NSU Alumni Association announces 2026 Homecoming honorees

Save the date for NSU Homecoming Sept. 27 – Oct. 3

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Northeastern State University (NSU) Alumni Association is proud to announce the 2026 alumni honorees, who will be recognized during NSU’s homecoming celebrations from Sept. 27 to Oct. 3. Homecoming festivities throughout that week will bring students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members together to celebrate NSU tradition and school spirit. This year’s theme is Ride the Green Wave.

"There's no weekend like Homecoming Weekend that brings the whole of the Green & White Network together as an NSU family,” said Danny Johnson, Director of Alumni Services. “Whether it's current students experiencing their first homecoming or alumni returning to campus for the first time in a generation, there's something for everyone to get excited about."

This year’s honorees include three distinguishable tribal leaders. They will be formally recognized during the NSU Alumni Awards Celebration on Oct. 2.

• Del Beaver, Distinguished Alumnus: A 1999 & 2003 NSU graduate, Beaver has dedicated his life to protecting and serving Tribal Nations. As the current Second Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, he has led environmental, cultural and community initiatives, including the creation of the Department of Culture and Humanities. His leadership has extended nationally through service on federal tribal advisory committees, including the U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee, Indian Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

 

• S. Diane Kelley, Distinguished Alumna: A 1975 & 2010 NSU graduate, Kelley has transformed communities through her leadership within the Cherokee Nation for nearly five decades. She established the Cherokee Nation’s Tribal Employment Rights Office and played a key role in bringing employers such as American Woodmark, Macy’s and Tyson Poultry to northeastern Oklahoma, creating hundreds of jobs and strengthening economic growth. Her contributions were recognized by the American Indian Chamber of Commerce, and she was appointed a Native Elder by AARP in 2025.

 

• Canaan Duncan, Outstanding Young Alumnus: A 2016 NSU graduate, Duncan has built a career centered on leadership and service to the Cherokee Nation and northeastern Oklahoma. As a former member of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council and current deputy secretary of state, he has helped advance public health, workforce development and citizen services. Duncan secured 31 congressional signatures to successfully reopen the Indian Health Service Joint Venture Construction Program and has authored legislation benefiting tribal communities. His leadership has earned statewide recognition, including Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40.

 

“This year’s honorees represent the many ways NSU alumni continue to make a difference in their communities and beyond,” NSU President Rodney Hanley said. “We’re honored to celebrate their accomplishments during Homecoming and recognize the leadership, service and dedication they have carried with them from NSU to their communities.”  

Homecoming begins Sept. 27 with Paint the Town Green at Beta Field, followed by Green Til I Dye at Garrison Fountain at Second Century Square. The Street Party will take place Sept. 28 at Beta Field. On Sept. 29, the Annual Homecoming Trivia Competition will take place and Homecoming Bingo will take place on Sept. 30. Both events will be in the University Center Sen. Herb Rozell Ballroom.

Homecoming events continue Oct. 1 with the Grill Off & Competition Night featuring a volleyball competition at the FIT outdoor courts, followed by Bonfire Night on Oct. 2 at Beta Field. Celebrations conclude Oct. 3 with the Homecoming 5K, the River of Green Homecoming Parade, the Homecoming Tailgate and the Homecoming football game at Doc Wadley Stadium. Homecoming royalty will be crowned during halftime, and a drone show will be presented after the game.

Alumni Association members receive free entry to additional Alumni Association-produced events. Oct. 2 features the Green & White Golf Classic, NSU Alumni Awards Celebration and Friday Night Flashback at Kroner & Baer. Oct. 3 concludes with the Athletics Alumni Breakfast and Champagne Bingo, along with general admission to the Homecoming football game. Advance registration is required for members to receive free entry to these events.

NSU-Broken Arrow will host Homecoming events on Oct. 2 for students, employees and community members in the Tulsa metro area. Festivities will include Green Til I Dye, food trucks, happy hour and a movie on the lawn.

NSU Homecoming is presented through the partnerships of BancFirst, Century 21 Wright Real Estate, Cherokee Nation and Chisholm Trail Wealth Planning.

For more details about Homecoming events, visit nsualumni.com/homecoming or call 918-444-4200.

For more information about the 2026 honorees, visit nsualumni.com/honorees.

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