Earlier this week, the McMaster crown lost a precious jewel. McMaster students have not merely lost an administrator, but rather they have lost a seasoned leader. A meaningful mentor. A generous friend. A motivating coach. An excellent listener. Indeed, we students have lost a compassionate person who will be remembered for her integrity and grace.

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Mary Keyes over the past two years, and can attest that she was one of the hardest-working administrators this school has ever seen. Her dedication and commitment to this University, and its various communities, throughout the past 38 years, were awe-inspiring. Her relentless drive to always serve McMaster commanded respect from all the colleagues and students that surrounded her.

In times where McMaster and its students were tested, Dr. Keyes rose to the challenge. Throughout the years, she was there. Most recently, during my time as a student leader, she was there with exemplary leadership when we were shocked by the events of Sept. 11. She was there, meeting with students and student leaders ensuring respect prevailed over retaliation on our campus.

She was there, at the MSU Vigil for Peace. She was there, at the bedside of Mi-Kyoung Park, a social sciences student who was also fighting leukemia. She was there at football games widely grinning, as the Children's Hospital donations from Kojo's Kids would rise. She was there, during Welcome Day and Welcome Week, easing students into their new surroundings. Personally, she was there for me as a student leader, with an open door and an open heart.

As associate vice-president of student affairs, Dr. Keyes was a vital thread woven within the tapestry of McMaster University. A thread that was responsible for keeping together the academic mission of the University while at the same time acknowledging the needs and goals of students. Indeed, this double mandate involving many difficult decisions was not an easy task. Yet she was able to balance this remarkably well.

On a personal note, I am content that I was able to get to know Dr. Keyes as a person, and not solely an administrator. In fact, I had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Keyes last summer to a homemade Italian lunch. I remember vividly our chats about cooking and gardening. I also recalled that she liked my tomato sauce.

Lastly, I will always maintain that Dr. Mary Keyes was an unsung hero. She was a champion of several causes throughout the years. Few students may realize the pivotal role she played in student affairs. Endeavours such as the all-night study program and the online MSU chatbook, which both supported our academic mission as students. Endeavours such as Kojo's Kids, which gives back to the community.

Dr. Keyes was quick to defend the students she represented, whenever off-campus relations weren't so rosy. She was defensive of us, indeed, as a den mother would be, ensuring that McMaster students would not be painted unfairly with a wide brush.

In all, Dr. Mary Keyes was a role model of leadership, always fostering respect for diversity. She encouraged fairness, open communication, and speedy resolutions. These are the qualities of good leaders. In fact, it was these qualities that composed the last conversation I had with Dr. Keyes. At our last meeting together she approved a joint leadership program between the Centre for Student Development and the McMaster Students Union. It is for this reason, that the MSU will name the certificate “The Dr. Mary Keyes Certificate of Leadership,” in her memory. May this be a continual chorus for one of McMaster's unsung heroes!