$6.65 Million

What does this do for our community?
Keyano College is committed to providing the education and training that is needed to be successful in our community’s growing economy. Apprenticeship, diploma, and certificate programs offered at Keyano College are technologically advanced and incorporate the latest methodologies and tools into everyday classroom learning. Joint initiatives with open learning agencies allow University Studies program students to progress a two-year diploma into a four-year bachelor’s degree while remaining in our community.

Development of specialized programming and transferable course credits allow new students to come to our community and graduate from their program of choice. These educational opportunities offered at Keyano College create a dynamic pool of qualified individuals who are ready to enter our local workforce, or continue on to further studies.

How does this come to be?
Securing Funds and Friends; the Keyano College Foundation Board of Directors and a team of professional staff work year round to make this happen. It is the time, creativity, and energy each team member puts into every relationship with partners that have built over 30 years of fundraising success.

The Foundation takes pride in initiating, building, and maintaining relationships with industry partners and individuals. As a result, a relationship has developed with our community where businesses and patrons are eager to partner and collaborate with the Foundation.

“We have a motto here; it’s got to be the best for the best. That’s what
I instill in my team.”— Melane LeBlanc, Director of Annual Giving

FEBRUARY 22, 2012
The Foundation Annual Investors Reception
It is said that you have to say “thank you” many times before you can say “please”. Sponsors, stakeholders, partners, and friends were invited to the Annual Investors Reception where the Board of Governors, Board of Directors, and Foundation staff thanked, honoured, and recognized all who were crucial to the success of Keyano College in 2011.

In addition to the catered reception, guests were invited to partake in a backstage tour of the Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre, followed by a performance of the smash-hit musical Chicago.

The Keyano College Partner of the Year award was presented to Finning Canada for their contributions and commitments to several college initiatives, including the Keyano College FINNtech diploma program.

Peter Forster accepted the Distinguished Donor award for his generous contributions that have created four annual student awards across the Nursing & Allied Health program in honour of his wife, Mary Forster.

MARCH 10, 2012
Keyano Theatre and CBS Construction presents Curtain Raiser 2012
Building a vibrant arts and culture community in Wood Buffalo is no small task, but every year Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre continues to deliver world class entertainment. Dramatic plays, outstanding musicals, touring artists, local, regional and international musicians, children’s performers, and dance troupes all add vitality to our community arts scene. The Theatre makes a big splash each year with an outstanding annual fundraiser. Guests this past year were treated to two extravagant performances of Shumka at 50, with Canada’s Ukrainian Shumka Dance Company.

The matinee performance incorporated a special family breakfast, with Ukrainian styled activities for the kid in all of us. The evening’s performance was enhanced with an exclusive preshow wine tasting reception presented by the Fort McMurray Opimian Society.

“A community’s heart lives in the performing arts, and the soul grows larger with each performance. Patrons are always treated to a delightful evening out, that leaves a lasting impression.” — Angele Dobie, Director of Fund Development

MAY 11, 2012
1st Annual One on One Banquet presented by Quality Group of Companies
Did you know that Keyano alumnus Shawn Chaulk has the world’s largest Wayne Gretzky game used hockey memorabilia collection? In the spirit of bringing hockey to Keyano College, this die-hard fan parted with some of his most prized possessions that were included in an exclusive silent auction of sports mementos for guests to bid on.

The evening featured the Great One himself, Wayne Gretzky, and a handful of NHL enforcers, including Bryan Trottier, Dave Semenko, Kelly Chase, Marty McSorley, and Darren Langdon. With Kelly Chase as the host, he set an atmosphere that brought the former competitors together to reminisce in a “gloves off” style hot-stove. Conversation circled around the blood, sweat, and tears they each experienced throughout their hockey careers. Their stories and memories were full of locker room humour.

This inaugural event sold out within mere hours of launching tickets, and, as a result, over $210,000 was raised for the Huskies Athletics Student Endowment.

JUNE 2, 2012
Explorer Golf Classic presented by ESS First North Catering
How many people does it take to pull off Wood Buffalo’s largest charity golf tournament? It takes 248 golfers, 73 generous sponsors, several dozen Keyano College staff and community volunteers and the entire Keyano College Foundation team!

Due to the outstanding attendance of this annual event, the day consisted of a double shotgun start. Golfers spent the day on the beautifully manicured greens at the Fort McMurray Golf Club, prior to being treated to an extravagant outdoor dining experience.

All funds raised from this tournament contributed to student awards, capital development, and program enhancements at Keyano College.

“Our guests had an amazing day. College staff, students, and community volunteers made everyone feel special. The laughter and genuine camaraderie amongst the players was absolutely infectious. The comment we kept hearing throughout the day is that the event keeps getting better and better. That happy result is a total team effort.” — Cindy Amerongen, Vice President, Community Relations & CD

2012 Gala Discovery presented by ATB Financial November 6, 2012
Paying homage to the old world theme, complete with nautical décor and a sense of limitless possibility, this year’s Gala Discovery dazzled 1,200 guests with the remarkable transformation of the Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre for the premiere black tie event of Fort McMurray. LeAnn Rimes enchanted guests with her country serenades, while Canadian Juno Award winners Hey Romeo kept the party atmosphere rockin’ and the dance floor jumpin’ for the remainder of the evening.

Friends, sponsors, and guests were displayed on a 100-foot wide video screen, the largest projection screen in North America. The live auction offered amazing items such as a VIP Lounge package, including a meet and greet with LeAnn Rimes, a trip to Prague and Paris, and an out-of-this-world trip to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center!

“This event is critical to celebrate our partners and to create opportunities for future growth and expansion. This is the most professional fundraising event in the Alberta college system. Nobody touches this.” — Dr. Kevin Nagel, President & CEO

NOVEMBER 27, 2012
2012 Keyano College Student Awards Celebration
Keyano College has a long and proud tradition of providing bursaries to students with financial needs and scholarships in recognition of student success. Investments by individuals, companies, and organizations have given awards to thousands of students over the past 30 years in recognition of their academic achievement, financial need, leadership, or community involvement.

“Sponsorship and donations from our partners directly support the potential in our students who represent the heartbeat of this region’s future.” — Dale Unruh, Chair, Keyano College Foundation, Board of Director

The year 2012 was an outstanding year that allowed the Keyano College Foundation and its friends, partners, and stakeholders to Explore the Opportunities, Discover the Possibilities. We look forward to the journey that lies ahead and we welcome you to join us.

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