Keyano Gala, 2025
FORT McMURRAY — Keyano College marked six decades of service to the Wood Buffalo region with a milestone celebration that looked back on its history while focusing on its growing impact on education, sport and community life in northern Alberta.
More than 850 guests filled the ballroom on Saturday for the 2025 Keyano Gala: Diamond Masquerade, a sold-out event presented by Suncor that capped a year of 60th anniversary celebrations. The evening featured gourmet dining, live performances, and a major announcement — the renewal of Syncrude’s sponsorship of the Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre, a cornerstone of community recreation and fitness since 2007.
Dr. Sandra Efu, interim president and CEO of Keyano College, said the event represented both gratitude for the institution’s past and confidence in its future. She said the support of sponsors and donors reflects a shared belief in education as the foundation for community strength and regional growth.
The gala raised an estimated $450,000, with final proceeds supporting academic programs, Huskies athletics and theatre operations. The funds will help sustain initiatives that expand access to post-secondary education, enhance student life, and strengthen the college’s role as a community hub for learning and culture.
Entertainment for the evening included an opening performance by Fort McMurray musician Tyler Whelan and a headline concert by Canadian rock icons Trooper. The show also featured cultural presentations from Fort McKay First Nation, Birch Mountain Enterprises and the Fort McKay Group of Companies. Longtime emcee Brendan Toner and auctioneer Mike Hull returned to lead the festivities.
Suncor community investment specialist Willis Doiron said renewing Syncrude’s commitment to the college underscores the company’s belief in the value of training, education and sport. The 102,000-square-foot Syncrude Sport and Wellness Centre has served as a regional anchor for recreation and athletic excellence, welcoming students, athletes and residents from across Wood Buffalo.
Keyano College, which first opened its doors in 1965, has grown from a small community institution into a regional leader in trades, energy, business, health, and the arts. It operates from its Clearwater Campus and the Suncor Energy Industrial Centre, offering certificates, diplomas, degrees and continuing education programs that reflect the needs of industry and the community.
Dr. Efu thanked everyone who attended, donated or volunteered, noting that the gala’s success demonstrates how deeply the region values education and collective progress. “Your generosity truly transforms lives and uplifts our community,” she said in closing remarks.
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