VIDEO: MHC names classroom after $1.2M donation supporting future health-care professionals

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Chesney’s gift will provide ongoing financial support for students in the Addictions Counselling, Health Care Aide and Practical Nurse programs, with the funding structured to support four new students each year for 30 years.

Chesney says having a room named after him is less important than the impact the donation can have on students.

“The recognition isn’t terribly important,” Chesney said.

“It’s really the impact on the students and their ability to pursue their chosen career without being overloaded with huge amounts of debt.”

Chesney, a retired research scientist and former consultant, said he wanted the donation to provide meaningful financial support rather than simply cover smaller costs such as textbooks.

“I really wanted to give something that would actually cover a very substantial component of their costs for the year to really make a profound difference in their ability to focus on the actual academic program,” Chesney said.

Chesney said the cost of education has changed significantly since he attended university, when he worked part time to help cover his expenses.

“At that time, 12 hours a week covered essentially my living expenses, and then what I could save from a summer job would pay for my tuition and books,” Chesney said.

“And that’s not even remotely achievable these days.”

Chesney says the donation is also intended to support programs that play an important role in the community, even if they do not always receive the same attention as degree programs.

“There’s a lot of programs at the college that are really crucial to the functioning of society,” Chesney said.

Chesney said the reason behind the donation was his ability to do so and the desire to make a positive contribution to the community

“I hope that everybody supports education and [tries] to reduce the increase in costs of tuition and to try to make it more accessible again,” Chesney said.