Nighthawks kick off 2023-24 academic year
Article By: Clark Leonard
University of North Georgia (UNG) President Michael Shannon and other university leaders welcomed students to campus at Nighthawk Kick-off events during the first week of classes. In addition to the university's administrators, Student Government Association officers and other student group leaders spoke at the events.
A celebration of the start of the 2023-24 academic year, Nighthawk Kick-off was held at UNG's Gainesville and Dahlonega campuses on Aug. 21 and the Oconee Campus on Aug. 23. The Cumming Campus event is at noon on Aug. 28, and the Blue Ridge Campus event is set for noon on Aug. 30.
"Welcome to the most innovative, dynamic, legacy-making university in the country," Shannon said.
UNG's Division II softball national championship team was at the events in Gainesville and Dahlonega to sign championship posters and pose for photos with the championship trophy.
The Nighthawk Kick-off provided free T-shirts for students and included games and fun activities.
"We're here for you. We're incredibly proud of you," Shannon said. "We know you're going to do great things. The best is yet to come."
The UNG pep band played under the direction of Dr. Ashley Jarrell, associate professor of music and director of bands, at the events on the Gainesville and Dahlonega campuses.
"You are essential to this university. You are the reason we are here," Dr. Steven Smith, vice president of regional campuses, told students.
Nighthawk Kick-off is part of Weeks of Welcome, held Aug. 21 to Sept. 1, to offer opportunities to meet other students, interact with faculty and staff, and become better acquainted with university resources, opportunities and expectations.
These events, sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement, can foster campus community engagement, promote local culture and traditions, and create a sense of unity and pride among UNG students. There are more than 100 Weeks of Welcome events university-wide this academic year.
President Shannon: 'We are delivering'
President Michael Shannon shared his vision for the future of the university and his enthusiasm about its momentum Oct. 24 in his State of the University address.
Chancellor launches Ethics Week
UNG will host the annual Ethics Awareness Week from Nov. 4-10, starting with a virtual panel hosted by USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue.
Shannon lays out bold vision for UNG
UNG President Michael Shannon laid out his bold vision for the university's future at 'Reveille,' launching a series of 'moonshot' goals aimed at relevance in a time of turbulence in higher education.
UNG cuts ribbon on Cumming expansion
UNG cut the ribbon on its Cumming Campus expansion July 30 with an array of state and local leaders on hand to celebrate the occasion.