James I. Perkins

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - James I. Perkins, president and chairman of the board of Citizens 1st Bank, former Regent and longtime supporter of Stephen F. Austin State University, will offer the commencement address during spring graduation ceremonies Saturday, May 14.

Stephen F. Austin State University undergraduate Pi Kappa Lambda inductees

The music faculty at Stephen F. Austin State University recently elected 16 undergraduate music majors to Pi Kappa Lambda, the national music honor society. Inductees must be in at least their fourth semester at SFA and have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, musicianship and leadership.

Dean's Award student recipients

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts recently recognized four students and one faculty member during the presentation of the annual Dean's Awards.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Trombone Choir at Stephen F. Austin State University will perform music from several different eras during its final concert of the year at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus. Admission is free and open to the public.

Under the direction of Dr. Deb Scott, associate professor of trombone, the 16-member ensemble will open the concert with J.S. Bach's "Contrapunctus I" from "The Art of Fugue." Also featured will be an arrangement of Anton Bruckner's "Symphony No. 4" and two arrangements written by ensemble members.

Pictured, from left, are British exchange student Hannah Peaker as the Policeman, Weslaco junior Jonathan Garcia as Presto, Dallas senior Rosie Kolbo as The Kiosk, and Lancaster junior Lamar Jefferson as the Husband.

Stephen F.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS -Four alumni vocalists will join the combined choirs and orchestra of Stephen F. Austin State University to present Ludwig van Beethoven's "Missa Solemnis" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, in W.M. Turner Auditorium.

"We are looking forward to performing this monumental work, one of the finest products of Beethoven's inspiration and artistic creativity," said Dr. Tim King, director of SFA choral activities. "In a letter to the publisher, Beethoven declared that the 'Missa Solemnnis' could be considered 'the greatest work which I have composed thus far.'"

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Music Preparatory Division of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will present a series of recitals Saturday, May 7, through Tuesday, May 17. The recitals, which provide an opportunity to showcase the talents and accomplishments of the students enrolled in the various programs, are free and open to the public.

The first recital will be presented by piano students of Dr. Ping-Ting Lan at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, in Cole Concert Hall, located in the Tom and Peggy Wright Music Building, 2210 Alumni Dr.

Farm and Forestry Day for area children and their families at Stephen F. Austin State University's Walter C. Todd Agricultural Research Center will be held from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday, April 30.

This educational event offers unique outdoor experiences that include an observation bee hive, outdoor cooking, crafts, hayrides, face painting and games. Farms animals, including calves, goats, sheep, horses, chicks and pigs, will be on display.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - As part of its monthly independent film series, the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art and Friends of the Visual Arts will present a free, one-night screening of "Ghost Bird" at 7 p.m. Friday, May 6, in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.

Dr. Jimmie Yeiser

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Dr. Jimmie Yeiser, professor of forestry, has been named the 2011-12 Stephen F. Austin State University Regents Professor.