09/02/2026
We’ve lost a friend and mentor. Steve Keeler
For 36 years, Steve was a driving force at Cayuga, and his impact reached far beyond the classroom.
He established the college’s School of Media and the Arts (SOMA), taught the college’s first online courses, chaired or co-chaired countless committees, and conducted an international media course in the UK for decades.
He received many professional honors, including SUNY Distinguished Faculty member, SBE’s National Educator of the Year (twice), outstanding professional service, SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, Cayuga Community College Award for Excellence (twice), and College Technology Educator of the Year by the Technology Association of Central New York.
His video production students were recognized nationally by the Telly Awards, the Accolade Awards, the Hometown Video Awards, and the Berkeley Film Festival.
Steve’s service extended to the greater Auburn community as founder of the Cayuga Film Festival; vice-chair of the Auburn Cable Commission; founding board member of the Auburn Regional Media Access Center; and founding board member of the Auburn Public Theater.
As impressive as those accomplishments were, they tell only part of Steve's story. What mattered most to him were his students. He loved seeing them succeed, staying in touch long after graduation. For more than three decades, he was not just a teacher, but a mentor, supporter, and friend to countless students (and colleagues) whose lives he helped shape.
Steve – we’ll miss you.
View Steven Keeler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.
