SFA vocal students received honors at a regional competition that included over 500 students from Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Pictured, seated, from left are Joseph Dennis, Joshua Dennis and Patrick Taylor Russell. Standing, from left, are Cairee Mayfield, Elise Baldwin and Stephen Hanna.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Stephen F.

Photo by Luke Ratray.

Tickets are still available for "An Nollaig: An Irish Christmas," a family-friendly concert featuring Celtic fiddling champion Eileen Ivers and her band, Immigrant Soul," at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, in W.M. Turner Auditorium. The concert, which is part of the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts' University Series, will include traditional Irish songs, original tunes and holiday favorites.

Dr. Nancy Dickey

Dr. Nancy Dickey, president of the Texas A&M Health Science Center and vice chancellor for health affairs for the Texas A&M System, will be the commencement speaker at Stephen F. Austin State University on Saturday, Dec. 17.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Students enrolled in private and group lessons offered by the Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will perform in a series of end-of-the-semester recitals in mid-December.

Three separate events will be held on Sunday, Dec. 11, in the Music Recital Hall, Room 160 of the Wright Music Building, 2210 Alumni Drive. At 2:30 p.m., piano students of Stephen Adams and Missy Leppert will perform, and at 4 p.m., Melissa Nabb's violin and viola students will play.

Pictured with Dr. David Creech are, from left, SFA students Eric Golestan, Casey Thomas, Kyle Giannette and Felicia English.

Four Stephen F. Austin State University students attended the Southern Region conference of the International Plant Propagators Society held recently in Valdosta, Ga. Dr.

Dr. Jim Towns (left), professor of communication, and Tyler philantropist Ina Brundrett (right) will be honored as outstanding donors at the 23rd annual SFA Gala on Saturday, Dec. 10, in the Grand Ballroom of the Baker Pattillo Student Center.

Outstanding donors to be honored during the 23rd annual Stephen F. Austin State University Gala include a longtime faculty member, a friend of the SFA Gardens and the local newspaper.

Dr. Hans Williams, SFA Regents Professor and associate dean of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agricultre, will deliver this year's Regents Lecture, "The Amazing Life Cycle of Trees," at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, in the Baker Pattillo Student Student Center, Regents Suite A.

The upcoming Stephen F. Austin State University Regents Lecture by Dr.

Nacogdoches Naturally will sponsor a family fun day at Stephen F. Austin State University's Pineywoods Native Plant Center on Saturday, Dec. 10. Located at 2900 Raguet, the event will run from 9 a.m. until noon. "Meet the Creepy Crawlers" will be an opportunity to learn about the benefits and challenges of forest animals that slither, creep, and crawl. Families will meet live animals, create "creepy crawler" crafts, and go on a guided safari hike.

Harpist Emily Mitchell will present a joint recital with her SFA university and music preparatory students at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, in the Music Recital Hall, Room 160 of the Wright Music Building.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Internationally acclaimed harpist Emily Mitchell, who joined the Stephen F.

A model train exhibit will be on display in celebration of the holiday season at the Nacogdoches Train Depot. The exhibit is being provided by the Loblolly Railroad Group and is sponsored by the Center for Regional Heritage Research at Stephen F. Austin State University.