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Four �鶹avӳ����ý students ran over the competition in the 16th annual �鶹avӳ����ý Collegiate Entrepreneurship Business Plan Competition. The student venture, Polaris Athletic Training Systems Inc., took first place with its high-tech training device for runners and other athletes.

A magazine focusing on Hispanics in higher education has included �鶹avӳ����ý in its 10th Annual Publisher’s Pick List. The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine ranks �鶹avӳ����ý among the top colleges “doing a commendable job of recruiting, retaining, educating and graduating Hispanics.”

�鶹avӳ����ý continues to make progress attracting and keeping diverse students. Currently, students of color make up 20 percent of the student body. The first-year class diversity population is 26 percent. Hispanics make up the largest diversity group on campus, 9 percent this fall.

Four teams of �鶹avӳ����ý students have been chosen to present their proposed business ventures in the 16th Annual �鶹avӳ����ý Collegiate Entrepreneurship Business Plan Competition, Thursday, Dec. 8. The free presentation will be in Hieronymus Lounge at Kerrwood Hall at �鶹avӳ����ý. Refreshments will be served at 4:45 pm and the program will begin at 5:15 p.m.

�鶹avӳ����ý’s baseball coach and a popular Montecito musician are teaming up in hopes of helping families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Rob Crawford and Bobby Shand will present “One Family at a Time,” a special benefit show with The Shand Band at SOhO, 1221 State St., Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door for $20, children half price. All proceeds will benefit the relief effort. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Tickets are no longer available for the First Annual �鶹avӳ����ý Christmas Festival, Saturday, Dec. 10 at First Presbyterian Church in Santa Barbara. However, seating is still available for the performance, Friday, Dec. 9 at �鶹avӳ����ý’s Murchison Gym.

The celebration is titled “The Word Made Flesh” and is presented by �鶹avӳ����ýs’ music, art and theater departments. It is directed by Michael Shasberger, Adams professor of music and worship.

A group of �鶹avӳ����ý students is getting a unique opportunity to work with an internationally acclaimed playwright, crafting a new production students will eventually perform in February. The �鶹avӳ����ý Theater Arts department has commissioned playwright Erik Ehn to develop a new play as part of his ongoing Saint Play series.