DAHLONEGA | The student-athletes, coaches, and staff from the University of North Georgia athletic department will celebrate another highly successful year of athletics, academics and community service on Thursday (Apr. 28) night at the inaugural Golden Nighthawks Awards Gala in UNG's Hoag Auditorium.

North Georgia will roll out the blue carpet to celebrate the accomplishments from the 2015-16 season in an ESPY's style awards show honoring some of the top plays and performances of the year.

The elegant evening opens when the invitees start to make their way into Hoag Auditorium.  Student-athletes will receive the "blue carpet" treatment, including the flashes of photographers and blue carpet interviews as they enter for the ceremony.

Once inside the auditorium, guests will be treated to an hour-long show that includes a highlight video, live entertainment and 16 major awards to be presented by pairs of student-athletes.

The program will be broadcast by the Nighthawk Sports Network, while the "Blue Carpet Show" will be aired on the athletic department's official Facebook account and shown live in the auditorium. 

Following the show, UNG's senior student-athletes, parents, coaches, administrators and special guests will head to the UNG Dining Hall Banquet room for additional time of celebration that includes a dinner and senior recognition.

Due to a maximum capacity of just under 300 people in Hoag Auditorium, parents of senior student-athletes will be able to watch the show, including the blue carpet interviews, in a reserved viewing area in Hoag Student Center.

Fans are asked to use the hashtag #GNA16 on Twitter and Instagram to document the evening.

UNG will honor the following awards will be presented by student-athletes:

Nighthawk Cup Presentation (SAAC initiative)
Men's Highest Team GPA
Women's Highest Team GPA
Noble Nighthawk Service Award
Nighthawk Spirit Award (Comeback Athlete)
Female Senior Scholar-Athlete
Male Senior Scholar-Athlete
Most Outstanding Female Student-Athlete
Most Outstanding Male Student-Athlete
Team Comeback of the Year
Breakout Performance
Loyal Blue Award
Female Performance of the Year
Male Performance of the Year
Play of the Year
Team of the Year
 
Inaugural Golden Nighthawks Awards Gala Schedule of Events
5:30-6:00 – Blue Carpet Celebrity Entrances (Hoag Auditorium)
6:00-7:15 – Golden Nighthawks Awards Gala (Hoag Auditorium)
7:30-9:00 – Senior Student-Athlete Dinner Reception (UNG Dining Hall Banquet Room)