NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The SFA Children's Performing Arts Series production of "Sleeping Beauty" on May 7 at Stephen F. Austin State University is already a sell-out, and those who missed out on getting their tickets in time may want to begin planning their school calendars now for next season's CPAS productions.

All tickets have been sold for both the 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. performances of the classic children's fairy tale presented by American Family Theatre, Inc., and "Sleeping Beauty" is the last CPAS production of this academic year.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - As part of its monthly independent film series, the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art will present a free, one-night screening of "Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman" at 7 p.m. Friday, May 3, at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Fashion and interior merchandising students at Stephen F. Austin State University have a passion for purple. In fact, they are competing in a design contest to create an official tartan plaid for the university.

More than a dozen students submitted their original designs using only purple, white, black and gray. A committee composed of faculty members and administrators narrowed the field to 10. Dr. Baker Pattillo, SFA president, then selected three designs to be voted on by SFA stakeholders. Voting via the university's Web page will continue through May 3.

SFA biotechnology graduate student Ranjeeta Gautam of Nepal is part of a team conducting grant-funded research on the DNA of the Sunn pest, which threatens crops throughout Northern Africa, Northern Asia and Eastern Europe.

A $21,000 grant from the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas will help Stephen F.

Enjoy the beauty of spring in East Texas as Nacogdoches Naturally hosts a family day trip to the Boykin Springs Recreation Area in the Angelina National Forest on Saturday, May 4.

Located on Boykin Creek and Boykin Springs Lake in the Angelina National Forest, the recreation area offers activities like camping, hiking, fishing and picnicking. Wildlife is abundant, and the region is a hot spot for migratory birds.

Backpacks, binoculars, magnifiers, field guides, fishing gear and cameras will be available for check out at the event.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Dr. Harry Downing, professor and chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, has been named the 2013-14 Stephen F. Austin State University Regents Professor.

Reserved for exemplary role models to the university community, the title of Regents Professor is the highest honor SFA bestows upon members of the faculty. The title is held for one full academic year.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Researchers at Stephen F. Austin State University have filed for patent protection for "Purple Pride," a new type of Chickasaw Plum tree known for its purple fruit and foliage.

At a meeting Tuesday, the Board of Regents authorized agreements with several nurseries interested in selling SFA's new cultivar of Prunus angustifolia. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of "Purple Pride" will be returned to the university.

Representatives of the Stephen F. Austin State University Horseman's Association utilize the covered arena at the SFA Equine Center for university and public use including curriculum, horsemanship clinics and day-to-day operations. Pictured, from left, are Mary Helen Herman, Andrea Routzon, Brandi Baker, equine center manager, Faith Skinner and Jordan Blank.

The Stephen F.

James H. Dickerson

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University alumnus James H. Dickerson of New Braunfels, a former member of the SFA Board of Regents, will offer the commencement address during spring graduation ceremonies on May 11.