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.