Distinguished Alumni

Melanie Antoine is the C.E.O. and co-owner of a local Indigenous owned company called A.P.E. Maintenance Ltd. She is a proud member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and has called this region home all her life. After graduating in Fort Chipewyan, she moved to Fort McMurray to start her family, continue her education, and build her career.  She attained her Aboriginal Entrepreneurship certificate at Keyano College and went on to take further business courses through Athabasca University while building A.P.E. Maintenance Ltd in the region.

Her most recent accolades are the Platinum Queen Jubilee Award by the order of Jason Kenny in 2022, RMWB’s Citizen of the Year in 2020, and Resource Leadership Award from the Alberta Chamber of Resources in 2019.

She is a service leader in this region and a dedicated volunteer spending her time with various non-profit organizations throughout the years such as NAABA, Northern Lights Health Foundation, and mentor for YMM Start-up. She takes an active role through contributions in education, healthcare, providing apprenticeship opportunities while supporting indigenous initiatives whenever possible.

Nicole Cormier graduated with Distinction from Keyano College’s University Studies program in 2023, earning her Bachelor of Education degree. Born in Lac La Biche and raised on a farm near Hylo, Alberta, Nicole remains deeply connected to her roots while actively contributing to both her hometown and her current community in Fort McMurray.

She is a dedicated educator with the Fort McMurray Catholic School District and also serves as Chief Financial Officer for Owchar Farms. A proud member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, Nicole is passionate about promoting education, particularly encouraging young girls to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Committed to community service, she regularly devotes her time and resources to local charities and initiatives. Through both her professional and volunteer efforts, Nicole strives to make a lasting, positive impact on the communities she calls home.  

Sheldon Germain wears a CAP. You may not see it...but it is there.

CAP stands for Coach, Athlete and Promoter.

Sheldon is a proud alumnus of Keyano College, where he took the University Studies Transfer Program from 1990 to 1992.

Coach: From 2000 to 2004, Sheldon served as the Keyano Huskies women’s volleyball head coach. Under his leadership, the team made history by being the first Keyano team sport to reach the ACAC playoffs, setting a league record with an impressive 281 service aces during that time.

Athlete: A passionate supporter of athletics, in 1990, he was part of the inaugural Keyano College Huskies Men’s Volleyball Team in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC), laying the groundwork for future generations of student-athletes.

Promoter: In addition to coaching, Sheldon has contributed to the ACAC as a colour commentator on ACAC TV alongside longtime play-by-play veteran Curtis J. Phillips, bringing insight and excitement to the game.

He also championed the introduction of the new athlete scholarship and tuition waiver program, fostering an environment that supports student-athletes in their pursuit of education and sport.

Sitting on the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo council for 19 years, Sheldon also played a vital role in securing a substantial investment of $1 million for the Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre at Keyano College, enhancing the facilities available for students and the community.

A long time educator – he is Superintendent of Schools and Chief Executive Officer for Lakeland Roman Catholic Separate School Division -  Sheldon has a strong commitment to education and athletics,

Sheldon continues to inspire and influence many as a key figure in the Keyano College community.

Chris Wilson is the CEO and Managing Partner of Birch Mountain Enterprises, an industry leader for Pressure, Vac, and Fluid Hauling, servicing northern Alberta and BC. Born in Fort McMurray and raised in Fort McKay, Chris is a proud member of the Fort McKay First Nation.

Chris graduated from Keyano in 2000 with his red seal as a Heavy Equipment Technician and started his entrepreneurial journey in 2005. Chris is an active member in the community, recognized for donating his time and resources to multiple boards, committees, local charities, and organization while being a strong advocate for Indigenous growth and prosperity within the region.

Chris actively leads by example, creating opportunities that will survive generations and benefit the communities in which we live and work.

Nicole Bourque-Bouchier is the Chief Executive Officer and co-owner of The Bouchier Group, one of the largest Indigenous-owned and operated companies in the Athabasca Oil Sands. She is a long-time resident of Fort McMurray, a member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation, and a trailblazing, dedicated community activist and advocate for Indigenous women's economic empowerment.

Nicole graduated from Keyano College with a diploma in Computer Systems in 1997 and returned in 2004 when she enrolled in Aboriginal Entrepreneurship.

She has been honoured with numerous awards and accolades, including the 2019 Indigenous Women in Leadership Award by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.

Kendal is one of Canada's leading entrepreneurs and speakers from Sweetgrass First Nation, SK.

Kendal took University Studies at Keyano College, attending the College as a student athlete. After graduating from Keyano College, Kendal launched his lifestyle apparel brand, Neechie Gear whilst completing two degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, and quickly grew his brand across North America.

Kendal has since founded multiple businesses and won over 25 business awards including being a runner-up for the Youth Business International (YBI) Global Entrepreneur of the Year. Kendal speaks professionally to thousands of people every year on motivation, leadership and the power of telling your story.

Julio Florez was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. Graduating from the General Santander National Police College in 1990, Julio served with the National Police Force for 4 years.

In 1992 he was appointed as a Deputy District Commander with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Cambodia, serving with distinction.

Julio immigrated to Canada in 1994. After working at Suncor he enrolled in Keyano's Computer Information Systems diploma program. Graduating in 2002, Julio went on to work as a computer technician with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and became a network analyst.

A continuing thirst for knowledge saw Julio earn his Realtor's license in 2005, and his Broker's license in

2012. Julio's work ethic saw him rise quickly in the real estate industry, ranking year after year as one of the top 10 in sales in Canada for Royal LePage. Julio sits on various community Boards, and sponsors a wide range of non-profit, multicultural and charitable organizations, young athletes, musicians and Keyano Theatre.

Today, she is a environmental consultant and trainer, runs her own environmental company and works full-time as an environmental scientist in Calgary.

"Keyano College really inspired me to pursue the field. My education at Keyano gave me the fundamentals for every discipline ranging from soils, water, forestry and more."

In 1976 Cora enrolled in Keyano College's Upgrading Program. She went on to complete her education and obtain a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Alberta. Dr. Voyageur is from Fort Chipewyan and is a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. She is a well respected sociologist teaching in the Department of Sociology at the University of Calgary and has authored over 30 academic papers. Cora is considered a leading authority on subjects related to indigenous women, such as leadership and entrepreneurship. Dr. Voyageur won the Regional Aboriginal Recognition Award for Lifetime Achievement.

She also won the ESQUAO Award for Lifetime Achievement.

In 1988 Shawn graduated from Keyano College's Computer Business Systems Program and went on to an expansive career with Syncrude Canada Ltd., gaining experience with various aspects of business and industry. An entrepreneur, Shawn created Stratford Contracting Ltd. and Spenler Steam Cleaning and Restoration Ltd.
Shawn is a tremendous community supporter, volunteering for the Arctic Winter Games, the Alberta Senior Games, and the Alberta Summer and Winter Games. He also regularly sponsors and donates to Minor Hockey tournaments, the Chris Phillips Charity Golf Tournament and the Kinsmen Club.

In 1997 Rick enrolled in the Business Administration Program and that year was elected President of the Keyano College Students' Association (KCSA). He was then re-elected for three more consecutive terms. Rick built unprecedented credibility for the KCSA by improving student services and the governance of the student body and initiated a complete overhaul of King's Lounge. In 2000 the KCSA renamed the "Spirit of Keyano Award" the "Rick Mayuk Spirit of Keyano Award". Rick encourages students to get involved and to think about their legacy - think about where you want to be in 10 years from now and work towards these goals.

In 1979 Phillip immigrated to Fort McMurray from England and in 1983 began Keyano's University Studies Program. He transferred to the University of Alberta and in 1986 completed a Bachelor of Science in Math/Computing Science. In 2002, Phillip completed his MBA through a partnership with the University of Alberta and Keyano College. His career took him to Syncrude Canada Ltd. as a Computer Programmer and an Organizational and Development Specialist. Phillip was a great community supporter, volunteering for many community organizations.

Doris became legally blind in 1988 and despite her jittery nerves enrolled in Adult Basic Education (ABE) in 1994.
Even with the overwhelming obstacles she had to face, she set aside her fears and in 1995 completed the ABE Program.

She then went on to graduate from the College Preparation Program a year later. With the help of her guide dog, Doris mastered the campus routes and the two became an integral part of Keyano campus life. Doris says she is grateful to Keyano for giving her a boost of confidence and for providing learner assistance and adaptive technologies to enable her success.

At 22 years of age Bonnie entered the Business Administration Program at Keyano College as a recently divorced single mom with admittedly few marketable skills.

She earned her certificate and started a full time job at Suncor Energy Inc. With much determination and six years of night classes, she became a Certified Management Accountant. In 1997 Bonnie went on to earn a law degree from Dalhousie University's prestigious law program finishing in the top quarter of the class. She focused on corporate, real estate, tax and litigation. She successfully went before the Ontario Bar in 1999 then went on to serve as legal counsel for an international oil company.