Below is the edited version of an AP story that ran on the top of the Lexington Herald-Leader’s Nation/World page on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2008 – mentioning the fact that former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker is a Trustee Fellow at Georgetown College.

NAMES EX-FED CHIEF TO LEAD PANEL of ECONOMIC ADVISERS

By Sara Kugler and Stephen Ohlemacher
Associated Press

CHICAGO – President-elect Barack Obama sought to reassure the nation and nervous holiday shoppers about the ailing economy Wednesday as beleaguered stores braced for their most important month of the year.

“Help is on the way,” he proclaimed at his third news briefing on the economy this week. Fifty-five days away from taking office, he declared he would have an economic plan ready for action “starting day one.”

Investors’ improved spirits kept pace. The Dow Jones industrials climbed 247 points, marking the first time since last spring that the average had risen for four straight sessions.

To help with ideas from outside the White House, Obama announced he was forming a new team of advisers with former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker as the head.

“There is no doubt that during tough economic times family budgets are going to be pinched,” Obama said. “I think it is important for the American people, though, to have confidence that we’ve gone through recessions before, we’ve gone through difficult times before, that my administration intends to get this economy back on track.”

Volcker, 81, will head the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board. The board’s top staff official will be Austan Goolsbee, a University of Chicago economist, Obama said.

Volcker, who is a Trustee Fellow at Georgetown College, is no stranger to economic crises, having led the Fed under two presidents from 1979 to 1987.

Four new additions bring to 46 the number of Trustees/Fellows serving Georgetown College. Elected at the fall meeting of the College’s self-perpetuating board were Reza Hashampour, Chesapeake, Virginia, Trustee; John C. Cochenour, Redmond, Washington, Trustee Fellow; Robert L. Coleman, Ph.D., Olive Hill, Kentucky, Trustee; and John M. “Jack” Reed, M.D., Georgetown, Kentucky, Trustee.

Mr. Hashampour is a 1983 graduate of Georgetown College and is CEO and President of Vianix Technology Company, Virginia Beach, Virginia. He and his wife, Rhonda, have two daughters.	A 1973 graduate of Georgetown College, Mr. Cochenour is President of Lexington Fine Homes in Bellevue, Washington. He and his wife, Marcia, have a daughter and a son.
Mr. Coleman, who resides in Olive Hill, Kentucky, received his bachelor’s degree from Morehead State University in 1967 and his PhD from the University of Tennessee in 1971. His career has been in the biomedical field.	Dr. Reed, from Georgetown, Kentucky, is a widower, a retired physician and a returning trustee. He previously served on Georgetown’s Board of Trustees from 2000-2007.

Played by Cate Kilgore and Michael Cannon, Carolina and Paolino are secretly married and afraid to tell her father. In the opera they devise a plan to have Carolina’s older sister marry a rich Count in order to appease her father, but chaos ensues when all does not go to plan.

By Tori Bachman-Johnson
Special to the News-Graphic

If you come to Georgetown College’s first full-scale opera in decades, you’re likely to be wowed by the professionalism – custom-made costumes, terrific voices, and super titles. What you won’t spot is the stereotypical fat woman with horns and pigtails – Student Musical Director Daniel Ng promises.

The Lyric Theatre Society of Georgetown College will present Domenico Cimarosa’s “The Secret Marriage” at 7 p.m., Dec. 4 and 5 in John L. Hill Chapel. Tickets are $15 for adults, $4 for all students with ID, and free for children under 10 (who will receive a student-designed coloring book that corresponds with the opera). Tickets are available in the College’s bookstore and may be reserved by calling (502) 863-8134.

Ng, a senior and native of Georgetown, is working right alongside Stage Director Heather Hunnicutt, head of the Lyric Theatre program and the College’s Coordinator of Vocal Studies. The two performed together earlier this year in Dr. Hunnicutt’s faculty recital. Their previous interaction has helped them to deal with issues regarding the opera without worrying about hurt feelings.

“We don’t have to sugarcoat what we say to each other,” Hunnicutt said.

The same applies to the rest of the cast, whose six principal members have performed together in events like the musical parody concert in October. “We’re like a football team that gets better from game to game,” she said.

“We face different teams with each different production,” Ng added.

According to Ng, the opera’s plot is reminiscent of a 1950s episode of “I Love Lucy,” if Lucille Ball was Italian and lived in the 18th century: Geronimo lives with his sister Fidalma and his two daughters, Elisetta and Carolina. When the opera begins, Carolina has fallen in love with Paolino, Geronimo’s clerk, and the two have married in secret. Carolina is in a higher class than Paolino, so Geronimo wouldn’t approve of their union. Paolino attempts to arrange a marriage between the older daughter, Elisetta, and a rich count, hoping that afterwards, he will get Geronimo’s blessing and can reveal the marriage. But when Count Robinson arrives, he decides her prefers Carolina. According to Ng, the lively comedy is perfect for those who have never seen an opera before, or those who assume they wouldn’t enjoy opera.

“It’s like tea. If you’ve never had it, you try sweet tea first,” said Ng. “This is not straight up, brewed out of the pot opera.”

All the music is in Italian, and the repertoire is very difficult. Ng provided weekly coaching sessions for each cast member (most of whom are performing in a principal role for the first time) to help them learn their parts. The opera is also a learning experience for Ng, who will be conducting a full orchestra for the first time. The ensemble is made up of Georgetown students and faculty, as well as some outside musicians.

The audience needn’t worry about the language. An English translation of the Italian lyrics will be projected onto a narrow, 40-foot wide screen above the stage. Hunnicutt, however, promised that patrons won’t need to look at the super titles to understand the opera. The performers understand the Italian words, and their facial expressions and exaggerated actions will convey the meaning, she explained.

“The way the characters act will feel 21st century,” she said.

Michael Cannon (Paolino), a sophomore from Stamping Ground, said he feels lucky to be involved with the opera and Lyric Theatre. “It’s wonderful that we have these opportunities here at Georgetown – thanks to Dr. Hunnicutt – because typically you don’t until you’re in graduate school.”

The quirky cast and crew of “The Secret Marriage”

Likewise, Hunnicutt is grateful for talent of her cast and crew, four of whom are from the area. “Chuck Harris (Geronimo), Sarah Smith (Fidalma), Cannon and Ng are all Scott County High School graduates!” she exclaimed. “With their talent, they could be sharing their gift anywhere, but they each chose to give their art back to the community that cultivated it.”

Hunnicutt has performed in many operas herself, but “The Secret Marriage” has eluded her. She was cast as Elisetta as an undergraduate, but before rehearsals started the opera was changed to “Tom Jones,” and she was never able to sing the role. Hunnicutt also performed this summer with Ryland Pope (who plays Count Robinson) and Smith in “The Pirates of Penzance,” a production by the Highland Light Opera based out of Morehead.

Hunnicutt took 11 Georgetown singing students to Murray State University in October for the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) State Competition and nine reached at least the semifinals. Most are in “Marriage,” including winners Ryland Pope (Senior Classical), a senior from Harlan who also took Best Singer/Artist Overall, and sophomore Harris (Underclass Musical Theatre).

“I truly believe that people will forget that they are watching an opera and start thinking they are watching a great theatrical production,” Pope said of Hunnicutt’s production. “From the opening scene, ‘The Secret Marriage’ has a heart-warming and humorous feel…and there are hysterical moments through-out.”

Although Hunnicutt touts her student performers as an ensemble, she is very quick to urge patrons to come watch and hear Ryland Pope’s star rise. Said Hunnicutt, “I absolutely believe that this exceptional singer is going to make it in our tough field. Ryland is going to set the opera world on fire!”

Crew & Cast of “The Secret Marriage”

• Producer/Stage Director: Heather Hunnicutt
• Musical Director: Daniel Ng of Georgetown
• Stage Manager: Shannon Brunk of Lexington
• Artistic Director: Hannah Davis of Lexington
• Lighting: Shawn McPeek of Shelbiana, KY

• Conte Robinson: Ryland Pope of Harland
• Carolina: Cate Kilgore of Bowling Green
• Paolino: Michael Cannon of Stamping Ground, KY
• Elisetta: Sable Floyd of Somerset
• Geronimo: Chuck Harris of Lexington
• Fidalma: Sarah Smith of Stamping Ground, KY
• Chamber Maid: Madeline Gannon of Mount Sterling, KY

Lyric Theatre Society Doesn’t Want to be a ‘Secret’

If you would like to become involved with the Lyric Theatre Society of Georgetown College, call Dr. Heather Hunnicutt at 863-8056. The group has been selected to perform “The Secret Marriage” in Honolulu for the 7th annual Hawaii International Conference on Arts and Humanities in early January. They will also bring the opera to the Hawaii Baptist Academy, a long-time partner of the College.

Dr. Dan Dewitt, Hanging of the Green speaker

The public is invited to join the Georgetown College community in celebration of the holiday season at 7 p.m., Dec. 2 in John L. Hill Chapel for “Hanging of the Green” – a wonderful tradition for the whole family that includes a worship service, congregational singing, and a guest speaker. The event will conclude with the traditional lighting of Giddings Circle, hot chocolate and carols.

In the middle of the service, family members, and all organizations and clubs on campus will be encouraged to hang their decorated ornaments on the tree; children are invited to do likewise with the candy canes they are given as they enter the chapel. A special treat is the duet of two of the College’s biggest singing stars – seniors Jessie Rose Pennington of Lexington and Ryland Pope of Harlan. A brass quartet and the new gospel choir (Joyful Noise Singers) will also perform.

Event chair Lynnesy Rowland, a junior from Louisville, has arranged for a special speaker this year – Dr. Dan Dewitt, the Associate VP of Communications at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also an Instructor of Youth Ministry at Boyce College and will be an Assistant Professor of Youth Ministry at Southern in the Spring semester. And, he has been Lynnesy’s youth minister at Highview Baptist Church since sixth grade. Dewitt’s message will be “In Search of Christmas Lost” on the passage of John 3:16.

Here is the POS 321 International Human Rights class that is putting on the Dec. 2 “Responding to Humans Rights Challenges” at the Thomas & King Conference Center at Georgetown College: Kneeling l-to-r: Michael Clemons, Jacob Price, Brandon Record. Standing l-to=r: Amanda Bowen, Katie Henderson, Ashley Hashampour, Anna Wiederhold, Dr. Michael Cairo, Andi Wilhoit, Elizabeth Fannin, Ashley Morgan. (Korey Snodgrass not picture.)

Are here is what a few of them have to say about why this is important:

Ashley Hashampour

Sophomore Political Science major/ Security Studies minor from Chesapeake, VA

“Holding a conference like this one specifically for International Human Rights is an important asset to the Georgetown College Community. Many things that occur in the world today, in regards to human rights, are often overlooked or pushed aside. Bringing light to current human rights violations will hopefully encourage students to broaden their knowledge of serious world issues as well as to create in them the desire to get involved and speak out against the injustices of the world. A big part of why the world is the way it is, is because so many people will not say “enough is enough”. I believe that having conferences similar to this one will empower the students and staff to make a difference.”

Andi Wilhoit

Junior Political Science & Spanish double major from Versailles, KY

“As American citizens, we often take for granted the rights that our country affords us. Not all of our fellow global citizens, however, possess these same rights. While human rights violations do occur in the United States, many countries grossly violate the rights of our fellow global citizens every day. Thus, it is important for us as Americans to understand the true value and significance of our own human rights and to recognize and defend the rights of our fellow global citizens.”

Ashley Morgan

Senior Religion major/ Political Science minor from London, KY

“This conference is important to me because I believe that the students on Georgetown’s campus don’t know enough about human right issues. I have been lucky enough to travel extensively and have seen firsthand people who do not have a roof over their head or enough food to feed their family. I believe that every individual deserves to live a life of dignity. It is up to me, my fellow students and all citizens alike to advocate for those who are being oppressed. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn more about human rights issues, and be able to present to my friends, family, and community issues that I find important and have been studying in depth this semester. I’m glad that Dr. Cairo has provided me and my fellow classmates the opportunity to speak out about something so important.”

Anna Wiederhold

Senior Political Science/Communication double major from Fayetteville, Ohio

“I am considering a career involving international human rights, either working for a research institution or a nongovernmental organization, so this conference is especially important to me as an opportunity to network and learn more about post-graduation options available to students such as myself. Beyond that, this conference is bringing an impressive panel of speakers to Georgetown’s campus, allowing attendees to raise their awareness on issues of global importance and hopefully encouraging them to think critically about some of the problems that afflict our world and the amount of social responsibility we bear.”

Katie Henderson

Junior Political Science major/ History minor from California, KY

“The conference on Responding to Human Rights Challenges is important because it is helping to spread awareness on issues that most people are not familiar with. Things such as female genital mutilation or honor killings violate human rights, but they are rarely talked about. Through this conference it enables the students at Georgetown College to educate people on these important issues. To end human rights violations, it takes the efforts of more then just a small group of people, and with the opportunities this conference affords students at Georgetown it enables them to motivate and educate a larger group of people on these issues.

“My hope for this conference is that we will be able to educate the people in our community on issues that affect thousands around the world. I hope that through both the presentations and the speakers that we will be able to motivate people to become involved in further researching human rights violations. I also hope that when people leave from this conference that they will leave knowing more about human rights violations and what can be done to end them. My goal at this conference is to educate the people who come up to my table and to motivate them to become involved in spreading awareness on female genital mutilation.”

Brandon Record

Senior Political Science major/ Business minor from Danville, Ky

“This conference is important to me not only because it is a great learning experience, but it allows us as students to actually educate peers, family, and even professors about problems occurring around the world. It is important for more people to become involved in International Human Rights, every person that knows more about the problems will allow them to get involved and to help prevent them. Hopefully we will have a big turnout to broaden the interest on the college level and throughout the state. This is a great opportunity for my classmates and I. I hope we have put together a great conference that is inspirational for our peers, educators, locals, and family.”

Amanda Bowen

Senior Political Science major/ History minor from Demossville, KY

“In our world a state cannot thrive in isolation. The exchange of goods, services and ideas between states will lead to the development of a dynamic and cooperative international community. However, it is also important to remember that within a community the state of one member affects all other members of the community. This is why every citizen should have an awareness of and respect for human rights. A high level of respect for human rights is in the best interests of every citizen.”

Michael Clemons

Senior CLC and Spanish double major/ Political Science minor from Louisville

” Human rights are things that we as Americans often take for granted. But around the world, there are major human rights violations that occur everyday. As fortunate, educated students and citizens, it is our obligation to fight for the violated. This conference will hopefully bring awareness to those in attendance about these important human rights issues. My presentation is about street children in South America. Currently, there are millions of children who are homeless and many without families who wander the streets, doing whatever it takes to make money and survive. I saw these children first-hand when I worked at a children’s center in Ecuador this past summer. My Ecuadorian experience opened my eyes to how we as Americans can do our part to help these children, even though they may be a hemisphere away.”