UNG welcomes students, community for Starlight
University of North Georgia (UNG) students, faculty, staff, and community members will have a chance to meet new UNG President Michael Shannon and members of UNG'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 UNG'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 UNG on July 1.
"I look forward to taking part in this longtime UNG tradition and meeting more of our UNG family," Shannon said. "We invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to enjoy this special evening on the Gainesville Campus."
The UNG softball program won its second NCAA Division II national championship May 31, completing a 64-win season in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Head coach Mike Davenport 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 UNG tradition and meeting more of our UNG family. We invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to enjoy this special evening on the Gainesville Campus.
Dr. Michael Shannon
UNG 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, UNG's mascot and always a crowd favorite, will again be present along with UNG 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. UNG students can enter for free with a valid UNG student ID card. No walk-ins are permitted. Proceeds from the event help offset student financial needs.
The UNG Patriot Choir will sing the national anthem, and the Corps of Cadets Color Guard will present the colors. The UNG 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 #UNGstarlight 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.
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