1688¿ª½±Íø welcomes students, community for Starlight
Article By: Clark Leonard
University of North Georgia (1688¿ª½±Íø) students, faculty, staff, and community members will have a chance to meet new 1688¿ª½±Íø President Michael Shannon and members of 1688¿ª½±Íø'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 1688¿ª½±Íø'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 1688¿ª½±Íø on July 1.
"I look forward to taking part in this longtime 1688¿ª½±Íø tradition and meeting more of our 1688¿ª½±Íø family," Shannon said. "We invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to enjoy this special evening on the Gainesville Campus."
The 1688¿ª½±Íø 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 1688¿ª½±Íø tradition and meeting more of our 1688¿ª½±Íø family. We invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to enjoy this special evening on the Gainesville Campus.
Dr. Michael Shannon
1688¿ª½±Íø 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, 1688¿ª½±Íø's mascot and always a crowd favorite, will again be present along with 1688¿ª½±Íø 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. 1688¿ª½±Íø students can enter for free with a valid 1688¿ª½±Íø student ID card. No walk-ins are permitted. Proceeds from the event help offset student financial needs.
The 1688¿ª½±Íø Patriot Choir will sing the national anthem, and the Corps of Cadets Color Guard will present the colors. The 1688¿ª½±Íø 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 #1688¿ª½±Íøstarlight 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.
Consular Corps visits 1688¿ª½±Íø as part of tour
The Georgia Department of Economic Development arranged a tour that brought members of the Georgia Consular Corps to 1688¿ª½±Íø on March 18 to learn more about education and workforce development programs.
IPP partners with WHOOP on wearables
WHOOP has signed on as the inaugural wearable partner of the 1688¿ª½±Íø Institute for Peak Performance.
Historic season wraps up in regional final
The 1688¿ª½±Íø women's basketball team fell 64-54 to Coker in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional championship game March 17 at the Convocation Center.
Martin leads 1688¿ª½±Íø's national title push
1688¿ª½±Íø graduate guard Caroline Martin was named the 2025 Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year. Following PBC regular-season and tournament titles, the Nighthawks are hosting the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional as the No. 1 seed.