Seminary Homecoming is May 7

The annual Seminary Homecoming is May 7 at the Northeastern State University Branscum Alumni Center, 11 a.m. 1 p.m.

Rick Ward, president of the Descendants of the Cherokee Seminaries Students Association, said the significance of the event is to commemorate, preserve and maintain the history and traditions of the Seminaries.

This event always occurs on May 7 regardless of the day of the week it falls on, Ward said. May 7 commemorates the date the original Seminaries were opened and the date the Cherokee National Female Seminary was reopened in a new location after fire destroyed it two years earlier. This building is now Seminary Hall, the centerpiece of the NSU campus.

Seminary Homecoming was originally established by the descendants of Seminary students only, but now the event is open to the public.

Chad Smith, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, and NSU President Don Betz will welcome attendees to Seminary Homecoming. Jay Hannah is the speaker for the luncheon and entertainment is provided by the Cherokee National Youth Choir. Barbara McAlister, internationally acclaimed opera singer and Seminarians descendant, will also perform.

This event has always been important in our family because my grandmother and great-aunt attended the Seminary, Ward said. Someone in our family has always attended the May 7 event since 1905. Each year is always special as it allows old friends to reconnect and to celebrate the special bond the descendants have.

Membership in the Descendants of the Cherokee Seminaries Students Association is available at the event for $10 or $25 for membership and lunch. Reservations are required for the lunch. Contact Rick Ward at 918-316-3750 for reservations or for more information.