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.
Softball team finishes in top six nationally
The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ softball team earned one victory at the NCAA Division II championship to finish among the nation's final six teams.
Reaves named national softball Player of Year
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ senior center fielder Sydnee Reaves has been named the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division II Player of the Year.
Nighthawks advance to NCAA championship
The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ softball team has punched its ticket to the NCAA Division II championship for the fifth time in six seasons. It opens the event at 6:30 p.m. May 28 against McKendree.
McGill takes reins as brigade commander
Grace McGill has been named Corps of Cadets brigade commander for 2026-27. She is also a captain on the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ women's soccer team.