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60 Years of Keyano

Celebrating 60 Years of Learning and Community

Keyano College proudly celebrates 60 incredible years of learning, leadership, and community spirit. Since opening its doors in 1965 as the Alberta Vocational Centre and officially becoming Keyano College on May 9, 1975, our institution has been rooted in a powerful mission: to uplift northern Albertans by equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. 

Before 1965, the people of Northern Alberta, many of whom relied on hunting, trapping, and fishing, faced an economic shift driven by the rise of the Oil Sands industry. As J.W. Shields, our first Principal, wrote in 1966: "The economic boom in Fort McMurray is destroying an old way of life, and many men find themselves with skills no longer useful to them if they wish to remain and compete in this area's economy." 

The Alberta Vocational Centre set out to accept all learners willing to grow from just three Atco trailers, offering hands-on trade training and academic upgrading. By the time of its grand opening in 1966, 76 full-time trainees were enrolled, with 43 in residence — many from remote communities as far as Fort Vermilion and Pincher Creek.

Eighty percent of the first students were Indigenous or Métis, underscoring a commitment to access and inclusion that remains central to our mission today. The first graduating class — 13 welders — completed their program the same week as the grand opening. A ceremonial chain-cutting with a welding torch marked the occasion in a nod to their work. 

As we honour this legacy, we're excited to announce a series of initiatives that celebrate our past while investing in the future.

 

Celebrating 60 Years of Stories

As we mark Keyano College’s 60th anniversary, we’re looking back—and looking forward—through the stories that define us. From the early days of our founding to the voices shaping our future, this collection highlights the people, moments, and memories that have made Keyano a cornerstone of our community. Check back each month as we share more stories of our past and present. 

If you’ve spent time at Keyano College over the past few decades, you probably know Gwen. And if you know Gwen, you know her warm laugh, quick wit, and an open-door policy that turned her office into a safe haven for generations of students.

Gwen’s Keyano journey began in the early 1980s, when she decided to re-enter the workforce after 12 years as a stay at home mom. In the 70s,she and her husband moved from Saskatchewan to Fort McMurray during the oil sands boom. While raising her young family, she enrolled in a clerical refresher course at Keyano. By the end of the program, she had landed a part-time role on campus — three hours a day that soon grew into a full-time career supporting the Keyano College Students Association (KCSA). In the later years of her career, the organization transitioned to the Student Association of Keyano College (SAKC), the name it still carries today.

Over the years, Gwen became much more than a staff member. She was a mentor, cheerleader, and sometimes “campus mom” to countless students. She advocated fiercely for their rights, encouraged them to take on leadership roles, and made sure they had the space — and the courage — to speak up. “I just hope they remember it was a safe place to go,” she says. “That’s what mattered most.”

Her time with the Student Association brought unforgettable moments — and countless laughs. There were heartwarming traditions she helped organize for students, such as the Christmas dinners, Student Recognition nights at the end of year to celebrate the changeover in student leadership, recognize their efforts, and give out the “Lounge Lizard Award”. “It was such a special event – emotional for those leaving, and exciting for the new ones coming in,” she recalled. Gwen saw leaders in the making, watching students discover talents they didn’t know they had, and celebrating as they carried those skills into their careers.

And then there were the practical jokes, like the now-legendary day students covered her office with Burt Reynolds centrefold posters. Rather than get annoyed, Gwen decided to make it even more memorable. She called campus security ahead of time and told them to pretend it was “inappropriate material” that needed to be removed immediately. The pranksters panicked — just long enough for her to let them in on the joke. It became one of those student stories retold for years, and a perfect example of how Gwen’s sense of humour turned mischief into shared laughter.

She also went above and beyond when it mattered most, whether quietly advocating for students behind the scenes or guiding them through challenges. She believed in letting them make their own mistakes — even when those mistakes made waves. One year, the student newspaper published an article, despite her gentle warning about the content. Instead of blocking them from publishing the article, Gwen treated it as a valuable learning experience. When the article sparked enough controversy on campus to make it into the local community paper, she walked the student leaders through taking responsibility, navigating criticism, and understanding the impact of their decisions — lessons she knew would serve them for life.

Her impact didn’t end at graduation. Many former students keep in touch, sharing life updates, wedding invitations, and baby announcements. Some became community leaders, business owners, and public servants. None forget the woman who believed in them.

When asked what she gained from her years at Keyano, Gwen smiles. “It for sure gave me purpose above anything else. It was nice to get up every morning to go to work with a lot of students and staff that meant so much to me and a job I loved — and if I made a small difference in their lives, it was a bonus. The culture of the SAKC was meant to make every student welcome, and hopefully they knew they came first before anything else. The student executives and the staff tried our best to create a welcoming, comfortable space.”

After retiring due to family illnesses, Gwen remains deeply connected to the Keyano community. For her, the memories aren’t just about the work, but about the people — the laughter in the office, the lifelong friendships, and the students whose paths she helped shape.

“I learned as much from them as they learned from me,” she says. “Patience, teamwork, and how to find joy in the small moments. That’s the real gift.”

Gwen’s story is woven into the history of Keyano College — proof that one person’s kindness, humour, and unwavering support can leave a legacy as enduring as the campus itself.

Headshots of Doug Macrae before and nowDoug MacRae’s name is more than familiar at Keyano College – his legacy quite literally lives at the heart of our Clearwater Campus. The Doug MacRae Park, named in his honour, is the green space where students gather, staffs take their breaks, events are held, and community comes together – it’s a living tribute to a leader who helped shape the College into what it is today.  

When Doug MacRae first arrived in Fort McMurray in 1975, he wasn’t quite sure what to expect. He’d accepted a new position as Director of Student Services at what was then still the Alberta Vocational Centre (AVC) – soon to be a college in name, but not yet in infrastructure.  

During his interview visit, a local gave him a quick tour of town. One sign in particular caught Doug’s eye: “Future Home of Safeway.” 

When he returned home to Olds, Alberta, Doug reassured his wife, Connie, about the move north. “Well,” he told her, “the first year might be a little rough – we’ll be living in a trailer. But there’s going to be a big Safeway!” 

When they arrived in Fort McMurray, they quickly discovered the sign was somewhat optimistic. “It was to be a year away,” Doug recalled, laughing. “I was accused of false advertising to get her up to Fort McMurray.” 

At the time, everything at the college was still in trailers – from classrooms to the cafeteria to the administration offices. Even the MacRae family’s housing, provided by the College, was a trailer parked near the Clearwater River. 

Doug once suggested they rent a camper for summer holiday. Connie famously quipped, “You work in a trailer, you live in a trailer, and now you want to vacation in one?” 

Those humble beginnings, as it turns out, were laying the foundation or what was to come. Doug had arrived just as the AVC was beginning its transition to Keyano College – a transformation that would define much of his professional life.  

Doug’s own path to education had been somewhat unplanned. Raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, he originally pursued teaching simply because friends were attending Teachers College. He taught in Calgary’s public school system, then moved to Olds College, where he helped establish their counselling department. But it was the opportunity for administrative experience at AVC that drew him north.  

“I wanted that leadership challenge,” he reflected. “And Fort McMurray was right on the verge of something new.” 

In 1975, AVC officially became Keyano College. Doug was there for the name change – and for the rapid expansion that followed. 

Permanent buildings began replacing the trailers. First came the Heavy Industrial Campus, followed by the gymnasium, core campus, Theatre, and on-campus student housing. The College also grew its off-campus housing options to serve a fast-expanding student population.  

“It was an exciting time,” Doug said. “All of Fort McMurray was growing. The oil sands were expanding. Businesses were moving in. And the College needed to grow alongside the community.” 

At the heart of that growth was a transformation in academic programming.  

“When I first arrived, there was adult basic education, a few trades, and no university transfer programs,” Doug recalled. “We worked very hard to change that.” 

In 1988, after a period away to complete his PhD and to serve as leader at Lakeland College, Doug returned to Keyano as president – a role he would hold until his retirement in 2002, making him the College’s longest-serving president.  

Under Doug’s leadership, Keyano added career programs tailored to the region’s workforce needs. One of the most significant additions during Doug’s time at Keyano was the Nursing Program – the result of years of community lobbying and a growing demand for healthcare professionals.  

“There were local people, mostly women, who really pushed for that program,” Doug noted. “Without them, it wouldn’t have happened.” 

The College also established university transfer options, allowing local students to complete their first year or two close to home before pursuing further studies elsewhere. 

“For a lot of young people from this region, leaving for a big university right out of high school was overwhelming,” Doug said. “By offering strong programs here, we helped them build confidence and success.” 

Doug was equally proud of the College’s growing outreach to Indigenous communities. Under his leadership, Keyano expanded programs in Fort Chipewyan, Conklin, Janvier, and Fort McKay, helping to bring education to students who otherwise faced significant barriers. 

“These partnerships made a real difference,” Doug said. “We saw students who wouldn’t have had access to post-secondary education gaining opportunities and skills.” 

Doug’s commitment to community-focused leadership extended beyond programming. He worked closely with industry partners like Syncrude and Suncor to ensure that Keyano graduates were job-ready. When the College faced a shortage of welding instructors – a challenge in a town where industry wages outpaced teaching salaries – Doug approached Syncrude leadership.  

“They stepped up,” he recalled. “They allowed us to bring in industry-experienced instructors while maintaining their wage levels. It was that kind of partnership that helped the College thrive.”  

Among his fondest memories was the creation of the annual Keyano Gala – a signature fundraiser that continues to this day.  

“I remember when we brough in Dionne Warwick,” Doug laughed. “Little Fort McMurray, and there she was. The community always rallied around events like that.”  

Doug is quick to credit the people who helped shape Keyano’s success – the Board of Governors, the Foundation Board, Faculty, Staff, and countless Community Partners.  

“We were a community college in the truest sense,” he said. “Our Board reflected the region. Our programs responded to local needs. And our partnerships made us stronger.” 

As Keyano celebrates 60 years of learning and community, Doug MacRae’s legacy lives on – not just in the buildings that replaced those early trailers, or the park that holds his name, but in the lives of the students and graduates who continue to shape northern Alberta.  

Keyano College didn’t start with big buildings or fancy equipment. It started with people — people like Chris Chesterman, who came north in the 1970s and never left.

Back then, Fort McMurray was changing fast. The oil sands were ramping up, workers were arriving from across the country, and a small training centre — the Alberta Vocational Centre — was trying to grow into something more.

Chris had been working at the University of Alberta’s media centre when he heard about a job in Fort McMurray. The Northern Living Allowance got his attention, but it was the chance to help build something new that convinced him. He moved north in 1977 and joined Keyano as an audio-visual technician.

At that time, Keyano was still operating out of trailers. The only real building was the Heavy Industrial Campus — what we now call the Suncor Energy Industrial Campus. But even with the bare-bones setup, there was a sense of purpose. The College was growing, and it mattered.

In 1978, Keyano officially became a public college with its own name and local board. That change brought some challenges. Staff had to decide whether to stay with the provincial government or commit to this new version of Keyano. Most chose to stay — Chris included.

He wasn’t just along for the ride. Chris helped shape what Keyano became. He was part of the group that started the staff union, making sure employees had a voice and could build a workplace rooted in fairness and respect. It was one of many quiet contributions he made during his four decades at the College.

Old Tech, New Ideas, and Friday Night Flags

Chris’s career started with reel-to-reel projectors and slide carousels. Over the years, he and the college adapted to every shift in technology — VHS tapes, DVDS, digital media, and online learning. His role changed too, eventually moving into IT support and later into facilities. No matter the job, he stuck with it, making sure the people around him had what they needed to succeed.

But for Chris, it was never just about the work.

Back in the early days, Friday nights became a kind of tradition. The receptionist would raise a small flag at the front desk to show which pub they’d meet at that night. Some staff would swing by for a quick drink. Others stayed until close. It didn’t matter where you were from — everyone was welcome. Over time, those nights turned coworkers into close friends, and friends into chosen family.

Even now, Chris stays connected. He meets up with fellow retirees at the Legion, where they laugh, remember the good times, and reflect on how much Keyano meant to them — and still does.

Still Rooted, Still Growing

It’s easy to tell Keyano’s story through timelines, buildings, or big milestones. But the truth is, the College has always been about people-the ones who showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and helped build something that mattered.

People like Chris Chesterman.

He didn’t just witness Keyano’s transformation — he was part of it. And through his steady presence, his adaptability, and his friendships, he left a mark that’s still felt today.

As we celebrate 60 years, we’re not just looking back at where we came from. We’re remembering who helped us get here.

And we’re grateful.

What began as a simple sketch on a napkin—a single fieldhouse—became a world-class facility thanks to the vision and dedication of Wayne Thomas. Under his leadership, that dream expanded into a multi-purpose complex featuring three fieldhouses with turf, synthetic, and hardwood surfaces, an indoor running track, a fitness centre, and supporting facilities. The banners lining the walls of the hardwood court stand as testaments to his efforts, for without Wayne, Huskies Athletics would not exist, nor would their induction into the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC).

One only needs to compare the past and present to truly appreciate Wayne's impact. Once used by the recreation department, the old junior high gym has been replaced by the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre (SSWC), a cutting-edge facility serving students, employees, and the wider community.

However, Wayne did not build this legacy alone. Fitness and wellness have always been integral to the centre, and Wayne notes the development of its programs and facilities was made possible through the efforts of many, including former Fitness Manager Dayna Sinclair. She was instrumental in shaping the fitness and wellness components of the SSWC, ensuring that they remained a core part of the centre's identity. Programs like Be Fit for Life and the Alberta Sport Development Centre (ASDC) played a significant role in this mission, further enhancing opportunities for students and the community.

Reflecting on his time at Keyano, Wayne remarked, "That was the uniqueness and beauty of Keyano College—they brought up a lot of us, and we got to create everything from the ground up."

When Wayne started, he had only one recreation assistant, Greg Martin, and Wayne also oversaw the bookstore. Over the years, his responsibilities included the Cafeteria, Fitness, Housing, Facilities, and Health Services. Yet, working at Keyano was never just a job for Wayne—it was being part of a family.  "That's the beauty of Fort McMurray and Keyano College," Wayne reflected. "People like me got a job and look at all the opportunities I had. It was a great place to raise my family and a great place career-wise."

A Dream on a Napkin Becomes Reality

In the 1980s, Wayne earned his second degree from the University of Alberta, during which he actively participated in track and field at the Kinsmen Field House. Back at Keyano, over coffee with colleagues, he shared his dream—drawing a fieldhouse on a napkin and envisioning a future where Keyano College had its own. That idea gained momentum when key figures like Guy Boutilier, Bob Campbell, and Leo Robert recognized the community's need for recreation facilities. A cabinet minister at the time, Guy saw an opportunity and suggested, "Maybe we can make that work. We should build it at the college—have you seen the gym they perform in? They need a new gym."

Doug McRae, another key advocate, tirelessly showcased the need for better facilities for visiting government officials. Wayne recalls, "Doug would give a tour, and twice, I know for sure, the minister would look at him and say, 'Okay, we got the message, Doug. This is the second time we've seen this gym.'" The persistence paid off, and the dream on a napkin became a reality.

The Birth of Huskies Athletics

As Recreation Coordinator, Wayne was committed to providing students with athletic opportunities. When Keyano joined the ACAC in 1985, most of the college's programs were short-term, focusing on College Preparation and Trades, posing a challenge for participation in team sports. Due to the student turnover, the college initially focused on bowling, badminton racquetball, and curling. Eventually, the decision was made to introduce volleyball, which sparked controversy. Many influential voices had hoped for basketball, but Wayne prioritized the students' interests—volleyball had greater popularity among them at the time.

The early days of Huskies Athletics were fraught with challenges, particularly in recruiting athletes when most students only remained at the college for a semester or a year. However, Wayne's determination never wavered. Even when others considered quitting, he remained steadfast. "We couldn't quit participating because if we quit, they'd never want us back again. Believe it or not, they didn't really like driving up to Fort McMurray in -30°C to play volleyball in a little junior high gymnasium," he recalled with a smile.

A Lasting Legacy

Wayne Thomas’ influence on Keyano College Athletics extends far beyond its formative years. His leadership was not just about securing a place in collegiate sports but about fostering a culture that prioritized both athletic excellence and personal growth.

"His legacy is evident in the continued success of Keyano College’s teams, the dedication of its coaches and staff, and the unwavering support of the local community," said Jonathan Lambert, former Keyano College Athletics and Recreation Director. "The culture he cultivated remains a driving force, inspiring student-athletes to push their limits, support one another, and excel on their team. His influence is felt not just in the banners hanging in the gymnasium but in the attitudes and ambitions of every student-athlete who wears the Huskies uniform."

Wade Kolmel, Athletics and Recreation Director at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), who worked closely with Wayne, echoed similar sentiments. "Wayne Thomas was a fixture of our Campus Life department, often strolling the halls and cheering for the Huskies. An instructor with a sport development, community focus. He has a saying, ‘how can we help our team get one extra point?’ That mindset resonates with me today, and I appreciate how he balanced a commitment to student life alongside the passion that comes with driving a varsity team. The success of the Huskies today is rooted in the foundational elements Wayne Thomas created during his time at Keyano."

Wayne Thomas’ dream, once sketched on a napkin, has become an enduring reality. His passion for sport, education, and community remains a guiding principle at Keyano College, ensuring that future generations of Huskies continue to build on his legacy.

Sitting in the lobby at a conference in the Kananaskis, Troy Grainger credits his time at Keyano College for giving him the confidence and government relations experience he harnesses today as the Executive Director of Community Futures Lethbridge Region. Enrolling in Keyano College as a mature student in the early 90’s came for Troy after a moment of clarity while working in maintenance at the Sawridge Hotel.

While working on a live breaker box, he realized that the person cleaning the walls was making more money than he was, and so he decided to make a change. At 24, Troy Grainger started on a journey that would change his life in every way. He began studying business at Keyano College and then completed his degree at Keyano through Athabasca University.

Having attended high school as the first grade 9 class at the newly opened Father Mercredi High School, Troy was familiar with Keyano, but had no idea the impact his decision to study here would have on the trajectory of his life. Applying for the Business program was motivated by the desire for increased financial opportunity, but during his first year, he saw opportunities to create change and ran for the position of Student Association president. As the president of the student association, Troy sat on provincial and national boards, and frequently travelled with then College President, Doug MacRae, who became a mentor and helped him navigate his early experience in government relations. This experience would greatly benefit Troy in his future career, and Troy credits the care and mentorship of Dr. MacRae, as well as others in the College, such as Wayne Thomas from the athletics department and Gwen Leepart, who, for many years, served as a “Den Mother” to countless students over her 35+ year career at the College.

Troy said, “that is what is special about smaller rural colleges like Keyano, you are not just a number. The support is there, you just have to reach out and ask.” Other strong supporters of Troy were Chris Chesterman and Scott Forbes, with whom he worked in Media Services at the time. One of his tasks as the Media Services student assistant at the time was to roll the television carts into classrooms when requested, “sometimes it would even be for the class I was attending,” Troy laughed. The support he received on campus helped him get through the second half of his degree, which he took at Keyano College through Athabasca University. Though he did not have the benefit of the collaborative degree programming Keyano now offers, which allows you to complete your third and fourth year in class with instructors on campus, or to transfer seamlessly to a partner institution to complete your program. Another added challenge was distance learning itself, which, at the time, was significantly different from what it is now, with the current HyFlex Classrooms feeling like space age technology compared to the boxes of large, flippy disks of course material he would receive by mail. Without the support he received at Keyano, these challenges may have been insurmountable.

His time at Keyano was not all work and no play. As Student Association President, Troy fondly remembers running the campus lounge — known then as the Huskies Den. It quickly became a gathering place where students could unwind, connect, and blow off steam after a long day of classes.

With the support (and a bit of urging) from Gwen, he helped transform the space and give it a new identity — renaming it to what students now know as King’s Lounge. Staff sometimes could be found in the lounge, as Troy recalls during the O.J. Simpson Trial, the lounge was packed with staff, instructors and students, all glued to the television awaiting the verdict together. “The College was like a big family,” Troy stated, one that gave him the foundations he needed along his career path.

Troy’s time at the College didn’t just give him the confidence and skills he uses daily in his career, he also found love at Keyano’s student residence, affectionately called the “Purple Palace”. Jill, who would later become his wife, lived across the hall from Troy in residence, and they began dating during their time as students.  Jill graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and now serves as the Integrated Home Care Manager with Alberta Health Services in Lethbridge.

Today, Troy and Jill have built a life rooted in community service and leadership, raising their family in Alberta and continuing to pay forward the support they once received. Reflecting on his journey from a maintenance job to executive leadership, Troy says he often thinks back to that pivotal decision to go back to school. “Keyano was the spark,” he says. “It gave me the tools, the network, and most importantly, the belief that I could be more.”

From rolling TV carts down the hallways to rolling out regional development strategies, Troy Grainger’s story is a testament to how a single decision, backed by community and mentorship, can change everything.

Long before spotlights swept across the Keyano Theatre stage or headliners brought the crowd to its feet, there was an evening in 1978 when guests in formal wear gathered among blueprint displays and handshake deals. That night—the Chairman’s Reception—was held not in a ballroom, but in a trades shop at the Heavy Industrial Campus, surrounded by industrial equipment and high hopes.

It was formal, forward-looking, and distinctly Fort McMurray.

The main attraction? An $8,000 working scale model of the proposed $18 million Keyano College campus. Guests included the Minister of Advanced Education, the College’s president, the Board Chair, local MLAs, and the Town Board Chair. The event was designed to dazzle—and it did. So much so, a second one followed in 1979, using different areas of the industrial campus to guide guests through a vision of Keyano’s future.

But the receptions didn’t last. By the summer of 1979, the Board of Governors had voted to cancel future events. Concerns over optics, internal tensions, and the College’s growing pains made it feel too risky. At the time, there simply wasn’t the appetite—or the budget—for what some saw as flamboyant spending. And so, the lights dimmed.

But not for long.

In 1981, Keyano formed what would become its Advancement Department: the Keyano Foundation. With it came a fresh vision rooted not in politics or pageantry but in purpose. That fall, the Foundation hosted the first-ever Keyano Gala, this time in the newly opened Keyano Theatre.

And it was magic.

There weren’t many chances to dress up in Fort McMurray at the time. The Gala offered something new—something special. A reason to pull out a gown or rent a tux, share a meal, and raise a glass to support something meaningful.

The inaugural Gala featured Canadian Brass, who quite literally marched into the room and played live. Guests dined on an elegant meal prepared by Keyano’s culinary students. It was high-calibre entertainment wrapped in hometown pride, and it struck a chord.

In the years that followed, the Gala became one of Fort McMurray’s most anticipated annual events—drawing not only community leaders, staff, and alumni, but world-class performers.

Dionne Warwick, Burton Cummings, Barenaked Ladies, Ian Tyson, Blue Rodeo, LeAnn Rimes, Jann Arden, Loverboy, Chantal Kreviazuk, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Rich Little, Corey Hart, and the Trans-Canada Highwaymen have all stepped onto the Keyano stage.

One early highlight came in 1993 when Dionne Warwick was presented with a painting of historic Fort McMurray following her performance. This simple moment captured what the Gala had become: a bridge between local pride and global presence.

And while the names and menus have changed, the heart of the event hasn’t. The Gala has always been about more than glitz and glamour. It’s about supporting students, celebrating community, and proving that even in the far reaches of northern Alberta, you can host something unforgettable.

As Keyano College celebrates 60 years of learning and community, the Gala continues to reflect the values that built this place—resilience, creativity, and the belief that education changes everything.

Tickets for this year’s Gala on sale now.

If you’ve ever attended an event at Keyano College – from Convocation to Gala, a theatre performance to a final exam – there’s a good chance Bryan “BJ” Fitzgerald played a role in bringing it to life.

These days, BJ can be found by Facilities in the newly opened and renamed Print Services Department, formerly Reprographics, in CC 136J. He’s responsible for ensuring that everything from exams to event signage to last-minute programs are ready when the College needs them most. He’s known for stepping up, staying late when needed, and always bringing good humour and his signature laugh that echoes through the hallways.

“My laugh kind of gives me away,” he jokes. “People pop in just to hear it sometimes.”

BJ's personal history at Keyano is deeply entwined with the College's story, and he’s been part of the Keyano community for most of his life. He started coming to the campus as a young child when his mother became a full-time instructor in 1981. “I was about six or seven when I started hanging around,” he remembers.

BJ has had a front-row seat to periods of campus renovation and change “Even where we’re sitting now – it used to be a parking lot,” he laughed. His contributions to the College go far beyond his current role. By the time he was 14, BJ was helping faculty members move houses. At 17, he started working in Facilities – mowing grass, trimming trees, and maintaining the grounds. “I used to weed-whack around the old trailers that were where the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre sits now,” he recalled with a smile.

Later, BJ became a shop aide in the College’s former Music Instrument Repair program. When that program ended, he transitioned into Reprographics – and he’s been there ever since, helping support nearly every corner of campus life.

“I’ve seen a lot of ups and downs here,” BJ says. “But we always pull through. And there’s always been friendly faces around here – that’s what helps you through the hard times.”

That sense of community helped him through one of his own transitions – moving into Reprographics just as he and his wife were expecting their first daughter. “That was a hard time, but the College really supported me,” he says. “I couldn’t be happier where I landed.”

BJ has watched programs begin, buildings rise, and the College’s impact expand across the region. “I took courses here myself – nursing, trades, music – and I’ve made a lot of friends,” he says. “This place? It’s about helping people build their futures.”

One of BJ’s proudest moments is the ripple effect of his mother’s teaching. “When she passed, so many people reached out about the impact she’d had,” he says. That’s the magic of this place – how education helps people better themselves and change their lives.

As Keyano celebrates its 60th anniversary, it’s the perfect time to spotlight people like BJ – the steady, dedicated staff whose work behind the scenes helps the College thrive.

60 Students for 60 Years

To celebrate Keyano College's 60th anniversary, the Keyano Board of Governors Local Leaders Entrance Award will recognize sixty exceptional local students for their dedication and commitment to the Wood Buffalo community. This recognition is awarded to individuals who represent the Wood Buffalo region through activities such as extracurricular pursuits, volunteer work, military service, or community initiatives and is given in the form of a $1,000 education voucher, usable for tuition, books, or other eligible expenses.

  • Must be a resident of Wood Buffalo for a minimum of 1 year. 
  • Must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or, if a local international high school graduate, have parents or caregivers who are alumni of Keyano College.
  • Must be entering the first year of full-time study in an eligible program.
  • Must be attending post-secondary education for the first time.
  • Must demonstrate local participation in activities representing the region positively, including, but not limited to, military services (including cadet programs), secondary school programs, extracurricular excellence, civic leadership, community service, and/or volunteer work.

Community BBQ Celebration

We're inviting everyone to come together for a Community BBQ this September! It will be a fun, family-friendly afternoon filled with great food, live music, activities, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect and celebrate 60 years of memories. Alumni, students, families, and friends — this day is for you. Stay tuned to Keyano's Facebook and LinkedIn accounts for more details! 

Date: September 6, 2025

Location: Doug MacRae Park

Expanded Alumni Recognition Program

As part of our 60th anniversary celebrations, Keyano College is proud to launch a new Alumni Awards Program to recognize and honour outstanding graduates who have made a lasting impact in their professions, communities, and beyond. From rising stars to community champions, these awards will celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our alumni—past, present, and future. Nominations are open until September 7, 2025.

Awards and Criteria

  • The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the accomplishments of a Keyano College graduate who brings a legacy of excellence to college. This esteemed honour recognizes former students who have influenced their communities, excelled in their professional fields, and positively impacted the lives of others.  
  • The Rising Star Award recognizes a Keyano College graduate under the age of 40 who has demonstrated leadership and significant contributions to an area of expertise early in their profession or other endeavours. The recipient will have shown significant success at an early age or in a new industry. 
  • The Volunteer Service Award recognizes a Keyano College graduate who has demonstrated a spirit of volunteerism and community service through active, unpaid involvement in and contributions to his or her community and/or at Keyano College.
  • The Future Alumni Award recognizes the leadership, service and potential of a current Keyano College student who has completed a minimum of 15 course credits at Keyano College. The recipient of this award will have demonstrated academic excellence and substantial contributions to his or her community or career while balancing the demands of student life. (Nominations for this award will only be accepted from Keyano staff/faculty/CUPE/SAKC.) 
  • The Honorary Alumnus Award: This category encompasses non-alumni. Keyano may recognize an individual who has made significant contributions to the Keyano community. (Nominations for this award will only be accepted from Keyano staff/faculty/CUPE/SAKC)

Gala 2025 - Diamond Masquerade

This year's Keyano Gala promises to be an unforgettable night of elegance, mystery, and music –all in celebration of a sparkling milestone. In honour of Keyano College’s 60th anniversary, we invite you to the Diamond Masquerade, a black-tie evening during which guests are encouraged to add a touch of sparkle and intrigue with their finest masquerade masks. The diamond, a symbol of strength and endurance, reflects both the legacy and the bright future of our institution.  

As Keyano’s largest annual fundraiser, the Gala plays a vital role in supporting student success and educational excellence in our region.  

Gala tickets will go on sale in July 2025 — we can't wait to welcome the community to our signature event of the year. 

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