7 November 2025 News Releases
Huntington University 2025 Fall Convocation | October 23, 2023 | Sudbury
LtoR: Dr. Ralph McIntosh, Dr. Judith Straughan, Dr. Kevin McCormick, Dr. Daniel Xilon and
Dr. Mary-Liz Warwick | Photo Credit: Gino Donato
There are four new doctors in Greater Sudbury – Dr. Ralph McIntosh, Dr. Judith Straughan, Dr. Mary-Liz Warwick and Dr. Daniel Xilon.
Huntington University proudly conferred the Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters (DSL hc) upon these four distinguished community leaders at a special convocation ceremony held at Science North’s Vale Cavern in Sudbury on October 23, 2025.
“On behalf of the Board of Regents, we are proud to celebrate these remarkable individuals whose lives embody the very spirit of Huntington University,” said Scott Darling, Vice-Chair, Board of Regents at Huntington. “ Their dedication to education, culture, and community service enriches not only our university but the Greater Sudbury region as a whole.”
“Each of the four esteemed recipients exemplify the values of service, leadership, and community engagement that are at the heart of Huntington University,” said Dr. Kevin McCormick “It was an honour to celebrate their achievements, in my role as President and Vice-Chancellor of Huntington University, and recognize the profound impact they have made on the lives of so many in Greater Sudbury and beyond.”
The evening brought together alumni, students, dignitaries, and community members in celebration of the exceptional contributions of the honorees to education, culture, social services, and volunteerism.
Dr. Mary-Liz Warwick, an educator, community leader, fundraiser, and dedicated volunteer with a legacy of service to Huntington University and the Sudbury community accepted her Honorary degree with great pride, “Huntington University has always been close to my heart. To receive this honorary doctorate is deeply humbling, and I share it with everyone who believes in the power of education, service, and community.”
"The arts have the power to inspire and transform lives,” said Dr. Ralph McIntosh, who is a well-respected educator, musician, and lifelong champion of the arts in Greater Sudbury. “I accept this honour on behalf of every student, colleague, and community member who has shared in that journey with me.”
Judith Straughan, a past student of Huntington, as well as a teacher, writer, and cultural leader whose work has strengthened arts and education in Northern Ontario, was also honoured that evening. “I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Kevin McCormick and the Huntington Board of Regents for this great honour. Throughout my work with organizations, arts and otherwise, I am always part of a team. I always try to demonstrate what Huntington taught me as a student…show up, be ready, and give back with dedication.”
When presented with the Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters, Daniel Xilon, Executive Director of the Sudbury Food Bank, whose career has been defined by compassion, advocacy, and leadership in addressing food insecurity said, “My work has always been about people helping people,” he added. “This honour is really a reflection of our community’s strength and generosity.”
Visit huntingtonu.ca/about-hu/honorary-doctorates for biographies of each of the 2025 recipients.
About Huntington University
Huntington University is a learning institute for higher education located in Greater Sudbury, Ontario. For 65 years, Huntington University has made a name for itself by proudly partnering with many organizations, both national and international, to foster relations and build community. The university, thanks to the exemplary and visionary leadership of President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Kevin McCormick, has also successfully established several Centres of Excellence, such as the first Teaching and Learning Centre in the north, the newly established Canadian Institute for Human Rights and Global Health, the Peruvian Canadian Institute and the Canadian Finnish Institute, which have all enhanced northern Ontario’s academic landscape.