Jimmy Canton, ‘93 M.A.R.

The Lux et Veritas award is given to someone who has demonstrated excellence and distinction in applying the compassion of Christ to the diverse needs of the human condition through the wider church, institutional ministries, ecumenical organizations, not-for-profit organizations, government, or industry.

Jimmy Canton has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp since 2002, providing the “magic of camp” to tens of thousands of seriously ill children and their families. Founded in 1988 by actor Paul Newman, the organization has grown dramatically under Canton’s leadership, now serving more than 20,000 seriously ill children and family members throughout the Northeast each year—at summer sessions and Family Weekends at the facility in Ashford, Conn., at bedsides in more than 40 hospitals and clinics, and in camper homes and communities. A cabin counselor during the Camp’s very first summer, Canton later served as a unit leader, assistant camp director, and then camp director before being appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2002. Jimmy Canton has been at the forefront of much of this growth and innovation over the years. The hospitality of Camp helps campers and their families feel whole again, able to return to day-to-day life with renewed courage and hope.