ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ welcomes students, community for Starlight
University of North Georgia (ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½) students, faculty, staff, and community members will have a chance to meet new ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ President Michael Shannon and members of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s national champion softball team at the annual Starlight Celebration and fireworks event on Aug. 26. Northeast Georgia Health System is the presenting sponsor for Starlight.
Gates will open at 6 p.m. for the event at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s Gainesville Campus with fireworks at dark. All activities will take place in the G.W. Bailey Amphitheater at 3820 Mundy Mill Road in Oakwood, Georgia.
Shannon started at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ on July 1.
"I look forward to taking part in this longtime ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ tradition and meeting more of our ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ family," Shannon said. "We invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to enjoy this special evening on the Gainesville Campus."
The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ softball program won its second NCAA Division II national championship May 31, completing a 64-win season in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Head coach and returning players for the Nighthawks will be in attendance at Starlight with their championship trophy to meet fans and help kick off the 2023-24 academic year.
I look forward to taking part in this longtime ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ tradition and meeting more of our ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ family. We invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to enjoy this special evening on the Gainesville Campus.
Dr. Michael Shannon
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ president
All Catered Events will sell Applewood smoked pulled pork, Brunswick stew, chicken tenders, slaw, pasta salad, chips, brownies, and cookies. Frozen Frenzee will sell snow cones and coffee. Attendees may also bring their own picnics.
The fun includes a balloon artist, face painting, a play tent for children, and a glow tent. Nigel the Nighthawk, ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s mascot and always a crowd favorite, will again be present along with ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ student-athletes and cheerleaders.
"Starlight is always a wonderful event that adds to the excitement of the beginning of a new school year," Dr. Steven Smith, vice president of regional campuses, said.
The event is free, but parking costs $10 per car or $20 per bus, van or larger vehicle. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ students can enter for free with a valid ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ student ID card. No walk-ins are permitted. Proceeds from the event help offset student financial needs.
The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Patriot Choir will sing the national anthem, and the Corps of Cadets Color Guard will present the colors. The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Licklog String Band will also perform.
Clay Christy of Brickhouse Mobile DJs will serve as the event DJ.
The following items are prohibited at Starlight: walk-ins, pets (other than service animals), sparklers or outside fireworks, grills or any open flames, political signage, advertisements, or unlawful weapons.
Additionally, everyone is encouraged to use #ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½starlight when sharing their photos of family, friends and fireworks during and after the event.
For more information about Starlight, visit the Starlight Celebration and fireworks event webpage.
Athletics names 2026 Hall of Fame class
The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Department of Athletics and the Athletics Hall of Fame Committee have unveiled the class of 2026, which is set to be inducted Sept. 24.
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ raises most funds in PBC for Make-A-Wish
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ earned the LeeAnn Noble Make-A-Wish Award for the most funds raised in 2025-26 during the Peach Belt Conference's annual Make-A-Wish initiative.
Campbell named DII director for WGCA Board
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ women's golf head coach Sierra Campbell has been selected to serve as the Division II director on the Women's Golf Coaches Association Board of Directors for 2026-27.
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is top athletic program in PBC
The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Athletic Department set the standard for excellence in the Peach Belt Conference in 2025-26, earning the David R. Brunk Commissioner's Cup for the second time in three years.