MHC celebrates naming of Yuill School of Health and Community Services
Medicine Hat College (MHC) celebrated its official naming of the Yuill School of Health & Community Services on Sept. 25, after receiving a $5 million donation to advance healthcare programs from the Yuill Family Foundation.The donation, first announced in January, reflects the foundation’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people to build meaningful careers and futures in southeast Alberta. Local entrepreneur, Bill Yuill, shared the foundation’s vision to support education that strengthens communities and empowers future leaders.
“Our foundation is committed to supporting projects that focus on teaching students marketable skills so they can achieve their dreams, build a rewarding lifestyle, and provide leadership for their communities,” says Yuill. “The work being done here at the college will touch lives, strengthen families, and build healthier communities across our region and beyond.”
MHC President Kevin Shufflebotham, MHC Board Chair Sarah MacKenzie, Bill Yuill, and Elizabeth Yuill, reveal the new Yuill School of Health & Community Services sign at Medicine Hat College.The gift will support both new and existing health and community services programs within the school.
“We have five million more possibilities than we did a year ago,” says MHC’s Dean of the Yuill School of Health & Community Services, Jason Openo. “This transformative gift supports program development, simulation training, and applied health research, while also laying the foundation for future joint wellness facilities.”
He highlights plans to advance student education by investing in new simulation technology and equipping faculty with resources to better offer high-quality simulation experiences. Faculty will also have opportunities to conduct research in areas such as rural healthcare, aging, telehealth, mobile diagnostics, and nursing education.
“I am honoured to be part of this journey and to welcome both the college community and the broader region to the Yuill School of Health & Community Services.”
Kevin Shufflebotham, MHC president and CEO, emphasized the importance of partnerships in expanding educational access and meeting workforce needs.
“We strive to build strong, collaborative relationships that reflect the unique character of our region, says Shufflebotham. “Vital partners like the Yuill Family Foundation have given us the opportunity to expand educational access across our region and respond to evolving workforce needs.”
The donation has already enabled the launch of the in-demand Pharmacy Technician diploma, which welcomed its first cohort this fall.
To learn more about the Yuill School of Health & Community Services, visit www.mhc.ab.ca.