Jan Karon, best-selling author of Mitford series, to speak at ACU Oct. 19 For immediate release June 8, 2001 The Teague Special Events Center will take on a new personality Oct. 19, the Friday of Abilene Christian University's Homecoming, when the interior will be transformed into the comfortable village of Mitford, the setting for author Jan Karon's Mitford series of novels. Inside the Teague Center, characters such as Father Tim, Cynthia Coppersmith, Dooley Barlowe, Barnabas and others will come to life for a fund-raising luncheon where Karon will be the featured speaker. The event is designed to raise money for Women for ACU scholarships. Individual tickets cost $25, and three levels of table sponsorships are available for $300, $500 and $1,000. The different levels of sponsorships come with different benefits, including a personal reception with Karon where guests can ask her questions about the books. Tickets can be reserved by calling 800-373-4220. Karon, who lives in Blowing Rock, N.C., was an award-winning advertising executive before following her dream of writing books. All six of her books have been bestsellers: "At Home in Mitford," "A Light in the Window," "These High, Green Hills," "Out to Canaan," "A New Song" and the recently released "A Common Life." Mitford, the fictional setting, is based on Karon's North Carolina hometown. "At Home in Mitford" was nominated for an ABBY Award by the American Booksellers Association in 1996, 1997 and 1998. "Jan Karon's books transcend all age groups," said event chair Pam Money. "Her stories inspire and captivate audiences, and her novels offer reading that will be treasured for a lifetime. Anyone who has read a Jan Karon book should not miss this event." While WACU raises money for many different projects, the proceeds from this event all benefit WACU scholarships. "Scholarships are a priority for WACU," Money said. "And we think through this event, WACU can make a significant impact on the lives of many people." -30- Find out more about Jan Karon and her best-selling books at the Jan Karon Web site.     Archived News Releases - Current ACU News and Events If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Tom Craig, director of media and community relations, at craigt@acu.edu or call 915-674-2692 (cell phone: 665-5469). Last update: June 8, 2001 This page is maintained by Tom Craig, craigt@acu.edu.