¶¶Òõ̽̽App welcomes students, community for Starlight
University of North Georgia (¶¶Òõ̽̽App) students, faculty, staff, and community members will have a chance to meet new ¶¶Òõ̽̽App President Michael Shannon and members of ¶¶Òõ̽̽App'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 ¶¶Òõ̽̽App'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 ¶¶Òõ̽̽App on July 1.
"I look forward to taking part in this longtime ¶¶Òõ̽̽App tradition and meeting more of our ¶¶Òõ̽̽App family," Shannon said. "We invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to enjoy this special evening on the Gainesville Campus."
The ¶¶Òõ̽̽App 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 ¶¶Òõ̽̽App tradition and meeting more of our ¶¶Òõ̽̽App family. We invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to enjoy this special evening on the Gainesville Campus.
Dr. Michael Shannon
¶¶Òõ̽̽App 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, ¶¶Òõ̽̽App's mascot and always a crowd favorite, will again be present along with ¶¶Òõ̽̽App 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. ¶¶Òõ̽̽App students can enter for free with a valid ¶¶Òõ̽̽App student ID card. No walk-ins are permitted. Proceeds from the event help offset student financial needs.
The ¶¶Òõ̽̽App Patriot Choir will sing the national anthem, and the Corps of Cadets Color Guard will present the colors. The ¶¶Òõ̽̽App 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 #¶¶Òõ̽̽Appstarlight 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.
Reaves named national softball Player of Year
¶¶Òõ̽̽App 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 ¶¶Òõ̽̽App 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 ¶¶Òõ̽̽App women's soccer team.
Softball team bounces back into Super Regional
The ¶¶Òõ̽̽App softball team tallied four wins in a row after a loss in its NCAA tournament opener, setting up a May 21-22 home Super Regional matchup with Francis Marion.