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.

Although Stephen F. Austin State University leaders will not be sure of the amount of state funding the university will receive until a budget is approved by the Texas Legislature, regents approved increases in fees to prepare for a predicted shortfall. A 4.95 percent tuition and fee increase was approved for the 2011-2012 academic year, along with an increase in room and board rates of approximately 3 percent.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents approved new faculty and staff appointments, changes of status, promotions and retirements at its regular meeting Tuesday.

Faculty appointments include John B. Sullivan, lecturer of mathematics and statistics; Tiffany Bice-Wigington, assistant professor of social work; and Casey B. Hart and Tim V. Nolcox, instructors of communication.

SFA theatre students Erin Whitmire and Lamar Jefferson rehearse a scene from the School of Theatre's upcoming production of Guillaume Apollinaire's surrealist play "The Breasts of Tiresias" in which the title character reveals to her husband that she is now a man.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - "It's completely different from anything I've ever seen or done before!," exclaimed senior theatre major Erin Whitmire of Wink, who plays the title character in St

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Symphonic and University Bands of Stephen F. Austin State University will present a joint concert, "Journeys," at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

"The program will take the audience on a journey through a large part of the 'sound-spectrum offered by wind bands," said Brett A. Richardson, SFA assistant director of bands and the Symphonic Band's conductor.

Staff Sgt. Gene Dooley, an SFA alumnus, will be the guest trumpet soloist during a joint concert of the SFA jazz bands, the Swingin' Axes and Swingin' Aces, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28, in Cole Concert Hall.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Classics by Stan Kenton and a selection of blues, funk, swing and shuffle will be performed during the joint concert by the Stephen F.