Jonathan Fredrick, left, with veteran actor Tom Berenger and Kentucky native Boyd Holbrook on the set of "Hatfields & McCoys." Photo by Trifecta Productions

Jonathan Fredrick ’01, who moved to Los Angeles shortly after graduation, may have finally gotten the break he needs in the acting world – a nice role on a three-night television event showcasing the most famous of family feuds.

Fredrick plays the besotted Jefferson McCoy in the much-anticipated History Channel miniseries, “Hatfields & McCoys,” which premieres at 9 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, May 28-30.

Billed as a “true American story,” the miniseries documents how the legendary feud nearly caused a war between Kentucky and West Virginia. Fredrick – as a native of Huntington, WV, and an alumnus of a Kentucky school (Georgetown College) – finds it fitting that this is his “first significant TV role.” He also found filming in remote Romania, especially in the Carpathian Mountains, “eerily similar” to his home state.

“They cast this with eye for quality – even for the smallest roles,” said Fredrick, who doesn’t get decent “face time” until near the end of the first night. But, just look at some of the stars who will be sharing the screen: Kevin Costner, Bill Paxton, Powers Boothe, Mare Winningham and Tom Berenger! (Berenger and Fredrick will attend a private screening at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, according to a Huntington Herald-Dispatch story.)

Jefferson (Fredrick’s character) is a child in most of the first episode when his father (Harmon) becomes the first victim of the feud in 1865. “The second night I’m in it quite a bit with my sister (Nancy, played by Jena Malone),” Fredrick said. “(Jefferson) is half-drunk most of the time and too cowardly to seek revenge.”

Jonathan Fredrick came to GC as a baseball player in ’97, but after trolling left- and center-field for two years he began to go in a different direction. A Communication Arts major (Sociology minor), he took all of George McGee’s theatre classes. “Then, I knew I wanted to act,” he said. “But, I didn’t know that I could.”

All it took was a word of encouragement from his professor. “After I did a monologue from ‘Hamlet,’ George came up and said I should consider doing Shakespeare in the Park,” he recalled. “That’s the first validation I’d ever gotten!”

George McGee continued to be this major influence in Fredrick’s life, setting up an internship with Hollywood talent manager Billy Miller (GC Class of ’76) after his junior year. “That gave me a foot in L.A.,” he said.

Fredrick said he’s been “stubborn or stupid – or both” during the past decade of stereotypical jobs for wannabee-actors such as waiting tables, landscaping and working security at movie premieres.

He actually does have some experience on the other end of the camera. The past several summers he’s been post-production coordinator for CBS’s “Big Brother” television series. A short he did, “The Scenic Route,” won Best Comedy at The Five-Second Film Festival and he has another being edited now entitled “Love in Our Time.”

But, Jonathan Fredrick is really hoping – with “Hatfields & McCoys” – that NOW is the time for him, his wife Chandra and their 18-month-old son Charlie. “I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this,” said the actor, who’d rather be served champagne at “The Oscars” next time than being the server again.

Pictured L-R with Dr. Alison Jackson-Wood, center: Shelby Riddell, Jonathan Balmer, Felipe Lima and Leticia Cedro.

Georgetown College’s Education majors now have the opportunity to spend a semester studying in Brazil with the majority of their expenses covered by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This study abroad program, entitled, “Diversity: Meeting the Cultural Demands of Education in the 21^st Century,” is offered in collaboration with Ashland University and Brigham Young University.

Two rising GC juniors will be the first to go to Brazil to study. They are Jonathan Balmer, a History & English major (certifying in Education) from Mason, OH, and Shelby Riddell, an Art Education major from Georgetown, KY. Both took a number of classes in Portuguese this past semester. They will leave July 23 and return December 15, 2012. Two Brazilian students have just completed a semester at Georgetown. They are Leticia Cedro, who taught Portuguese here while taking classes herself, and Felipe Lima, who helped plan a number of international events.

Project director Alison Jackson-Wood said, “I’m very excited that education majors at Georgetown College now have a study-abroad program designed to immerse them in every aspect of living cross-culturally as they study with Brazilian students.”

Dr. Jackson-Wood, an assistant professor of education at Georgetown College, added, “One major benefit to students is that the grant pays for the bulk of the students’ expenses, including airfare, living accommodations, language study and materials. This is a unique opportunity for education students attending Georgetown College.” Dr. Andrea Peach, an associate professor of education at Georgetown College, will provide support for the project as a technological consultant.

The consortium between the U.S. and Brazilian institutions will provide opportunities for student exchange in upcoming years. The two Brazilian partner institutions are Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), located in Florianoplis, and Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janerio (UFRRJ), located outside of Rio de Janerio. One goal of the project is to prepare globally aware and cross-culturally responsive educators. It is underway now and will end July 31, 2014.

Thanks to the generosity of a good business friend of Georgetown College, Neace Lukens Insurance, the June 2, 2012, Alumni, Family and Friends golf outing at the Marriott Griffin Gate Golf Course is now free. Neace Lukens stepped up to sponsor our outing in memory of their late employee and our alumnus, Robbie Rowe, who loved GC and loved his golf. Get your foursome together and call Judy Rush at 859-699-4837 or email her at jrush1114@gmail.com. Space is limited – first come, first served – so don’t dawdle. The day begins with registration at 10, followed by lunch from 11-12:30 and a putting contest. Then, a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Afterward, there’s a nice reception with door prizes that include an Arnold Palmer autographed golf flag and an Odyssey White Ice putter, among several other desirable items. Special guests for the day are Pat Rielly, former PGA president, and his son, Mike, an executive with CAA Sports in Los Angeles.

GC’s Fulbright Fellows for 2012-13: Portia Watson, center, will teach English in Thailand; Sarah Carey and Thomas Owens will do so in South Korea.

All from small-town Kentucky, these three extraordinary students now have the wonderful opportunity to represent both their college and their nation as they spend the next school year as English teaching assistants in the Far East. They are: Sarah Carey of Mackville (Washington County) and Thomas Owens from Lancaster (Garrard County), who will both teach in South Korea; and, Portia Watson of Mount Washington (Bullitt County), who will be in Thailand.

“I am very, very pleased that the Fulbright program has given such an exciting opportunity to these three wonderful students,” said Dr. Rosemary Allen, Provost at Georgetown College and campus advisor for the Fulbright Program. “They will learn so much in the coming year, not only about the countries they will visit but also about themselves.”

The addition brings to 26 the number of recipients from Georgetown College since 1990.

Elliott starts his senior year in accounting in the fall while Timperio will be a senior in business marketing.

Visitors to campus this spring likely have seen filming scenes like this.

Get thee to the chapel on time Saturday (or well before) because there’s lots of buzz about the premiere of “unDeserved,” including film-maker Ed Smith’s radio interview Wednesday morning on WVLK-590′s “Jack Pattie Show.” Look for a Nancy Royden story in Thursday’s Georgetown News-Graphic and a preview by Lexington Herald-Leader Culture Reporter Rich Copley in Friday’s Weekender section. And, please take an enjoyable 2 1/2 minutes to view this trailer. Below is a repeat of our most recent web advance.

Georgetown, KY – Oh, ye Georgetown faithful, you deserve another great film starring GC students – and Theatre & Film Department professor and chairman Ed Smith is about to deliver. “unDeserved,” the under-an-hour faith-based movie he has been filming on campus much of the school year, will have a premiere showing at 7 p.m., May 12 – the Saturday before graduation – in John L. Hill Chapel.

 Patrons will get to meet the cast (see below) afterwards at a reception in the Hall of Fame Room of the Cralle Student Center.

 At press-time, Smith was still filming some campus scenes to take advantageous of the gorgeous spring weather and the budding Dogwood and Redbud trees.

The show WILL go on, but Smith could still dearly use more donations for post-production – such as promotional materials and printing of the DVD.

If you would like to help financially, please write your check to “Georgetown College” and specify that the money goes toward the film project. That way Smith can put the special finishing touches on the project that it deserves and Chief Development Officer Roy Lowdenback can count your restricted gift as a contribution toward the College. Contact him at (502) 863-8044 or roy_lowdenback@georgetowncollege.edu.

Or, if you’d like to be involved in other in-kind ways, contact Dr. Smith at (502) 863-8042 or Ed_Smith@georgetowncollege.edu.

All of the performers are GC students with two exceptions: Lexington professional Joe Gatton – who conveniently plays “Joe” – and ’99 GC grad James Hamblin, a professional actor based in New York City, is “Crush.” Here are the cast members and their classification this coming fall:

Tia                 Meredith Cave, junior from Nicholasville

Ben                Ethan Smith, senior from Cynthiana

Greyson         Jon Yelton, senior from Louisville

Amy               Amanda Williamson, junior from Simpsonville

Jenna              Payhton Ellis, sophomore from Fisherville

Mooner          Matt Eddy, senior from Georgetown        

Abby              Abigail Cownie, sophomore from West Paducah

                The Board of Trustees of Georgetown College today unanimously voted for the institution to apply to become an NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division II member. Georgetown is currently an NAIA member school.

                This decision caps a year-long process of evaluation by the College’s Board of Trustees which involved input from coaches, students, faculty, alumni, NAIA and NCAA officials, and others. According to Head Football Coach Bill Cronin, “It’s the right move for us, and a real sign that Georgetown College has deepened its commitment to athletics – not only for football but also for all of our athletic teams. NCAA: DII status will help and challenge our entire athletics program.”

                Earl Goode, the College’s Board Chair, noted “Our excellent experiences and successes in the NAIA have positioned us for the next chapter of our college athletic experience.”

                Athletics Director Brian Evans agreed, and added “I am excited for our athletes and for our coaches. Wearing Georgetown College on our uniforms will continue to be a source of pride.”

                Application to the NCAA will be made by June 1; a decision on Georgetown’s application is anticipated by July 15, 2012.

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For more information, contact:
Jenny Elder, Sports Information
jenny_elder@georgetowncollege.edu

This new facility, being built by Barlow Homes (whose CEO is Jim Barlow, a Georgetown alumnus and current trustee) will feature a series of joined townhouses, each with three bedrooms and three baths. Exteriors will be brick, and the new complex will closely resemble Rucker Village, the new residential townhouses (previously built, at cost, by Barlow Homes) that were dedicated at Homecoming 2011 in September on Dudley Avenue in Georgetown.

According to Dr. Todd Gambill, VP/Student Life at the College: “We are blessed to have Jim Barlow and his amazing organization as part of our College family. This new project, when completed, will be very similar to the very popular, nearby facility also built by Jim’s team – and we’re excited about giving even more Georgetown students an opportunity to live in such outstanding accommodations.”

For additional information:

Dr. Todd Gambill, VP/Student Life, Georgetown College – (502) 863-8004

Dr. Yolanda Gallardo Carter, GC's Dean of Education and a heritage-speaker of Spanish, will tell about her personal journey during a special College for a Day chapel service. She's also lead singer for a band of GC professors known as Notes from Underground.

The deadline for the April 24 College for a Day has been extended to close of business this Friday afternoon (April 20). For reservations, call 502.863.8041 or toll free 877.640.0107.  Or you may register online.

Georgetown, KY – The time-clock’s ticking for potential College for a Day participants. Don’t force Dr. Ben Oldham ‘65 – the Southeastern Conference’s renowned football replay official – to make a decision for you on choice of class sessions for Tuesday, April 24.

This is Georgetown College’s semi-annual day of special classes (a choice of two out of four) and events for reconnecting alumni with the campus. But, the day is also open to the public at the same $25 cost. The price includes breakfast, Chapel service, lunch and closing reception with certificate of completion.

Previously, we told you about Oldham’s “You’d Better Be Right!” class – an updated, informative look at major college football officiating. Time now to take a look at the three of GC’s most popular current professors and their exciting topics.

Sheila Klopfer

The morning option to Oldham and Football is Dr. Sheila Klopfer, Associate Professor and Chair, Religion Department, with Theology and Vocation of the Cross.

Klopfer, who’s also co-director of Christian Leaders Scholars and Director of Ministry Student Formation, explained:

“The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is the central theological and historical event of the Christian faith. For over two thousand years, Christians have struggled, by faith, to accept, understand, and communicate the cross. This session will cover some of the ways that Christians throughout history have tried to make sense of why Jesus Christ died, and then in turn, what the implications of his death meant for their vocational lives, as they attempted to ‘take up their cross and follow him.”

Karyn McKenzie

In the afternoon, choose between Psychology or Music.

Dr. Karyn McKenzie (Psychology) wrote this about her session – Eyewitnesses: The Good, the Bad, and the Questionable:

“A confession is the most damaging type of evidence against a defendant in a criminal case.  Eyewitness testimony is second; unfortunately, eyewitness misidentification is the single greatest cause of wrongful convictions nationwide.  In terms of overturned convictions realized through DNA testing, inaccurate eyewitness testimony has been a factor in more than 75% of cases.  During our session, we will discuss factors related to the strengths and weaknesses of this intriguing area of study and its applications to the real world.”

Dr. Pete LaRue (Music) offers The Man in White … The Man in Black. The director of GC bands is talking about “the incomparable contributions of Hank Williams Sr. and Johnny Cash to American Music.”

Pete LaRue

In between the entertaining morning and afternoon presentations, Dr. Yoli Carter – the College’s dynamic Dean of Education – will deliver the chapel address. That will be followed by a sumptuous lunch in the Hall of Fame Room.

For reservations, call 502.863.8041 or toll free 877.640.0107.  Or you may register online. The deadline is April 20, 2012.

Johnathan Rogers, Evan Harrell and Hannah Osborne will take turns in the Tiger Symphonic Band spotlight April 26.

Georgetown, KY – The spring Tiger Symphonic Band Concert at 8 p.m., April 26 is titled “All Good Things” for a very good reason. Traditionally one of the performing arts closers for the school year, this free Hill Chapel event will feature the brilliance of three students and three fresh works.  

“To have the caliber of students that we do… it’s  just quite remarkable,” said Dr. Pete LaRue, proud director of the Tiger Band.

Hannah Osborne, who’s studying History and Music, will show off her artistry on the clarinet, performing the “Concertino for Clarinet” by Weber. “It’s fabulous, she’s fabulous,” LaRue said about the piece and the senior from Georgetown. 

The other two LaRue is putting in the honor spotlight are Music Education Majors who will both conduct pieces – Johnathan Rogers and Evan Harrell.

Rogers, a junior from Corinth, KY, will conduct his fellow students on “March” from the Third Suite by Jager.

Harrell, who was a featured musician as well in his freshman year, will conduct the premiere of a work that he composed himself. “It’s called ‘On A Swedish Hymn of Spring’ and it’s based on a hymn they sing in Sweden every year to bring in the new season,” said Harrell, a junior from Middlesboro.

“I think this is his best one yet,” said LaRue, who has already had the band perform two other compositions by Harrell, called “In Praise Rejoice” and “Lucifer.”

The concert will continue to be a night of premieres, with three new works that LaRue calls “quite extraordinary.” A work by Giroux called “All Good Things” was written in 2003. Two were recently written in 2011: “Blue and Green Music,” based on a Georgia O’Keefe painting, and “The Seal Lullaby,” based on a Rudyard Kipling poem.

 “All Good Things” will be a concert that stays true to traditions, including the playing of the moving “Old Scottish Melody” [arranged by Charles Wiley] while a special video presentation is being shown.  The video will look back on the sights and scenes of the band over the years.  Each senior can reflect on the memories, and enjoy this last performance that they have with the Tiger Band. 

A reception in the foyer of the Chapel will follow this evening of delightful music. All patrons are invited to enjoy the food and drinks as the College celebrates the band members and all the entertainment they provide over the year.