College renames program to honour local philanthropist

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on October 1, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

Last week Medicine Hat College honoured a significant donation with the official name of the Yuill School of Health & Community Services.

At the beginning of the year in January, the Yuill Family Foundation generously donated $5 million, the largest single donation in MHC history, to be used primarily for expanding and enhancing health-care programming at the college, as well as expand the program by nearly 200 additional seats.

“We have five million more possibilities than we did a year ago,” said dean Jason Openo. “This transformative gift supports program development, simulation training and applied health research, while also laying the foundation for future joint wellness facilities.”

Last Thursday the college revealed the new Yuill School of Health & Community Service sign to the public during a ceremony.

Openo says the funding will also be used to advance student education by investing in new simulation technology and equipping faculty with resources to better offer high-quality simulation experiences.

The programming will also be able to expand opportunities for students to conduct research in rural healthcare, aging, telehealth, mobile diagnostics and nursing education.

“We strive to build strong, collaborative relationships that reflect the unique character of our region,” said MHC president Kevin 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.”

“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,” said Bill Yuill. “The work being done here at the college will touch lives, strengthen families, and build healthier communities across our region and beyond.”

Also in June this year, the Yuill Family Foundation donated $5 million to the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital to improve local access to cardiac care and support and fund equipment, renovations and create extra space for cardiac patients.

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