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 present end-of-the-semester recitals this month.

SFA student teachers' students and Dr. Mario Ajero's piano students will perform at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, followed by piano students of Theresa Moon and Bruno Ribeiro performing at 4 p.m. Sunday. Both recitals will be in the Music Recital Hall in the Wright Music Building on the SFA campus.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - A newly established master's degree offered through the Department of Mass Communication at Stephen F. Austin State University will prepare students for a career in the evolving media industry.

According to Dr. John Hendricks, SFA professor and chair of the mass communication department, obtaining a Master of Arts in mass communication will prepare students for any career in journalism; strategic communication, including advertising and public relations; and/or electronic communication.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University will host the annual Holiday Extravaganza sponsored by the Residence Hall Association from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3.

The event is free and open to the public and will be held outside the Austin Building and in the Spirit Lounge located inside the Baker Pattillo Student Center. Activities will include pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus; choir performances; lighting of the university Christmas tree; and refreshments.

For more information, contact the Residence Hall Association at (936) 468-2700.

Legendary jazz artist Diane Schuur will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University.

NACOGDOCHES - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts will present jazz legend and Grammy award-winning artist Diane Schuur in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

"Super Scientific Circus" will be performed at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, in W.M. Turner Auditorium as part of the SFA Children's Performing Arts Series.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Area students will learn that science can be fun and exciting when the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and the Children's Performing Arts Series present "Super Scientific Circus" in two performances Wednesday, Dec. 11, in W.M.

Dr. Dan Bruton and Dr. Brian Oswald

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Two outstanding Stephen F. Austin State University faculty members will be honored during the 25th annual SFA Gala on Saturday, Dec. 14, in the Grand Ballroom of the Baker Pattillo Student Center.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre along with the Nine Flags Festival will present "A Classic Christmas" by the Fredonia Players at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 5 and 6, and at 2 and 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, in Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House.

The musical theatre group will perform classic Christmas tunes that will delight and entertain, such as "Winter Wonderland" and "Let It Snow," according to Shari Ellsworth, theatre appreciation instructor at SFA and the new director of the Fredonia Players.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stone Fort Museum at Stephen F. Austin State University will host an opening reception for the exhibit "Sacred Spaces: Connecting with the Land" from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5.

The "Sacred Spaces" photography project explores the spiritual connection to the environment and landscape within the Nacogdoches area. The exhibit utilizes descriptions of the East Texas landscape dating back to the late 1600s, as well as from contemporary journals.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University's Percussion Department will present its annual holiday concert, "Percussion in the Pines," at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, in Cole Concert Hall in the Wright Music Building on the SFA campus.

The performance will feature both the SFA Percussion Ensemble and the SFA Steel Band, known as the Jacks of Steel, performing a collection of carols, popular tunes and contemporary holiday arrangements for percussion.

Outstanding Stephen F. Austin State University donors and faculty members will be honored during the 25th annual SFA Gala on Saturday, Dec. 14. Pictured at the 2012 SFA Gala, from left, are: Bud Wright, chair of the SFASU Foundation Board of Trustees; 2012 honorees Jim, John and Bob Kingham; Dr. Baker Pattillo, SFA president; and Jill Still, SFA vice president for university advancement.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Outstanding Stephen F.