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This scene from the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre’s production of Lynn Nottage’s “Intimate Apparel” features theatre students Tanner O’Neal, Longview senior, and Kiara Hawkins, Tyler freshman. The award-winning play is about a black seamstress whose clients range from wealthy white patrons to prostitutes. Trapped between high society and its sordid shadow world, her heart is constrained by race, religion and class, but her resilience reflects America’s enduring hopefulness. The play, recommended for mature audiences, opened Tuesday and will continue through Saturday, March 4, at 7:30 nightly in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus. Single tickets are $15 for adult, $10 for senior and $7.50 for student/youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.theatre.sfasu.edu. Photo credit: Lane Davidson

Stephen F. Austin State University has been recognized as one of the best universities in the country at helping its students financially.

“Financial assistance is the best way to help students and families afford college,” said Rachele Garrett, director of SFA’s Office of Student Financial Assistance. “When an institution removes or reduces the student’s financial need, it gives them the ability to focus on their studies rather than worry about their financial situation.”

Student Loans Report, a site helping students make smart financial decisions and educating them about student loans, ranked SFA among its top 200 institutions in its Most Affordable Colleges for Incoming Freshmen with Financial Need Report. This report analyzed more than 1,000 colleges and universities to determine the most affordable institutions for incoming freshmen with financial need.

Garrett explained SFA currently has more than 800 scholarship programs with some scholarship funds offering multiple awards. The university also has more than 80 scholarships specific to freshmen. For example, the university awarded more than 500 freshmen the Academic Excellence Scholarship for 2017.

“Financial aid officers have a commitment to remove financial barriers for students and to ensure students and parents have all the information needed to make good decisions about paying for college,” Garrett said.

Financial assistance is available to all students, and federal, state and institutional aid programs provide additional assistance. Financial assistance includes free aid, such as scholarships and grants. It also includes additional programs, such as work-study, loans, exemptions and waivers.

According to Garrett, SFA is projected to award more than $160 million in federal, state and institutional aid during 2017.

Within SFA’s Office of Student Financial Assistance, financial aid counselors partner with students and families to facilitate the financial aid process.

“Our counselors are here to help families with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid completion, answering questions and discussing award options,” Garrett said. “In addition, our financial aid counselors can help with special issues that can occur, like loss of a job or unexpected medical issues.”

Students and families are welcome to make an appointment with their financial aid counselor to discuss aid options. Students and parents are encouraged to contact SFA’s Office of Student Financial Assistance when issues affecting a family’s financial situation arise. The office is located on the first floor of the Austin Building on the university’s campus.

For more information, visit http://www.sfasu.edu/admissions-and-aid, or call (936) 468-2403.

The Orchestra of the Pines at Stephen F. Austin State University will present the program “With a Stroke of a Pen” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 6, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

The concert, which will feature the world premiere of “Fantasy: Beyond the Forest” by SFA music composition student Kyle Henkel of Argyle, includes a program of music in which each piece tells a story of suspect and mystery, according to Gene H. Moon, director of orchestras at SFA. Henkel is the winner of this year’s composition competition in the SFA School of Music.

“Many things in life have been done at the stroke of a pen,” Moon said. “Laws are written, poetry is created, and music is composed, all at the stroke of a pen. ‘With a Stroke of a Pen’ presents music with an intriguing backstory that shows how music either reinforces or even sends a message to its audience.”

Moon describes Henkel’s piece as “a unique work utilizing extended techniques on nearly all instruments, creating sonorities rather than melody, which evokes a pensive attitude toward his impressions.”

“It is a very eclectic work of daring instrumental capabilities that pushes the colors of the orchestral timbre and asks listeners to use their strongest imagination in understanding Henkel’s music,” he said.

Three selections that will surround Henkel’s work are Sergei Prokofiev’s Lieutenant Kije Suite, the first movement of Franz Schubert’s Symphony No. 8 in B minor, commonly known as the “Unfinished Symphony,” and Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 45 in F-sharp minor, known as “Farewell.”

“Each of these works has a unique story created either by the mishap of a pen stroke or by disguise through the same manner to convey a story,” Moon said.

The concert is a presentation of the College of Fine Arts and School of Music. Cole Concert Hall is located in the Tom and Peggy Wright Music Building.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.

A closing reception for an exhibition of work by artist Juan de Dios Mora currently showing in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 9, with the artist in attendance.

The exhibition, which opened Jan. 26, features Mora’s finely detailed block prints – some printed with a single color and others featuring multi colors. Mora is senior lecturer in the art department at the University of Texas at San Antonio

The show is sponsored in part by the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts, the Nacogdoches Junior Forum and the Texas Commission on the Arts, which is the state affiliate for the National Endowment for the Arts. Admission is free for all art exhibitions and receptions.

The Cole Art Center, SFA’s historic gallery, is located at 329 E. Main St. For information, call (936) 468-1131.

The Stephen F. Austin State University Department of Government’s online master’s degree in public administration has been named among College Values Online’s top 30 best values for 2016-17.

College Values Online is an aggregator that helps prospective students find a college that best suits their needs. SFA’s master’s in public administration received its top 30 ranking from College Values Online by comparing tuition rates to the degree’s potential return of investment.

“Graduates from our online master’s degree in public administration program have a 100-percent placement rate,” said Dr. Richard Herzog, master’s in public administration program director. “Our program emphasizes hands-on learning, including a required capstone project, which can help students find employment because the capstone project is directly related to the student’s professional interest and demonstrates the graduate’s competency in public administration.”

College Values Online notes that online Master of Public Administration programs are popular because the prospective students are generally professionals looking to enhance their careers. SFA’s online program was created for the same purpose.

“Most of our students are mid-career and looking for better career advancement prospects,” Herzog said. “That’s why we decided to offer an online master’s in public administration. An online learning environment suits students’ needs across the state of Texas much better than a traditional program.”

For more information about SFA’s online master’s degree in public administration, contact Dr. Richard Herzog at rherzog@sfasu.edu, or visit the program’s website at http://www.sfasu.edu/government/123.asp.

Princesses from across East Texas are invited to don their best gown and sip tea with old and new friends during the SFA Gardens’ annual Little Princess Tea Party slated for Saturday, March 25, in the Stephen F. Austin State University Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden.

“The tea party introduces people to nature and gardening in a new and enjoyable way. People who might not normally spend time outdoors love coming to the Little Princess Tea Party,” said Elyce Rodewald, tea party organizer and SFA Gardens educational programs coordinator.

One hundred tickets are available and will be split between two tea party sessions. The first session will be at 10 a.m. and the second at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person.

“The tickets sell out very quickly each year,” Rodewald said. “It seems that everyone enjoys dressing up, especially the young princesses. Some spend hours, days or even weeks planning what to wear.”

The tea party isn’t solely about playing dress up, although that is a definite perk for partygoers. The event allows young participants to practice budding social skills, increases time with family members in a fun environment and offers the chance to soak in the beauty of the natural world.

“Children who spend time playing and using their imagination are building important skills for adult life,” Rodewald added. “The tea party also is a wonderful opportunity for children to spend special time with their mom, grandmother or an aunt.”

Princess or fairy apparel is encouraged. Participants will be treated to tea party snacks, music and merriment among the enchanting pines and azaleas. The event is recommended for princesses 3 to 10 years of age, accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased online at sfagardens.sfasu.edu.

For information, call (936) 468-1832 or email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.