Key Takeaways
- • Kristi Hines (BScN, 2001), a Keyano College nursing graduate and founder of Hines Health Services, has been named the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, recognizing accomplishments and legacy of excellence within the institution.
- • The award will be presented on November 7, 2026, at Encore, Keyano College's rebranded premier fundraising gala (successor to the 40-year-old Keyano Gala), where Hines will serve as the evening's featured speaker.
- • Hines Health Services (HHS), the Fort McMurray-based company founded by the honoree, operates across Canada, demonstrating regional entrepreneurship with national reach and continuing local job creation.
- • Hines' professional trajectory exemplifies how regional education can serve as a foundation for building scalable enterprises while maintaining community ties—a narrative emphasizing local talent retention and career development pathways.
Summary
Keyano College has announced Kristi Hines as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award. Hines, who completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) in 2001 through Keyano College's collaborative program with the University of Alberta, has built a notable career trajectory from local nursing student to accomplished entrepreneur and business founder. The award recognizes her sustained accomplishments and the legacy of excellence she brings to the institution.
The formal presentation will occur on November 7, 2026, at Encore, Keyano College's newly rebranded premier fundraising event. Encore represents the evolution of the college's longstanding Keyano Gala, which supported students and celebrated community excellence for over 40 years. Beyond receiving the award, Hines will serve as the evening's featured speaker, positioning her to share insights on her personal and professional journey, Keyano College's role in her success, and perspectives on leadership, community engagement, and lifelong learning.
Hines founded Hines Health Services (HHS), a Fort McMurray-based healthcare services company that has expanded its operations to serve clients across Canada. Her professional arc demonstrates how entrepreneurial ventures can be built and scaled regionally while continuing to create economic opportunities within the home community. During her time at Keyano College, Hines was also a member of the Huskies volleyball team, balancing athletic participation with academic pursuits. In reflection, Hines has emphasized the importance of accessible local education and the visibility of meaningful career pathways and innovation originating from regional centers, particularly for students seeking alternatives to geographic relocation for professional development.
The formal presentation will occur on November 7, 2026, at Encore, Keyano College's newly rebranded premier fundraising event. Encore represents the evolution of the college's longstanding Keyano Gala, which supported students and celebrated community excellence for over 40 years. Beyond receiving the award, Hines will serve as the evening's featured speaker, positioning her to share insights on her personal and professional journey, Keyano College's role in her success, and perspectives on leadership, community engagement, and lifelong learning.
Hines founded Hines Health Services (HHS), a Fort McMurray-based healthcare services company that has expanded its operations to serve clients across Canada. Her professional arc demonstrates how entrepreneurial ventures can be built and scaled regionally while continuing to create economic opportunities within the home community. During her time at Keyano College, Hines was also a member of the Huskies volleyball team, balancing athletic participation with academic pursuits. In reflection, Hines has emphasized the importance of accessible local education and the visibility of meaningful career pathways and innovation originating from regional centers, particularly for students seeking alternatives to geographic relocation for professional development.
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