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.

The 2011-2012 Stephen F. Austin State University Trombone Choir

The Trombone Choir at Stephen F. Austin State University will present its fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, in Cole Concert Hall.

SFA adjunct faculty member David Raine (left) and Commerce junior Benn May.

SFA adjunct faculty member David Raine (left) and Commerce junior Benn May record a scene from the School of Theatre's first radio play, "The Gift of the Magi," which will premiere on the university's radio station, KSAU (FM 90.1), at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 8, with subsequent broadcasts to be announced.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University combined choirs and orchestra and Nacogdoches Community Chorus will present George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, in W.M. Turner Auditorium.

Handel's three-part oratorio, or unstaged opera, about the life of the messiah, was first performed in 1742. One of the most performed and popular choral works, it is appreciated by audiences all over the globe, said Tim King, SFA professor of music and the concert's director.

2011-2012 Stephen F. Austin State University percussion students

SFA percussion students will present their annual holiday concert, "Percussion in the Pines," at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, in Cole Concert Hall.