A belief in education inspires investment in future healthcare professionals
Education has the power to transform lives, a truth Robert Chesney has experienced firsthand and now shares with others by helping create opportunities for learning, growth, and new beginnings.
After returning to Medicine Hat College (MHC) as a mature student and graduating from the Addictions Counselling program in 2022, he gained an even deeper appreciation for the role learning plays in shaping lives, strengthening communities and preparing future healthcare professionals.
That belief inspired a $1.2-million gift designed to transform the lives of students entering the Addictions Counselling, Health Care Aide and Practical Nurse programs.
Robert Chesney meets with Gift Asogwa, a Practical Nurse student at MHC's Brooks Campus, during the Sept. 29 celebration recognizing his $1.2-million gift supporting future healthcare professionals.
"This gift is an investment in people and a reminder that, wherever we are, we have the chance to positively impact someone's life," said Dr. Jason Openo, Dean of the Yuill School of Health & Community Services. "Robert's generosity recognizes the powerful role addictions counsellors, health care aides and practical nurses play in supporting healthy communities, while helping ensure the next generation of healthcare professionals has the opportunity to learn, grow and lead with compassion. More importantly, it creates an environment that believes in people."
This support will help future healthcare professionals build the skills, knowledge and experience needed to care for individuals, families and communities across Alberta and beyond.
Originally trained as an electrical engineer, Robert spent much of his career working as a scientist before transitioning into consulting after retirement. Along the way, an interest in addiction, recovery and the societal factors that shape people's lives led him back to the classroom.
Through his studies, Robert developed a deeper understanding of how trauma, circumstance and support can influence a person's journey.
Robert Chesney, centre, joins MHC President Kevin Shufflebotham, left, and Dr. Jason Openo, right, Dean of the Yuill School of Health & Community Services, following the unveiling of the newly named F156 classroom.
"What became apparent was the impact of privilege," he said. "The advantages that are given to people through luck, coincidence or birth can create opportunities that other people sometimes don't have."
That perspective helped shape his decision to support future healthcare professionals.
"Success is not solely a product of hard work but must be enabled by opportunity and support from others," he said.
While the gift supports three distinct programs, Robert sees a common thread connecting them all.
Addictions counsellors, health care aides and practical nurses play critical roles in supporting individuals, families and communities.
"They're sometimes undervalued," he said. "But they make a critical contribution to the success of healthcare in general."
Chris Hellman, a current Addictions Counselling student and Medicine Hat city councillor, is among the learners pursuing careers in fields supported through Robert Chesney's investment in education.
Ultimately, Robert hopes the gift will give students the freedom to pursue meaningful careers in fields where they can make a difference.
While he describes himself as fortunate to have experienced academic and financial success throughout his own life, Robert is quick to acknowledge the people and support systems that helped make that success possible.
Now, he hopes to help create similar possibilities for others.
"I just want to enable people to pursue their passions and contribute to others without as much burden as they might otherwise have."