James H. Keeler Scholarship

James H. Keeler Scholarship

The scholarship in memory of James H. Keeler honors his life while recognizing an outstanding student from Orleans County, NY, who demonstrates the potential for excellence.

Mr. Keeler was a native of Albion, NY, and graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in civil engineering in 1955. After serving in the U.S. Army, he worked for the Keeler Construction Company, a heavy equipment and highway construction firm established by his parents.

Keeler Construction Company completed work on a number of western New York highway and bridge projects as well as public parks, airports, and industrial sites. Mr. Keeler served as chairman of the board for that company and also for Barre Stone Products, a firm he established to provide crushed stone and asphalt to construction projects in the region.

He received a second bachelor’s degree from The College of Brockport in 1986 and earned a master’s of arts degree in 1990. At Brockport, Mr. Keeler served as chairman of the College Council.

He also was active in a number of industry-related organizations, serving as president of the Associated General Contractors of American, NYS Chapter, as a trustee of the Operating Engineers Joint Benefit Fund, and as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association.

In his community, Mr. Keeler was a past president of the Albion Central School District Board of Education, chairman of the Town of Barre Planning Board, member of the Orleans County Planning Board, and past chairman of the Albion Federal Savings and Loan Association.

He and his wife Patricia were married for 49 years and had three sons. Mr. Keeler passed away in 2005.

To qualify for the James H. Keeler Scholarship, applicants must meet or exceed the admissions requirements to the College in addition to having their permanent residence in Orleans County. Applicants also must submit a 1,000-word essay highlighting their community service, careers goals, explanation of why the College is a good personal fit, and their need for financial assistance.