27 February 2026 News Releases
(LtoR)-Dr. Scott Darling (Board Chair) Dr. Bela Ravi (Chancellor) Dr. Jamie Campbell (Recipient), Dr. Kevin McCormick (President Emeritus) | Huntington University Convocation, February 26, 2026, Greater Sudbury | Photo Credit: Gino Donato
(GREATER SUDBURY, ON) – Jamie Campbell, host of Blue Jays Central, has a new accolade to add to his growing list of personal and professional accomplishments. On February 26, 2026, he was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters from Huntington University, one of the first post-secondary institutions in northern Ontario. The Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters is the highest honour awarded by the university.
“Huntington University has a proud history of recognizing illustrious leaders, whether they are local, provincial, national or international citizens, for the inspiring work that they do. Dr. Jamie Campbell’s professional success has made him a national symbol to fans across the country,” said Dr. Scott Darling, Chair, Board of Regents. “Beyond that, his outstanding contributions and achievements, realized through volunteerism, philanthropy and advocacy, exemplify the values of our institution.”
“Dr. Jamie Campbell, is true professional and exemplary Canadian citizen whose career accomplishments and community service have made a significant impact in the lives of many, including those of us from northern Ontario,” said Dr. Kevin McCormick, President Emeritus and Founding President of International Institutes. “Beyond the iconic voice, the familiar face, the steady calm presence — or the broom, depending on the moment — that’s the person Canadians recognize. What they may not see, however, is the work he does behind the scenes. It is there that his truly humble and dedicated leadership is most evident. In times of COVID he didn’t create campaigns that would put him in the media, he just found a way to serve. Huntington University takes great pride in welcoming Dr. Jamie Campbell to the ranks of distinguished individuals who have been awarded honorary degrees from our university.”
Recent Honorary Doctorate recipients from Huntington University include General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Armed Forces, and Dr. Roberto Rodríguez Arnillas, former Ambassador of Peru to Canada and current Director General for the Americas with the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Many politicians have also proudly accepted honorary degrees from Huntington over the years, including The Honourable Bob Rae, former Premier of Ontario (1990-1995), who most recently served as Canadian UN Ambassador. In addition, esteemed recipients include many influential and highly-respected members of the Greater Sudbury community.
“Northern Ontario holds many special memories for me, and I’m truly honoured to be receiving my first honorary degree from Huntington University – an institution that first opened its doors in Greater Sudbury more than 65 years ago,” said Dr. Jamie Campbell. “I am also deeply humbled by this recognition, and at the same time, encouraged by the affirmation that my work is meaningful and contributing positively. I am extremely proud to be affiliated with Huntington University, and offer my sincere gratitude to the Board of Regents for this esteemed honour.”
Dr. Jamie Campbell, a member of the Sportsnet broadcast team since the network’s inaugural season in 1998, hosts Blue Jays Central, the Blue Jays pre-game and post-game show. He served as the team’s play-by-play announcer from 2005 to 2009, before shifting to host duties in 2010.
Born and raised in Oakville, Ontario, he began his career in 1987 at CBC Sports and Hockey Night in Canada. He then spent four years with CBC Edmonton before signing on with CJOH Ottawa in 1997. After joining Sportsnet a year later, Campbell worked extensively on the network’s football and baseball coverage, calling the play-by-play for the Toronto Phantoms of the Arena Football League and the CFL on Sportsnet. Campbell also co-hosted of the very first edition of Sportsnet Central.
During the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, millions of Canadians were watching as Campbell announced the country's historic first gold medal of the Games, won by skier Alexandre Bilodeau. He also acted as an announcer for cycling during the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Campbell has a reputation for giving back to community and supporting individuals in need.
In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic he volunteered with Conquer COVID-19, using his personal time to drive and deliver PPE to hospitals across Northern Ontario, including Health Sciences North in Greater Sudbury and hospitals in Espanola, North Bay, Timmins, Iroquois Falls, and Thunder Bay, reportedly tripling the amount of supplies for these healthcare facilities. This mission also introduced him to the Matawa First Nations (Thunder Bay), and he has continued supporting students from remote communities within Matawa First Nations who are pursuing a post-secondary education, through a program called Achieving the Dream Through Education and the establishment of the Jamie Campbell Bursary.
He has also been known to connect with viewers and fans directly; reaching out to the elderly or those struggling with social isolation to offer a listening ear and friendly conversation in times of need, including during the height of the pandemic when lockdowns were in effect. Five years later he is still doing this regularly, and to date has made over 1,200 calls.
As a Canadian sports broadcasting celebrity, Campbell has donated sports memorabilia from his own personal collection to support various charities and organizations, including the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society in Alberta and the Leukemia and Lymphoma society of Canada.
The northern Ontario community of Timmins also holds a special place in Campbell’s heart. As a teen he worked as a Junior Forest Ranger with the Ministry of Natural Resources. The experience proved pivotal during his formative years, instilling in him a lasting appreciation for Northern Ontario – one that he often mentions on air. In fact, he has been known to say that a home run has been “hit to Timmins”. During the Blue Jays’ playoff run this year, that catchphrase was printed on t-shirts as a small fundraising project aiming to raise funds for the oncology department at Timmins & District Hospital. The initiative proved more successful than anticipated, and helped to raise a staggering $31,000!
Campbell is himself a self-described “cancer thriver”. In 2023 he announced he was receiving treatment for "pre-skin cancer." He is also living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, after being diagnosed in 2021. He shares his health challenges and cancer journey publicly to offer support to others who are facing similar circumstances.
A true professional and exemplary Canadian citizen, Campbell has devoted himself to supporting communities, organizations, and individuals nationwide, and is most deserving of the Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters from Huntington University.