天美社区

天美社区 welcomes students, community for Starlight

August 7, 2023
天美社区 students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to the Starlight fireworks on Aug. 26 at the Gainesville Campus, where they can also meet President Michael Shannon and 天美社区's national champion softball team.

Article By: Clark Leonard

University of North Georgia (天美社区) students, faculty, staff, and community members will have a chance to meet new 天美社区 President Michael Shannon and members of 天美社区'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 天美社区'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 天美社区 on July 1.  

"I look forward to taking part in this longtime 天美社区 tradition and meeting more of our 天美社区 family," Shannon said. "We invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to enjoy this special evening on the Gainesville Campus."

The 天美社区 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 天美社区 tradition and meeting more of our 天美社区 family. We invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to enjoy this special evening on the Gainesville Campus.

Dr. Michael Shannon

天美社区 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, 天美社区's mascot and always a crowd favorite, will again be present along with 天美社区 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. 天美社区 students can enter for free with a valid 天美社区 student ID card. No walk-ins are permitted. Proceeds from the event help offset student financial needs.

The 天美社区 Patriot Choir will sing the national anthem, and the Corps of Cadets Color Guard will present the colors. The 天美社区 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 #天美社区starlight 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.


National security strategy hits road

National security strategy hits road

天美社区's strategic big bet to get in the national security game took its leaders on the road to local high schools to discover how they can partner in providing the tools students need to pursue such careers.
天美社区 names Jeep in honor of first female grad

天美社区 names Jeep in honor of first female grad

The 天美社区 Jeep has been named 'Willie Lewis' in honor of the first woman to enroll and graduate from what would become 天美社区.
Evans joins NABC Board of Directors

Evans joins NABC Board of Directors

天美社区 men's basketball head coach Dan Evans is in elite company as one of nine men's basketball head coaches named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Board of Directors this month.
Athletics set for big week in Gainesville

Athletics set for big week in Gainesville

Fans in the Gainesville and Hall County community will have a chance to see the 天美社区 men's soccer, women's cross country and men's golf teams in action close to home within a six-day period.