Nacogdoches, Texas - Approximately 1,400 Stephen F. Austin State University students are expected to receive diplomas during dual commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 11, in William R. Johnson Coliseum.

Due to the high number of expected graduates this spring, commencement exercises will be split into two ceremonies for the first time in the university's history. About 700 SFA graduates will participate in each ceremony.

The SFA Offices of Public Affairs and Admissions received two Council for Advancement and Support of Education awards at the District IV Conference for their viewbook and photography submissions. Pictured, from left, are Bill Cox, media coordinator for the Office of Admissions; and Donna Parish, marketing communications specialist, and Hardy Meredith, university photographer, both from the Office of Public Affairs.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University Charter School Board will meet from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, in the elementary education conference room of the Janice A. Pattillo Early Childhood Research Center.

SFA Pineywoods Camp

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin State University will soon kick off its 12th year of Pineywoods Camp for youth ages 4 to 15. Registration is now open for the summer camp programs, which are sponsored by SFA Gardens and Nacogdoches Naturally in collaboration with SFA Outdoor Pursuits.

Barnyard Day

Experience a day of fun on the farm as the Department of Agriculture at Stephen F. Austin State University hosts Barnyard Day from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4, at the Walter C. Todd Agricultural Research Center.

Visitors of all ages will get a chance to see baby farm animals, take a hayride or participate in the best-dressed farmer contest.

Dr. John Lewis

There are three things Dr. John Lewis says he will miss most when he retires from Stephen F. Austin State University in May after more than 43 years on the faculty: "students, students, and did I mention my students?"

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The combined choirs of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music, along with the Orchestra of the Pines," will present "Mostly Mozart" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

The School of Music has traditionally ended each semester with a larger work/production to bring the semester to "a festive close," according to Tim King, director of choral activities at SFA.

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.