money high school, now the largest high school in Ohio, and [GC] offered me $1,800 more than my competing choice: Otterbein University.”

The benefits of a small school are not lost on him.

Not only has it allowed him to experience opportunities like acting in the Maskrafters despite his “modest acting experience” and writing for “The Georgetonian” even

without an intent to was accepted for a pursue professional Fulbright Grant to journalism, but it return to the country has also given him to teach English. invaluable access Looking towards to professors and the future after Fuladvisers. He credits bright, Jon plans to that environment teach, first in high to no small degree school and then with allowing him wherever he hapto double major in pens to end up. “I English and hisfeel my calling is to tory while working be a teacher in some towards his teaching capacity,” he said.

The Georgetonian/ COLLIN SMITH Regarding certification, fulfillgrading the requirements Jonathan played Stitch from the Disney movie uation, he said it’s for the Honors Pro- “Lilo & Stitch” at Songfest. “daunting, because gram and studying never again will I studying on three different abroad on two different con- continents. He began in Brazil, live next to 30 guys near my tinents. Balmer said, “It took flew back to Georgetown for a age who I can talk to anytime, some ‘forceful support’ from few months, and then skipped and because there is so much professors at times, but it looks across the Atlantic to spend a unknown.” like I’ll graduate on time.”

Until then, he spends his term at Oxford University. He In addition to his George- enjoyed Brazil, and the Portu- time on campus as a member town academics, Jon was for- guese he somewhat mastered of the President’s House Assotunate enough to spend his there (“enough…to get me ciation fraternity, of which he junior year as few others have: unlost.”) and he applied and is the Devotions chair, and as

Men’s Bid Day 2014

All photos taken by The Georgetonian/COLLIN SMITH

a college ministry intern at Georgetown Baptist Church.

As a second semester senior, he is also spending the majority of his credit hours off campus in student teaching, an endeavor he finds challenging but satisfying. Describing himself as “much less serious” away from the classroom, he lists Lil’ Sis Caliesha Comley, Zachary Bettersworth, Aimee Davis, Ankit Patel and younger brother Eric Balmer as his best friends on campus.

A budding scholar and teacher known to his friends on Facebook as the guy who posts novellas for statuses--often on abstract religious or literary topics—and on campus as the guy that wanders around in a Stitch (from “Lilo & Stitch”) costume from time to time, it’s safe to say that “ordinary” never has and never will describe Jonathan.

Features

Issue 2

January 29, 2014 Page 7

Writing Center is here to help you

By LEANNDRA W. PADGETT Back Page Editor Every student at some point faces the dreaded writer’s block, the confusing assignment or the frighteningly messy rough draft.

Unless said student conveniently has an English major as a roommate, self-published author as an older sibling or journalist as a close friend, they are doomed. Wait, that’s not right. The Writing Center is now open. Starting on Feb. 2, tutors will be available in the

bottom of the library. Students should consider LRC room 016 as a medical clinic where papers (and their writers) will be diagnosed with issues of concern (the comma splice, fragment, run-on, improper subject-verb agreement, lack of clarity, improper grammar, etc. etc.), prescribed with possible solutions (a well-placed conjunction or punctuation mark, a clearer structure, sentence variation and so on) and guided to a healthier lifestyle with the help of concerned peers (tutors).

Writing Center services are free to users. Actually, students have already paid for them through tuition, so it makes sense to take advantage of the help. There are several tutors from a variety of disciplines. A complete list and other information about the Writing Center can be found at http://www.georgetowncollege.edu/writingcenter/.

Students can drop in the Writing Center any time during operating hours. To ensure priority assistance, they should make an appointment

Men’s Bid Day 2014

by calling 8423.

Some readers might be thinking, “That sounds great, but I’m embarrassed to go to the Writing Center. Nobody ever does that.” That is incorrect. Last semester alone, almost 160 different students (159 to be exact) took advantage of the GCWC. They found the services to be so helpful that they often returned multiple times - there were 386 Writing Center conferences/ computer sessions. So make

the most of this valuable service and stop by the Writing Center.

The Writing Center is open from Sunday through Thursday with the following hours: Sunday: 7-11 p.m.

Monday: 12:30-4:30, 7-9 p.m.

Tuesday: 9:30-11:00 a.m., 12:30-4:30, 7-9 p.m.

Wednesday: 12:30-4:30, 7-11 p.m.

Thursday: 9:30-11 a.m., 12:30-4:30, 7-11 p.m.

Quote My Georgetown Professor “I just love when you step on a grasshopper and hear that crunch of the exoskeleton.”

-Dr. Johnson Posted on the “Quote My Georgetown Professor” Facebook group

Georgetown Tree Huggers

The Georgetonian/COLLIN SMITH

This week’s Tree Hugger is sophomore Kelly Swanson.

Page 8

ArtsEntertainment

The Georgetonian

Hustle to see this clever film

By SHAY McCLEAVY Staff Writer Occasionally you see a film where you hang on every word. Characters clash and a dense plot develops as we peer into the lives of multiple people.

It’s bonkers, scary and terrifically funny all at the same time. That is director David O. Russell’s “American Hustle.”

“Some of this actually happened.”

Those are the first words that greet you after the retro opening titles. It’s a great, droll set-up for a film inspired by Abscam, an FBI sting operation in 1978.

Though what transpires mirrors actual events, names have been changed and personalities fictionalized. It doesn’t matter anyway, because Russell (“Silver Linings Playbook”) has cooked up a wonderful whirlwind of a film.

The story moves between con artists Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), while FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley

Cooper) uses them to earn a name for himself by bringing down politicians, including the unknowing mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). Outside of the operation, Irving’s erratic wife (Jennifer Lawrence) could unknowingly bring the whole operation down.

Though the plot is dense, Russell places the heart of film in his large ensemble of A-list actors.

The cast is to die for. Bale provides our way into this world sporting a beer belly and elaborate comb over, giving Irving cautious assertiveness and sharp emotion. Adams, flashing her blue eyes, is tough, calculating, sensitive and incredibly sexy as a partner in crime.

Cooper brings comic heat and hubris as the Fed with a temper. Renner is completely likeable as a politician who wants good for his community and is unaware he is stuck between Feds, the mob and con artists. Lastly, Lawrence is all kinds of crazy as Irving’s loose and erratic wife. Even the smaller support-

ing cast is incredible, especially Louis humor, is stylish in a wonderfully C.K. whose comic timing is impeccable. garish 70’s kind of way and features This is also one stylish movie. From some of the best performances of the its perfectly chosen 70’s soundtrack to year, go see this. David O. Russell has its crazy costumes, it’s all pitched to a created a film about people who hustle dizzying heightened reality. It’s bound for love, respect and truth; but he’s not to make your head spin. As the action hustling you out of entertainment. rises to a fevered pitch, Russell’s camera swoops in and out with a headlong rush. A sequence involving disco, drugs and desperation will warp your brain before the characters, you and the camera are snapped into sobriety. You are glued to these people. As the plot gets denser, Russell plunges into the heart of his ensemble to create a turbulent and funny ride. Though there are a few bumpy bits and the conclusion ends a bit tidier than one might expect, you just roll with it for a good time.

If you want a film that is Source: Google.com/imhp bristling with dry and absurd “Hustle” recieves 3 1/2 out of 4 stars.

including Anna, and when they are accidentally exposed at her coronation, she runs away, freezing the kingdom of Arendelle in an eternal winter. Anna embarks on a journey to find her sister and bring back summer, and meets a colorful cast of characters along the way. Kristoff (voiced by Jonathan Groff) and his reindeer Sven balance out Anna’s optimism. Olaf (voiced by Josh Gad) is an adorable snowman who is obsessed with summer. With such a charming cast of characters, it’s hard not to fall in love with the movie.

The script is very well written and filled with jokes that not only have the children giggling, but their parents as well. The screenwriters were incredibly clever in weaving in plenty of jokes to engage the whole theater, and the ani-

mators did a fantastic job bringing the scenes to life.

No detail was left out; each snowflake had its own individual pattern, and the character’s expressions convey exactly what they’re feeling. The animation is beautifully constructed, allowing the audience to step into a new world.

Original scores fill this Disney film, but it’s more than just your average musical. The songs are as clever as the dialogue, keeping the audience engaged throughout the movie, and both Bell and Menzel produce beautiful vocals, not that anyone would expect anything less from a cast of Broadway greats.

Once you watch this movie, you’ll begin to play the soundtrack on repeat

“Frozen” could be a new classic

By LAUREN ABBOTT Staff Writer

With all the hype surrounding Disney’s “Frozen,” some are questioning if the franchise’s newest flick is as good as people say it is. With its constant witty wisecracks that leave the audience laughing and its brilliant original compositions, I will be the first to tell you that this movie is all they say it is and more.

The story centers around a lovable princess named Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell) and her sister, Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel), who has power over snow and ice. They have grown up isolated in a castle after Anna’s childhood brush with death. Elsa’s powers have been kept secret from everyone,

and sing the songs while walking around campus.

“Frozen,” while good enough before any twists and turns, also is the most unpredictable Disney movie I’ve ever seen. Almost every children’s movie follows a direct pattern; they’re completely predictable. However, with this tale, Disney creates a movie with an incredible twist ending that will have the whole audience holding their breath.

I think it’s safe to say that audiences everywhere will love Disney’s newest animated adventure, regardless of age or gender. Disney was spot on with this one, giving us a story that will be cherished for ages. Despite “Frozen’s” chilly title, you’ll leave the theater with a warm heart.

Issue 2

ArtsEntertainment

January 29, 2014 Page 9

The musical life of Meagan Henry

By ANDREA BELLEW Staff Writer “My parents — I don’t know if they’re serious or not — used to joke around saying I was singing to the radio before I was actually talking to people.”

Meagan Henry, a sophomore in the music education program, has had a passion for music ever since she was little. She grew up singing both in church and school choirs. She has been in band for nine years now, starting with her middle school in 6th grade, then onto her high school, and now she plays with our very own Tiger Band.

Her musical talents at the moment include the clarinet and singing. For her major she was originally going to do both instrumental and vocal, but decided to drop the vocal portion last semester.

She did not fall out of love with the vocal portion, though. She is currently in choir and plans on sticking with it.

She also took up an offer to join the new co-ed a cappella group, the Tiger Tones.

Another item on her musical plate is playing in the orchestra pit for her alma mater, Western Hills High School’s upcoming musical, “Little Shop of Horrors.”

In the past, she has assisted with Western Hills Band Camp and given clarinet lessons. She attended the camp herself each summer of her high school career and has worked during the last two. This past summer she taught a clarinet course for the camp. She also began giving a girl from her high school private clarinet lessons, which she plans on continuing this summer.

Giving lessons to this girl actually helped solidify her decision to go strictly instrumental with her major.

As a music education major she has many instruments to learn how to play: flute, oboe, saxophone, bassoon and piano. But the two instruments that she is looking most forward to are trumpet

and tuba.

As for her future plans, she is considering a few different routes: Minister of Music, high school band director or elementary school music teacher. A Minister of Music (or worship leader) is something she has experience with from her hometown church, Lighthouse Baptist.

Last semester, she really enjoyed coordinating with her high school band director on the Fridays she spent helping for football season.

She loves both little kids and sharing music.

All of these choices would suit her, but for now we will just have to wait and see what path or paths she chooses.

She has a bright musical future, but she already has some achievements under her belt as well. She completed the Opera and Theatre Workshop (OpShop), played as a Warrior Woman for the “Pirates of Pinafore,” and performed in all of the fall and spring Band Concerts since fall 2012.

NETFLIX

LRC DVDS

buzzfeed

“Blackfish”

“Tangled”

“How British are you?”

“Sherlock”

“Doctor Who”

“Grey’s Anatomy”

“Warm Bodies”

“What food personality are you?”

The Georgetonian/ABBY SMITH

Meagan is a talented musician involved in almost every aspect of music at GC. Her skills and knowledge grow everyday as she takes her music and education classes, has her instrumental lessons, belts out to the “Frozen” soundtrack and joins in on concerts, operas and more.

Your guide to procrastinating Youtube

Little Girl Wants cupcakes for dinner “More NFL” – A Bad Lip Reading of the NFL Maddie and Zoe sing “Let it Go” from “Frozen”

“Emperor’s New Groove”

“Safe Haven”

“What fictional city should you live in?”

Page 10

Georgetonian

Opinion

The Georgetonian

Trim the limb to save the tree

The

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 ANNA MEURER Opinion Editor

Let’s talk about Georgetown.

And the future.

Together. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock—and I don’t even accept that excuse because I’ve been hiding in Pawling writing theses and even I heard—you’re aware of the open letter that President Greene sent to the GC community detailing his vision for Georgetown and his proposed plan. By extension then, you are also aware that campus has been...tense...to put it tactfully.

For all the people that have complained for years that we need change and a new plan for the future, the letter, appropriately titled “As We Look Ahead,” when it came, was terrifying. Why? Because the plan, liberally sprinkled with words like “reset,” “discontinue” and “reductions,” seems to herald the end of several programs on campus and with them faculty and staff.

Watching your program disappear is stressful enough.

Watching your favorite faculty members—your mentors, advisers, and professors—disappear with them is heartbreaking. No wonder campus is a mix of clandestine clusters and outraged outbursts.

But I’d caution the community against complete panic just yet for a few reasons. One, new as he is to campus, I trust President Greene. I trust that the selectors knew what they were doing when they hired him, and I trust him to have the college’s best interest at heart. I’m willing to give him a chance to do what he was

hired to do, at least for a little bit.

Two, I trust the faculty. I trust them to stand up for their programs and for us. They showed us last year how committed they were to the idea of Georgetown College and how powerful they could be.

Finally, and most importantly, I trust the idea of the process. Of course, I’d rather see programs reduced than eliminated, and I’m sure that discussion, and several more like it, are on the horizon in the upcoming weeks.

Now, that doesn’t mean that I’m happy at all about potentially seeing the end of programs and majors here.

Quite the opposite in fact.

However, and forgive me if I sound a bit utilitarian, I care first and foremost about the survival of the institution and the community as a whole.

It’d be easy for you to say that I don’t understand because my job or major isn’t on the line, and you’d be perfectly justified. But I am a senior who has been here for

four years and would be here for another ten years if I could afford it and they wouldn’t kick me out. Additionally, one doesn’t have to be in a program to recognize its value The letter encourages the community to “approach the coming months with maturity conditioned by confidence that a plan is being pursued to achieve balanced operations and establish a footing from which the College can grow and flourish.” Normally, I’d dismiss language like that as administrative fluff. But in this case, I actually agree with it. In short: keep it together, people.

Conversations, yes. Letters, yes. Tears, rain (er, snow) check. Mobs, definitely not.

So, to conclude, even if it means that we have to trim a few limbs in order to save the tree, I support that. I support it not because I think our tree is inherently diseased or doomed, but because I desire more than anything to see the tree bloom again and grow.

And I think we can.

Source: Colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com

Read the full letter at: http://www.georgetowncollege.edu/president/2014/01/23/as-we-look-ahead/

Opinion Georgetown without languages is just school

Issue 2

By COLLIN SMITH Photo Editor Hello. I’m your typical Georgetown College student.

I came in my freshman year planning my path to pharmacy school. I was enrolled in Chemistry 111 with the required lab, the newly required Foundations 111, the questionably essential English 115 and a slew of music classes required for my minor. I survived.

Second semester, I continued taking chemistry and added biology. I soon realized that pursuing a career within the sciences was not for me.

Following this revelation, I embarked on my journey from department to department at Georgetown hoping to find a place for me to settle down. I started in my home turf. I kept pursuing a music minor think-

January 29, 2014 Page 11

ing that it could turn into a major area of study.

I had the great opportunity to participate in both band and choir, which challenged me in unique ways unlike any other discipline. I was able to build relationships with faculty and staff who encouraged me to pursue my passions whatever they may be.

Despite not being a major focus of my academic career, my involvement in the music department has allowed me to participate in many clubs and organizations with various leadership roles throughout my four years here.

I made a pit stop in mathematics, which challenged me to learn how to be an effective and successful student. Essentially, the lessons I learned in these classes are some of the most important of my college

career.

Still unsure of where my academic journey was going, I began to focus on my Foundation and Core Requirements.

I took English 296 to fulfill my Literature requirement, and found one of my favorite Georgetown professors. Dr. Barbaccia challenged me to grow as a reader of literature.

I found this to be one of the most rewarding classes I’ve ever taken. I realized the value of these skills and will probably pick up an English minor.

One of the other Foundation and Core Requirements is a foreign language. The most popular language is Spanish, which is the language I studied in high school. But I decided to follow a different course of study for my college language.

I decided to take German.

I mostly took German

because my vocal teacher requires her students to sing in the foreign language they study. As I cannot roll my r’s, Spanish and French were out of the running. Thus, my study of German began.

It started out as something that was interesting and different, and I quickly realized that German was a subject that I was really passionate about.

I gained a new appreciation for other cultures around the world as well as a new lens in which to view our own culture.

I have a new knowledge of how the world has developed and how it all fits together.

German history is long and diverse. My classes range from the study of medieval tales of knights and ladies to contemporary rap music.

If Georgetown College did

not have these departments, my Georgetown experience would be vastly different. I would not have the opportunities to discover my various talents and passions. I was opened up to new ideas and challenged to try things that I never would have tried before.

The relationships I’ve made with my professors are lasting and worthwhile. To imagine Georgetown College without languages or music is to imagine a Georgetown where students like me won’t be able to discover something they enjoy, but never even considered.

Georgetown College, by being a liberal arts institution, allows students to explore new avenues of study that they never knew possible. No one is constrained by what their major “should be.”

worth it?”

There were several summers where I would be sitting in class due to making up snow days, wondering if it was worth getting to stay home and sleep late and to go out and make a snowman.

The struggle of having to go to school and stare out the window into the sun–warmed earth always made me wish that I hadn’t gotten out of school when it did snow. At the time that it snowed, I was all for missing school, and even though staying in school during the summer sucks, I’d rather be warm in bed during the cold days.

But I’m at an impasse when it comes to whether the recent events of snow should have kept Scott County schools out of session. There were a few days where the roads were initially bad, but as far

as I could see the salt trucks did a good job of keeping the roads as ice free as possible.

The county I went to had bank days, which were a set number of times we could miss school without having to make it up; however that is not the case for this county. I feel bad the Scott County kids will have to be in school for so long, and I feel like some of the days they were given off weren’t exactly necessary.

On the other hand though, I have checked my email more times within the last few weeks than I have in six months, hoping that any of my classes would be canceled because I

didn’t want to have to walk around in the cold and to deal with a runny nose and coughs.

I can understand that the cold weather can cause health issues and being out of school could help keep kids safe.

Scott County has had reasonable cause to miss some days of school; however I think some of the days could have been avoided. If it is dangerous and too cold, kids should stay home, if there is snow on the ground but driving conditions are fine, go ahead and keep kids in school so they can have a longer summer.

Are snow days worth it?

By BRENNA JEWELL Staff Writer

In the last two to three weeks, the weather has brought a lot of snow to Georgetown, layering the town with a picturesque feel. Children have stayed snuggled within their homes due to school cancellations, braving just a few hours to go play out in the snow.

It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that you get to wake up late and sit around in your pajamas all day long, one that I long for again, but as the school calendar starts lengthening into June the one question that everyone has is, “Is it

Source: newstimes.com

Kentucky has seen a rough winter so far.

THE BACK PAGE As a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats

By LEANNDRA W. PADGETT Back Page Editor

I

t seems that ending the President’s Ambassadors Program was just the beginning of some controversial changes by President Greene. In a recent statement on the GC website he started revealing some of the highly anticipated and slightly feared changes for the school.

Regardless of your opinion on the changes, keeping people informed is a good first step. The statement was posted under the title “As We Look Ahead, updates from Dr. Greene.” I am not aware of any previous postings like this on the website, but hope that the promise implied in the plural “updates” is fulfilled. Keeping the populace informed is a good thing.

Some of what the president said is heartening. He stated that the college can succeed only as it “exercises the discipline and commitment to get its financial house in order.” We all know this to be the case, so shoot straight with us, Dr. Greene. What’s it going to take to turn this thing around?

His “strategic renewal” is still not explicitly laid out, but several hints have been given as to what the next semester/

year have in store for GC. Apparently, complete, hopefully things will improve. every program in the college is under Focus and specialization could be the key scrutiny. So get your act together every- elements our school needs for growth body: judgment day is here. and prosperity. GC is already known for It is nerve–wracking to hypothesize its excellent undergraduate and graduate about which departments will be iden- education programs, for example. If we tified as showing “underperformance are able to similarly strengthen the repand diminishing utation of more potential.”

Somedepartments, we times good things may attract more come in small packstudents. But first, ages, afterall. Getting we have to make rid of small departit through the ments (for size will refining fire. surely be one meaTo all of sure of performance) the faculty and will decidedly staff who look change the offerings upon PresiSource: Patheos.com and atmosphere of dent Greene’s The day of judgment is upon all GC Georgetown. announcement departments and programs.

As much as I with fear and hate to say it, in difficult financial times it trepidation: no matter what happens does make economic sense to trim down to your contract for next year, I think I the faculty and staff, but these people are can speak for the vast majority of the what make Georgetown great. To lose current students and alumni of Georgeeven one of them before they decide of town College in voicing my support for their own accord to retire is a tragedy to you. Thank you all for what you do for the college family. Despite the alleged students and the way you go above and necessity of department cuts, this may beyond what is required and expected. turn out to be an appropriate time for It may sound like a cheesy advertismourning. ing ploy, but as a senior I can testify to its Once the initial terminations are accuracy – the faculty and staff are some

of the best assets of this college.

The professors intentionally forge relationships with students. I’ve been welcomed into professors’ homes with classes or college groups on at least seven different occasions, and I know that others would open their doors to me if I was ever in need. One of the most valuable things that I will graduate with is a network (I hesitate to use the word because it seems too cold for the familial relationships I am trying to describe) of academic mentors and advisers who truly care about my (and the rest of the students’) well being.

The other staff members are similarly friendly and essential to a GC student’s college career. Caf workers, housekeepers, librarians, grounds workers and members of other administrative offices are consistently helpful to students.

While I understand the financial catalyst behind personnel cuts, I anticipate the changes with great sadness. Whether you stay or go, thank you to all who, through the years, have labored to make GC what it is.