Georgetonian Online

By ANDREA DURBIN, Staff Writer

Georgetown College is introducing the Global Scholars Program. This program has been put in place to help prepare Georgetown students to work in an international community.
This is the first active year for the Global Scholars Program on campus, although it has been a vision for a couple of years. The program has taken flight with Executive Director Amy Carrington and pilot student Ashley Hashampour along with the help of former Gov. Martha Layne Collins, VP/General Counsel Darryl Callahan, Devon Norat and several other individuals on and off campus.
With Hashampour’s arrival on campus, the Global Scholars Program (GSP) became a reality. Hashampour is using the program to pursue her interests in Arabic studies. She will be studying at a University in Morocco this summer with a Georgetown alumnae. Hashampour is a political science major with a security studies minor. When asked what GSP means to her, she said, “It’s provided me with advantages such as attending lectures by prominent world leaders … as well as many networking opportunities.”
Carrington said what is so great about the program is “that it requires an internship abroad or with an international employer. Students can experience the real world in a new place and life is their classroom.” 
The program will allow students with any major to pursue interests in an international arena. It will help students to think globally and tailor their major to international interests.
GSP has been modeled after the other Program of Distinction on Georgetown’s campus, the Equine Scholars Program. Although the program is designed for freshmen, the upperclassman can also benefit.
There will be many workshops held in the future and the campus will have the opportunity to host Ambassador George M. Staples, Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of the Bureau of Human Resources, U.S. Department of State on November 18.
Carrington said the ultimate goal of the program is “to help students find the opportunities that will connect them to the life they envision for themselves.”
Hashampour said, “I hope that the program can thoroughly prepare students for work in the global arena—which I believe it will do. I hope that it grows, that it acts as a service to those students interested in ‘broadening their horizons,’ leaving them with a knowledge and comprehensive understanding of the world and all it has to offer.”

A year ago, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute issued a challenge to 224 undergraduate colleges nationwide: identify creative new ways to engage your students in the biological sciences.
Now 48 of the nation’s best undergraduate institutions—including Georgetown College, the only Kentucky school selected—will share in $60 million of grants to help usher in a new era of science education. Colleges in 21 states and Puerto Rico will receive $700,000 to $1.6 million over the next four years to revitalize their life sciences undergraduate instruction. HHMI has challenged colleges to create more engaging science classes, bring real-world research experiences to students and increase the diversity of students who study science.
Georgetown College faculty know that incoming freshmen are often deterred by fear from taking science courses, but with $1.3 million in new funding from HHMI, the college is designing new programs to bolster student confidence and excitement in science. HHMI program director Mark Christensen, a biology professor at Georgetown, said his committee will be working with the Admissions office to “encourage minorities and focus especially on the under-served students” of Kentucky and neighboring Appalachian regions.
A science careers seminar will introduce students to professional scientists from academia, industry, government and non-profit organizations. Starting in the summer of 2010, the seminar will help create and foster mentoring relationships between freshmen and sophomores and scientists from Georgetown or other institutions, giving students an opportunity to become more comfortable with research and learn what skills they need to succeed in science, Christensen said.
To ensure that its students are ready to confront the kind of science researchers are doing today, Georgetown is also revising its curriculum, designing new courses that emphasize computation and bioinformatics. “Our idea is to link lab work with bioinformatic methods,” Christensen explained. “We want our students to learn how to search genomic and proteomic databases and use the output to design and interpret their own experiments.”

As they move toward graduation, students will have access to a new, HHMI-funded summer research program. Students can choose to do research with a Georgetown faculty member or a scientist at another institution.
There will be 10 such projects at Georgetown and 10 elsewhere. Alternatively, students can work with a faculty mentor to design and test a short-term research project that can be incorporated into one of the c
ollege’s introductory science courses.
Christensen said with both excitement and humility, “This is the first time we’ve been able to take the lead at Georgetown and pay a stipend to a (science) student.”
According to Georgetown College Provost Rosemary Allen, this grant will help the College continue to expand an already successful science program. She said, “It is an endorsement of the vision of the faculty in our science division and their commitment to quality education in the sciences.”

By MICHAEL GILKISON, Back Page Editor

Do you know why April 24 is not only going to make school history, but world history? This day is very special because of the world premiere of “Legacy Music,” written by world renowned composer David R. Holsinger and commissioned by the Georgetown College Tiger Band.
“Legacy Music” was written for Tiger Bands after Holsinger was approached by Dr. Peter LaRue about five years ago, marking the beginning of a long process. During this time, Holsinger did extensive research about the history of Georgetown College, among other things, to decide if writing a piece of music for Tiger Bands was a project he wanted to do.
Early on in the process, LaRue told Holsinger about the history of Georgetown College’s band, the oldest college band program in the Commonwealth, and about what the band represents today in many different areas. Holsinger immediately resonated to the “Five-Fold-Band Tenants,” (Academic Excellence, Musical Achievement, Spiritual Values, Leadership Skills and Commitment to GeorgetownScholars” strive to uphold.
Additionally, Holsinger was moved by every aspect of Tiger Bands whether it is “grrr…ing” at football and basketball games, playing in parades and being active in the community, or emphasizing devotionals.
After many e-mail communications with LaRue and after spending much time considering the project, Holsinger agreed to write a piece of music specifically for Georgetown College.
When asked about the inspiration behind “Legacy Music,” Holsinger attributed it to the brave pioneers who made selfless sacrifices to found Georgetown College, and the brave men and women in the college’s history who kept Georgetown College alive.
If there was to be a soundtrack for Georgetown College, “Legacy Music” would represent the many trials and adversities that men and women faced for the school all because they believed in the importance of a Christian liberal arts education.
There are many different aspects of this world premiere that are worthy of recognition.
Whether it is LaRue’s commitment to the ongoing effort, Holsinger’s musical credentials and world famous artistry, or the fact that “Legacy Music,” will live on forever, there is still something bigger.
Students can  join Georgetown College’s Tiger Symphonic band this Thursday in John L. Hill Chapel at 8 p.m. for the world premiere of “Legacy Music,” a celebration of the life of Georgetown College according to Holsinger.

By AMANDA OWENS, Editor-in-Chief

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a public service announcement.
The Georgetonian needs your help.
Each semester, we rehire our entire staff, including page editors, copy editors, web editor, photographers and writers. After we breathe a sigh of relief after getting the last issue to print, the faculty adviser and I begin work on recruiting a new staff.
This is where you come in.
Are you tired of what you are reading in the paper? Do you have a great eye for design? Are you looking for a way to be heard on campus?
The Georgetonian is a great way to get involved in the campus community. In addition to weekly layout meetings, we attend the Kentucky Intercollegiate Press Association Conference each year, and members of the staff are actively engaged in dialogue with the entire campus community.
We work with the student body directly, but we also frequently work alongside SGA representatives, members of all campus organizations and the administration.
Working with The Georgetonian is a great way to build leadership skills that will enhance a resume. Writing for the paper gives you the opportunity to find your voice as a professional, and to make valuable networking contacts that may help you in the future.
We accept writers of all levels, and are happy to provide feedback to aid in your growth as a writer or editor.
If writing and editing aren’t your things, we also have positions related to management, photography and design.
All staff positions are paid, and we give out free Reese Cups to staff.  Sometimes.
If you would like more information, please contact me at amandaowens1@gmail.com.  You may request an application by e-mail, or check for them around campus.
Applications are due to Box 1481 by Tuesday, May 6.
Have a great last week of classes!

By STEPHANIE BOXX, Staff Writer

Much of the world’s attention has been focused on Tibet and its history lately. The People’s Liberation Army invaded Tibet in 1950 and incorporated it into the People’s Republic of China. The Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibetan Buddhists and political leader of the region until the invasion, says the Chinese are responsible for what he calls “Chinese Apartheid.”
“The new Chinese settlers have created an alternate society: a Chinese Apartheid which, denying Tibetans equal social and economic status in our own land, threatens to finally overwhelm and absorb us.”
Tibet has been actively pursuing cultural and religious independence since the 1950 takeover but has recently received growing media coverage due to the 2008 Olympic games which are to be held in Beijing.
The Olympic torch has made more news headlines than usual because of protests in cities such as Athens, London, Paris and San Francisco. The protests have been from both Tibetan and Chinese supporters.
University students have been extremely active all over the world in the issue of Tibetan independence and support of the Chinese through the Olympics.
Students for a Free Tibet, the largest student-led organization dedicated to the relief of the Tibetan people, is present in the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the United Kingdom. The SFT’s foremost goal is to stop the procession of the torch through Tibet because the Chinese government has promised to use deadly force with protestors.
Chinese students studying in France held a peaceful protest in Paris’ Place de la Republique on Saturday. They called for “a bridge of friendship” and said “the Olympics should not be related to politics.”
Many British students have criticized Prime Minister Gordon Brown for his reception of the Olympic torch as it passed through London earlier this month, saying it was supporting the Chinese government and its suppression of the Tibetan culture.
Tibetan students from Beijing’s Central University for Nationalities held a candle-light vigil in the city against Chinese government policy on student activism.
American students had more freedom to protest when the University of Michigan hosted the Dalai Lama this past weekend on its campus in Ann Arbor. Students of both Tibetan and Chinese ethnicity attended the event. Chinese students plan to shed light on their side of the issue saying that most media coverage shows only the Tibetan view.
Student protests are also expected in Jakarta this week when the Olympic torch makes another stop on its way to Beijeng.

By MADELINE GANNON, Staff Writer

For the upcoming fall semester, the science department at Georgetown will be losing one of its most beloved professors. After 28 years of teaching at Georgetown, Dr. Frank Wiseman, chemistry professor, will be retiring. When asked to describe his experience here at Georgetown,  Wiseman replied with one word: excellent. “[Georgetown is] the best place with the best students, colleagues and administrators of any place I have worked.  I can think of few, if any, professions better than that of college professor and no place better than GC.”
Starting his academic career at the State University of New York at Oneonta, Wiseman taught at many colleges and universities, including Greenville College and UK, and  served as a campus minister before finding his niche at Georgetown.
During his years at GC, Wiseman has no doubt had many pleasant memories but his one of his favorites, he said, was winning the teacher of the year award in 2006. This award, a huge honor, is no doubt a tribute to the hard work and wonderful atmosphere brought about by his presence.
While talking about favorite memories, he also divulged that hearing success stories from former students is one of his favorite perks of being a college professor. Helping students to learn information that will help them later in life brings a sense of pride to many teachers, and is one of the memories that Wiseman will cherish after his retirement. “Seeing the light come on in student’s eyes after learning a difficult concept [and] one-on-one instruction with students during office hours,” are just a few of the things that he stated he would miss upon leaving GC.
After retirement, Dr. Wiseman plans to keep a busy lifestyle—custom building furniture, farming, painting, hunting, fishing and traveling.

By AVA JORDAN, Staff Writer

Georgetown’s annual Greek Banquet took place Sunday, April 20.
This program is designed to recognize outstanding achievements of individual chapter members and Greek organizations, all of which were well represented for the evening of honors.  A selection committee of faculty, administrators and students of the college reviewed the applications and made the decisions.
The Greek Athletic Spirit Award, recognizing the Greek organization which had the highest attendance at selected Georgetown athletic events, went to Alpha Gamma Delta and Kappa Alpha.  Awards for Greek Week were also given, with Kappa Alpha fraternity winning Greek Week and Greek Games.  Sigma Kappa won Greek Week and Alpha Gamma Delta won Greek Games.  The Greek God and Goddess of Greek Week were also named: Blaine Bailey of Kappa Alpha and Jessica Portwood of Alpha Gamma Delta.
The Order of Omega initiated several new members and awarded two scholarships to current members Katy Thompson of Alpha Gamma Delta and Stephanie Carlisle of Kappa Delta.
The Scholarship Cup, an honor for the sorority and fraternity chapters with the highest overall GPA, went to Sigma Kappa and Lambda Chi Alpha. 
Outstanding scholars, Greek students from all organizations who achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, were also recognized.  As a whole, Greek students have attained a higher GPA than campus-wide GPA.  Taylor Rains of Lambda Chi Alpha and Katy DeHart of Alpha Gamma Delta were named Outstanding Senior Scholars.
Kappa Delta and Kappa Alpha received the Community Service Cup for having the highest number of community service hours for a sorority or fraternity at Georgetown. 
The philanthropy award went to Kappa Delta and Lambda Chi Alpha for raising the most money for their respective philanthropies.
Phi Mu and Lambda Chi Alpha were honored with awards celebrating the highest collegiate involvement, while Alpha Gamma Delta and Lambda Chi Alpha received honors for outstanding educational programming this year.
Sigma Kappa’s Emily Kerrick and Lambda Chi Alpha’s Derek Sword were each named Varsity Athlete of the Year. 
Jennifer Martin, a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, was named Sorority Woman of the Year while Charley Grant, a member of Kappa Alpha, received the title of Fraternity Man of the Year.
Fraternity and Sorority advisers of the year were also announced at Greek Banquet, with Dr. Adela Borallo-Solís of Phi Kappa Tau and Amy Thaxton of Kappa Delta receiving the honors.
The President’s Cup, the ceremony’s highest honor, is awarded based on several factors including scholarship, educational programming, community service, philanthropy and collegiate involvement.  This year’s recipients were Kappa Delta and Lamba Chi Alpha.

By KRISTIE POWELL, Staff Writer

It feels appropriate that the semester’s last senior spotlight, Evan Coppage, should fall on Earth Week.
For those who know Coppage, he is often involved in some outdoor escapade. He has been known to lead his friends on nature hikes off the beaten path, to seek poisonous snakes to add to his collection, and to have teenage girls fall in love with him as a 4-H camp counselor.
Coppage is a senior chemistry major from Hartford, Ky. He feels he has not changed since his freshman year.
“I don’t think my personality has changed much. I came in as a smart-a** freshman, and I will graduate as a smart-a** senior. However, I lost 15 pounds, and I no longer wear glasses,” Coppage cheekily asserts.
It appears that this senior’s Georgetown career has been anything but typical. His involvements include the President’s House Association Fraternity though many of his fondest college memories have taken place off-campus.
Coppage recalls a camping expedition at Red River Gorge in early December.
“The low for the night was around 15 degrees Fahrenheit…I remember Bobby [Knopp] nearly freezing to death because he fell in some water and ended up stealing Rachael [Frank’s] blanket to stay warm. His clothes the next morning where in a frozen, crumpled-up ball,” Coppage states. 
Between these excursions, Coppage maintains an impressive GPA. He has the highest GPA among his senior fraternity brothers and accomplishes this in one of the college’s more difficult majors.
“Evan has a fiery passion for academics,” his friend Korey Snodgrass says.
One of Coppage’s favorite things about Georgetown College is in alliance with his intellectual thirst.
“All of the teachers I had for all of my classes were really good teachers. In fact, until my senior year, I did not have a bad one. First semester senior year, I had 1.5 bad teachers…some of the teachers that I feel have helped me the most in school and life are Drs. French, Leverenz and  Klopfer.”
After graduation, this astute senior wishes to attend graduate school. “I applied to a couple of biology graduate schools even though I’m a chemistry major. I decided I wanted a job outdoors. I want to do zoology,” Coppage informs.
He is currently searching for in-state programs and has been accepted to the University of Louisville and Murray State. He reports, “I haven’t accepted anything yet. My main choices are between Louisville and Murray because Louisville had a zoo where I can intern,  and Murray has Land Between the Lakes. Plus, the guy I would be working with at Murray is a herpetologist which is what I want to do.”
Coppage’s undergraduate career is marked by his discipline in academics as well as a thirst for adventure—a clever balance of work and fun.
What Coppage does, he does it well and without an ultimate, financial objective in mind.
When asked what advice he would like to give to underclassmen, Coppage reflectively states, “Don’t sacrifice your lives and happiness for money.”

By ELIZABETH CLEARY, Staff Writer

Students, are you worried about figuring out what you need to get out of Georgetown with a degree? Are you scared of the formality of it all?
If so, Georgetown College has something for you.
Declare a Major Day is designed to help students decide their major with some sort of ease by allowing them to openly discuss their ideas and talk to professors in the departments they may be interested in.
All departments will be represented on April 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Students will receive help in filling out the forms needed to officially declare a major. 
If you have any questions, please e-mail Lynnesy Rowland at lrowlan0.

By DR. JON K. DALAGER, Contributing Writer

If the election were held today between Barack Obama and John McCain, Obama would win among Georgetown College students by a 6 percent margin, but if  Hillary Clinton were the Democratic nominee, McCain would win among students by 17 percent. 
The results of a recent survey conducted by a political science class indicate that Obama would receive 44.5 percent of the vote compared to McCain’s 38.5 percent. If it were Clinton and McCain, Clinton would get 31.3 percent of the vote compared to McCain’s 48.4 percent. 
The faculty are more partisan in their approach to the presidential election.  In either case, the Democratic candidate would defeat McCain. 
Between Obama and McCain, Obama would receive 76.5 percent compared to McCain’s 13.7 percent. If Clinton and McCain faced each other, Clinton would also get 76.5 percent, but McCain’s vote would increase to 17.7 percent.
The students in POS201: Public Opinion have finished compiling the results of the surveys conducted several weeks ago, and have begun their data analysis. 
Fifty-one faculty and 247 students completed the survey, and the preliminary results confirm that the faculty are more liberal than the students. Almost 67 percent of the faculty consider themselves Democrats, compared to only 35 percent of students. While only 7 percent of the faculty claimed to be Republican, over 44 percent of the students had Republican ties.
Despite the difference in partisan support, both faculty and students were equally concerned about the major national issues. 
For faculty, the top three issues facing the nation were the war in Iraq (47 percent), the economy (18 percent), and health care (14). 
For students, the top three issues were the war in Iraq (50 percent), the economy (24 percent), and energy crisis/gas prices (8 percent).
When asked to list major issues facing Georgetown College, the faculty had a broader range of responses.  They were most concerned with campus maintenance concerns of classrooms and dorms (22 percent), but also mentioned  fundraising issues and the college budget (18 percent).
For students, the issue of greatest concern was increasing tuition costs (28 percent), followed by diversity issues (13 percent), and conditions of the dorms (13 percent).
The class will continue to evaluate the data and prepare a summary of results as the semester concludes.  We would like to thank everyone who participated for their time and cooperation.