Blackburn named "Best Buy"

Blackburn College has been chosen to appear in Barron’s Best Buys in College Education. The publication is in its 9th year and has been sent to every high school in the United States and is available in bookstores and online. Barron’s Best Buys in College Education provides the essential tool for students and parents seeking a first-rate education at an affordable price. Schools covered in the book, range from publicly supported schools that are virtually tuition-free to moderately-priced colleges that provide high-quality education at bargain prices. [Full Story]

Blackburn Players club to present play on school violence

The Blackburn Players club, led by senior Ron Logsdon, will present Bang, Bang You're Dead!The performance is a resource for dealing with a broken world that's violent, unhealthy, unfair, and beyond the power of anyone to fix except today's generation. The show will be presented Nov. 10, 11 and 12 with all performances beginning at 8:00 p.m. Admission to the show is free, and donations will be accepted for Ribbon of Promise, a national agency devoted to ending and preventing school violence. [Full Story]

The Blackburn College Voices will present their celebrated annual Madrigal Feast on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18. Audience members will be treated to an exciting evening of entertainment and fine dining. Entertainment will feature chamber vocal music sung by the Blackburn Voices and delightful skits performed by talented members of the Blackburn College student body. The Blackburn Voices will perform joyous music to usher in the holiday season, including John Rutter’s arrangements of In dulci jubilo, Il est né, le divin enfant, The Holly and the Ivy, and many other familiar Christmas carols. For tickets, call the music desk at (217) 854-3231, ext. 4329. [Full Story]

Last year Professor Richard Young and student Leea Gelarden began the creation of a data bank that would chronicle the history of theater productions at Blackburn College. Professor Young and student Katie Palsen are pursuing the on-going project. The goal is to have a record of each theater production, the performance dates, the venue (where it played), a list of the cast members, the director, and stage crew. Searching the "archives" in Lumpkin Library has revealed a rich production history that, so far, goes back to 1867. However; there are many holes in the record. If you have any information about a production please send it to Richard Young at Blackburn. Copies of old programs, posters, or other printed matter related to theater production would also be appreciated.

There are many of you who prefer to make a gift to Blackburn at the end of the calendar year in order to take advantage of any tax deducations that might be available. In order for us to process end of year gifts expiditiously so that they are reflected in your 2006 records, please send your gift as soon as possible prior to December 31 .... especially if you wish to use a credit card to make your gift. Note that the administrative offices are closed between Christmas and New Year. Credit card gifts submitted during that time are not processed until after January 2, and may not be eligible for a tax deduction in 2006. You should consult with your financial or tax advisor about the timing of your gift to Blackburn College.

Sports Shorts

Blackburn's fall sports schedules and standings:

• Football: 3-6
• Men's Soccer: 6-10-12
• Women's Soccer: 6-12
• Volleyball: 8-12