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������Ƶ is a finalist in the “50 Best Christian Workplaces” survey, published this month by Christianity Today magazine.

Conducted by the Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI), the survey polled more than 10,000 employees from 107 organizations in a variety of industries.

“Is There Other Life in the Universe?” a scientific overview of the prospects for intelligent life elsewhere in the universe, is the next ������Ƶ Downtown Conversation by physics Professor Warren Rogers, 5:30 p.m. May 13, at the University Club, 1332 Santa Barbara St.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

Starting with the early universe following the Big Bang, Rogers will trace the production and dispersion of heavy elements that form the basis for life.

Four ������Ƶ students have been chosen as Intercultural Leadership awardees for the 2004-05 academic year. Sarah Akinwale, Stephanie Crockett, Laurraine Gereige and Daniel Galicia will each receive a $3,700 award funded by a grant from the Irvine Foundation.

David Spainhour, who retires this month as chairman of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, will receive the ������Ƶ Medal during graduation ceremonies 10 a.m. May 8 on Russell Carr Field.

The ������Ƶ Medal is given each year to recognize those in our community whose lives embody the very principles associated with the Christian character of the college: integrity, service, compassion, responsibility, faithfulness, discipline and generosity.

Christian philosopher and Yale Professor Dr. Nicholas Wolterstorff will speak at ������Ƶ’s 2004 commencement 10 a.m. May 8 at Russell Carr Athletic Field on campus.

Wolterstorff’s speech, entitled “Called or Occupied?” will explore choosing between looking for an occupation and looking for what you are called to do.

“When students leave college and look for a job, do you just look for an occupation, or do you look for what you might be called to do? In short, how do you choose?” Wolterstorff said.

������Ƶ has received a $3 million gift from the estate of a former professor and his wife.

Dr. Kenneth Monroe, who died in 1987, and his wife, Peggy, who died in February of this year, left assets of more than $3 million to the college. The money will fund scholarships for Monroe Scholars, up to four exceptional students who receive full-tuition assistance each year. The bequest will also create a new endowed chair in a discipline to be named.