As a young man, Tyrone “Ty” Holmes learned essential lessons at Keystone College that guided him throughout his life.

Ty attended Keystone in 1990-91 and went on to a stellar career in two branches of the U.S. armed forces, as well as serving as a police officer in the nation’s second-largest city. He followed those accomplishments with a distinguished career in community and public service. Through it all, Ty looks fondly at his time at Keystone and he cherishes the memories that still remain clear.

“To me, Keystone is such a special place where everyone has value, and people care about you, respect you, and will do anything to help you become your very best,” he said.

Growing up in northern New Jersey, he recalls his initial trip to campus while visiting a friend who was already attending Keystone.

“The first time I walked around the campus, I felt like I was home. It was just so beautiful and unlike anything I had ever seen,” he said. After sitting in on a few classes and meeting several professors, "I knew immediately that Keystone was exactly what I wanted.”

Ty was forced to leave Keystone because of a health issue, but that didn’t stop him from moving on with his life. He joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served for ten years, being deployed on military and humanitarian missions worldwide. 

After leaving the Navy, Ty became a Los Angeles police officer for several years and in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, was recalled to the Navy. He then “switched over” his service to the U.S. Army, being one of the few individuals to serve in two military branches. The decorated combat veteran has been deployed in such dangerous locations as Afghanistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Somalia, and Bosnia. He was also part of rescue missions in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The Army eventually assigned him to Tobyhanna Army Depot, near Scranton, where he oversaw budgets and training curriculum. All told, he spent 25 years in active military service.

Since his wife, Margie, is a Dunmore native, Ty settled in Scranton after retiring from the military, where his service to others continues unabated. 

He served as President of the Lackawanna County Branch of the NAACP, a board member of the NEPA Youth Shelter, and a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the NEPA Boys and Girls Club. Ty's other duties included the Penn State Scranton Advisory Board, A Veteran’s Vision, 2nd Vice President of the Scranton Rotary, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Skills in Scranton Board, and President of Lackawanna County Pro Bono Child Hunger Outreach Partners. Most recently, Ty became the first Black member of the Scranton School Board. He is the first man of color to win an elected position in the city of Scranton.

Ty attributes his lifelong service to the lessons he learned from his father – lessons that were reinforced during his time at Keystone.

“My father always told me there can be no greater purpose in life than helping others. While everyone has individual goals, we all have an obligation to each other,” Ty said. “That’s really what has driven me my whole life and continues to inspire me every single day. At Keystone, there were so many people who helped me along my journey, and I will always be thankful for that.”

What advice does Ty have for young people today, particularly Keystone students?

“Be grateful for the opportunity you have,” he said. “Your experiences at Keystone will help you for the rest of your life. Take time to enjoy it because it goes by so quickly. Most of all, remember those who have helped and inspired you, and then try to help and inspire others as you go through life.”