Four Westmont students ran over the competition in the 16th annual Westmont 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 Westmont in its 10th Annual Publisher’s Pick List. The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine ranks Westmont among the top colleges “doing a commendable job of recruiting, retaining, educating and graduating Hispanics.”
Westmont 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 Westmont students have been chosen to present their proposed business ventures in the 16th Annual Westmont Collegiate Entrepreneurship Business Plan Competition, Thursday, Dec. 8. The free presentation will be in Hieronymus Lounge at Kerrwood Hall at Westmont. Refreshments will be served at 4:45 pm and the program will begin at 5:15 p.m.
Westmont’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 Westmont Christmas Festival, Saturday, Dec. 10 at First Presbyterian Church in Santa Barbara. However, seating is still available for the performance, Friday, Dec. 9 at Westmont’s Murchison Gym.
The celebration is titled “The Word Made Flesh” and is presented by Westmonts’ music, art and theater departments. It is directed by Michael Shasberger, Adams professor of music and worship.
A group of Westmont students is getting a unique opportunity to work with an internationally acclaimed playwright, crafting a new production students will eventually perform in February. The Westmont Theater Arts department has commissioned playwright Erik Ehn to develop a new play as part of his ongoing Saint Play series.