Keyano College Celebrates Its Very First Alumni Award Winners

As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, Keyano College proudly announces the inaugural recipients of the Expanded Alumni Awards Program.

This program has been created to spotlight incredible graduates and friends of Keyano who have made a lasting, positive impact in their fields and across our communities.

The response was huge this year, 29 remarkable nominations were received across five categories. To expand on the established Distinguished Alumni Award, Keyano College proudly introduces four new categories. Following a careful review by the selection committee, Keyano announces the following five outstanding winners for 2025:

• Distinguished Alumni Award – Chelsi Ryan King. This category recognizes those who have excelled professionally, influenced their communities, and positively impacted the lives of others.
• Rising Star Award – Athus Silva. This category recognizes a graduate under 40 who demonstrates leadership and early-career success. This award celebrates those already making significant contributions in their fields.
• Volunteer Service Award – Sheresee Miller. This category recognizes a graduate who embodies the spirit of volunteerism and service. This recognition highlights an individual who dedicates time and energy to their communities.
• Honorary Alumnus Award – Tom MacLellan. This category is reserved for non-alumni who have made a lasting difference to the Keyano community. This award recognizes extraordinary support and contributions.
• Future Alumni Award – Jaylynn Lee Twin-Loyie. This category recognizes a current Keyano student who demonstrates leadership, service, and academic excellence while balancing the demands of student life. This award celebrates emerging leaders.

“Our alumni are the living proof of what’s possible when education, perseverance, and community come together. Each of these recipients carries forward the spirit of Keyano by using their skills, compassion, and leadership to make a difference in the world. We are so proud to celebrate them as part of our 60-year story,” said Keyano College Interim President and CEO, Dr. Sandra Efu.

Recipients will be honoured at the Keyano College Alumni Awards Reception on November 27, 2025, at the Doug Barnes Cabin.

As part of its 60th anniversary year, Keyano College continues to celebrate the people and stories that shape its impact. The Alumni Awards will remain an annual tradition to recognize alumni and future graduates for embodying the College’s spirit of excellence, service, and community.

About Keyano College:
Keyano College, located in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, serves students through its Clearwater Campus and Suncor Energy Industrial Centre in Fort McMurray, AB. The college meets industry training needs and community enrichment by offering certificates, diplomas, trades qualifications, and degrees. Programs span energy, construction, business, health, arts, sciences, education, and more. Dedicated to lifelong learning, Keyano College increases access to post-secondary education, professional development, corporate training, Indigenous education, and Regional Stewardship programs in northeastern Alberta.

Media Contact:
Ercelan Yazdani
Associate Director, Marketing & Communications
Keyano College
Ercelan.Yazdani@keyano.ca