NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University has a full calendar of events for Homecoming 2025, including the annual bonfire, drone show and concert featuring award-winning country duo Maddie & Tae beginning at 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at the Intramural Fields.  

The fun begins today with the launch of SFA Alumni Association’s online Homecoming Auction 2025. Through Oct. 19, participants can bid on items ranging from custom SFA creations to exciting travel packages. All proceeds go toward SFA Alumni Association student and alumni programming.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– What started as a quarter-acre plot planted by Stephen F. Austin State University students behind the Agriculture Building in 1985 has blossomed into six themed gardens encompassing 138 acres. To celebrate, SFA Gardens is hosting its 40th Anniversary Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 throughout its gardens.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Acclaimed actor and Texas native Dennis Quaid will bring star power and business policy insight to Stephen F. Austin State University this spring as the speaker for the fifth installment of the Nelson Rusche Distinguished Lecture Series. Best known for iconic film roles in “The Rookie,” “The Parent Trap” 1998 remake and “A Dog’s Purpose,” Quaid will speak at 7:30 p.m. April 9, 2026, in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Grand Ballroom.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University has signed an international academic agreement with Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan in the Philippines. The partnership, formalized by SFA President Dr. Neal Weaver and XU President Fr. Mars P. Tan, S.J., in September will expand opportunities for students and faculty at both institutions while strengthening cultural and academic ties across the globe.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University celebrated another record-setting Giving Day, raising $273,318 from 4,808 donors during its fifth annual event Sept. 18, SFA’s 102nd birthday. This year’s totals exceeded the goal of 3,500 donors and far outpaced 2024’s results of $192,545 from just over 3,400 donors. The increase represents a 42% jump in dollars raised and 41% growth in donor participation year over year.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University’s Stone Fort Museum will host the Old Stone Harvest Fest from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the museum on SFA’s campus.

According to Carolyn Spears, Stone Fort Museum director, the family-friendly event will feature traditional cooking demonstrations, heritage crafts and live music.

“Old Stone Harvest Fest is about savoring the past while we celebrate the future,” Spears said. “We welcome everyone to join us for an evening of music, food and hands-on fun.”

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University aviation sciences students can begin their piloting careers sooner because the university is now one of only four higher education institutions in Texas authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to certify students are eligible for their Restricted Airline Transport Pilot certificate.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Dr. Jose Carbajal, associate professor in Stephen F. Austin State University’s School of Social Work, was awarded the 2025 EMDR International Association Ambassador Award during the organization’s conference in Anaheim, California.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host its annual Fabulous Fall Festival Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center located at 2900 Raguet St. in historic Nacogdoches.

The sale will feature an array of hard-to-find “Texas tough” plants, East Texas natives and pollinator-friendly selections. Expect to find great trees, including Japanese maples, red buds, bald cypress and more. A list of all available plants will be posted on the SFA Gardens website two weeks before the sale.