NSU Alumni Association announces 2025 Homecoming honorees

Tahlequah, Okla. – The Northeastern State University Alumni Association proudly announces its 2025 alumni honorees and invites the NSU family to save the date for this year’s Homecoming, Oct. 26 through Nov. 1. The annual celebration will feature a full week of events designed to bring alumni, students, faculty, staff, and the community together in the spirit of NSU tradition. This year’s theme is “Green & White Fest.”

This year’s honorees include three remarkable individuals:

• John Adair, Distinguished Alumnus: A 1964 & 1972 NSU graduate and retired U.S. Navy captain, Adair distinguished himself as a Vietnam combat veteran, flying more than 200 combat missions and earning 14 Air Medals along with the Vietnam Air Gallantry Cross. Beyond his military service, he became a leader in the global energy industry, founding Adair International and Dresser Engineering, and has held leadership roles with the Cherokee Nation Election Commission, the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Murrow Indian Children’s Home.

• Dr. Cornel Pewewardy, Distinguished Alumnus: A 1977 NSU graduate, Pewewardy has devoted his career to scholarship, music and service to Native communities nationwide. An award-winning ethnomusicologist and educator, he has been named National Indian Educator of the Year and honored with the National Indian Education Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He has founded schools, created Indigenous Studies programs, and continues to advance educational opportunities for Native students. A former Vice-Chairman of the Comanche Nation, Pewewardy was inducted into the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame in 2024.

• Ryan Helsley, Outstanding Young Alumnus: A graduate of the NSU class of 2020, Helsley has become one of the most accomplished athletes in NSU history. As a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, he earned multiple All-Star selections, set franchise saves records, and was named National League Reliever of the Year in 2024. His contributions to NSU Athletics are honored through his inductions into the NSU Athletics Hall of Fame and the MIAA Hall of Fame, as well as the retirement of his No. 8 jersey.

“Homecoming is more than just a week of events—it’s a chance for our entire NSU family to come together and celebrate the achievements of our alumni, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the energy of our students,” NSU President Rodney Hanley said. “Honoring these outstanding alumni reminds us of the lasting impact NSU has on those who have walked our halls and the communities they serve, while also giving everyone a chance to connect, celebrate and make new memories together.”

Homecoming festivities kick off Sunday evening, Oct. 26, with the colorful Green Til I Dye celebration at the Garrison Foundation, followed by a lively Street Party on Monday, Oct. 27. The week continues with trivia, bingo and spirited campus competitions. Friday, Oct. 31, features the Green & White Golf Classic, the Alumni Association Honors Reception, and a bonfire to light the way for the weekend. Later that night, alumni and friends can gather for a nostalgic Friday Night Flashback downtown.

Saturday, Nov. 1, brings a full day of events, beginning with the Athletics Alumni Breakfast, the HoCo 5K, and a brunch before Champagne Bingo in the University Center. The afternoon features the River of Green Homecoming Parade through downtown Tahlequah and campus, leading up to the Homecoming football game at Doc Wadley Stadium, where the RiverHawks will take on Lincoln University of California. The evening will conclude with a spectacular drone light show. 

Homecoming is free for Alumni Association members, including entry to the Green & White Golf Classic, Champagne Bingo, Alumni Association Honors Reception, Athletics Alumni Breakfast and general admission to the football game. NSU Homecoming is presented by BancFirst, Century 21 Wright Real Estate, Cherokee Nation, Chisholm Trail Wealth Planning and Northeastern Health System among other generous supporters.

For registration details or additional information, visit nsualumni.com/homecoming or call 918-444-4200.

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