Honorary Diploma recipients

School of Trades and Transportation

James Kehoe’s dedication to building strong communities extends far beyond his successful career in the construction industry.  

Jim’s began his career as a carpenter before founding Joneljim Concrete Construction in 1970. Under his leadership, Joneljim has grown into one of Cape Breton’s largest contractors, providing general contracting, project and construction management, and heavy civil contracting. The Joneljim Group of Companies also includes building supply operations, a millwork business and residential and commercial rental properties. 

Jim is a founding member of New Dawn Enterprises and the not-for-profit, BCA Investment Cooperative. He has served on the Board of the IWK Children's Hospital, Cape Breton University's Board of Governors, Nova Scotia Business Inc., Talbot House, and the Financial Board for the Diocese of Antigonish. 

Jim’s contributions have been recognized through one of the Province’s highest honours. In 2002, he was awarded the Order of Nova Scotia for his outstanding contributions to the province’s economic well-being. In 2023, Jim was inducted into the Cape Breton Business and Philanthropy Hall of Fame, further celebrating his dedication to the region. In 2018 he received an Honourary Doctorate from Cape Breton University. 

Over the years, Jim and his late wife Roma were involved in many philanthropic efforts here in Cape Breton and across Nova Scotia. A proud father to two daughters, Claudette Porter and Paulette Kraitzek, and grandfather to four, Jim cherishes time spent with his family.

Through his leadership and commitment to his community, Jim’s dedication to empowering others and fostering growth continues to inspire positive change across Nova Scotia.

School of Trades and Transportation

Joel Marsman’s dedication to occupational health and safety, mentorship and community empowerment has left a lasting impact on Nova Scotia. His achievements, including becoming the first Black person in Canada to earn the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation, have paved the way for others.  

He has served as coordinator for the Black Business Initiative's Constructing the Future program, an initiative aimed at helping African Nova Scotians enter the construction trade. As Program Coordinator for the Africadian Empowerment Academy’s Trades Program, he helped Black tradespeople obtain Red Seal certification and supports like training and test preparation to foster their success. He was also involved with the Pathways to Shipbuilding program, where he was part of a working group that created a dedicated training and employment pipeline for Black welders.   

Joel was the Manager of Occupational Health and Safety at the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation before founding Marsman Safety Services, where he provides program development and occupational health and safety training for industry organizations and government agencies.  

His contributions extend to serving on boards for various organizations including the Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association, the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Board, the Nova Scotia Labour Department Board and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering.  

In 2012, Joel was honoured by the African Heritage Month Information Network and the Province of Nova Scotia as an "Unsung Hero: Men Who Make a Difference."  

Joel’s unwavering commitment to the success of others exemplifies NSCC’s vision: Transforming Nova Scotia one learner at a time.