A transformational $8 million gift from the estate of Rodney Ceccato to Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) will help educate and train more healthcare professionals, strengthening the healthcare workforce in central Alberta and across the province.
Half of the gift will support RDP's new Healthtech Centre for Applied Learning and Innovation (HCALI), a new centre that will expand health education at RDP by adding 1,000 program seats, increasing total annual enrolment over 2,500.
The remaining $4 million will establish the Rodney Ceccato Memorial Nursing Endowment, providing scholarships and bursaries for nursing students, helping reduce financial barriers for aspiring healthcare professionals.
"Rodney Ceccato's generosity will leave a lasting impact on learners, healthcare providers and communities across Alberta," says Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic. "This remarkable gift honours his legacy by creating greater opportunities for nursing students while helping RDP educate the healthcare professionals our communities need now and into the future."
The gift comes at a critical time for healthcare education and workforce development in the region. With the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre expansion expected to open in 2030, an estimated 3,600 additional healthcare professionals will be required to support full operations.
RDP currently offers 15 health programs, ranging from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma and Social Work Diploma. The new Healthtech Centre will enable RDP to expand capacity within existing programs while supporting the development and delivery of new healthcare programming with a focus on rural and remote healthcare.
"Rod believed deeply in helping others, and I know he would be incredibly proud to see his legacy supporting students and healthcare in the community he called home," says Gwen Engman, Executor, Estate of Rodney Ceccato. "The care Rodney received during his cancer journey gave him a profound appreciation for healthcare professionals and the difference they make in people's lives. Through this gift, his generosity will continue to make that difference for generations to come."
In recognition of Mr. Ceccato's generosity, the atrium within HCALI will be named the Rodney Ceccato Memorial Atrium and will feature a Legacy Plaque celebrating his contribution. Until construction of HCALI is complete, the Learning Commons within RDP's library will be renamed the Rodney Ceccato Memorial Learning Commons.
Mr. Ceccato was the owner of Rod's Welding, where he put his skills to work fabricating, welding and straightening pipe. He was also an avid collector of military vehicles and dedicated countless hours to carefully restoring them to their original condition. Through his business, his interests and his relationships, Mr. Ceccato built lasting friendships and touched the lives of many.
Following a cancer diagnosis, Mr. Ceccato developed a deep appreciation for the healthcare professionals who cared for and supported him throughout his treatment. He passed away in March 2024. His $8 million legacy gift will continue that connection to healthcare by creating opportunities for future generations of nursing students and helping strengthen the healthcare workforce across Alberta.
