Canisius College conferred an honorary degree upon David Campbell of Mattapoisett, co-founder and chairman of All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response, during its 2019 commencement ceremonies.
Campbell, a former technology executive and investment banker for Computer Task Group, Xpedior, and BBN Technologies, used his humanitarian endeavors to form All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response, a non-profit natural disaster response organization.
He was on the verge of retirement in 2004 when an earthquake and subsequent tsunami hit Southeast Asia where he was living at the time. Determined to help those affected, Campbell spearheaded volunteer efforts, traveling to Thailand to assist thousands in need. This transformative experience led him to create his non-profit organization, which facilitates assistance to natural disaster survivors, which received the highest possible rating by Charity Navigator and Greatnonprofits.org.
For his extraordinary humanitarian relief efforts worldwide, his outstanding ability to motivate others to serve in times of need and his generosity of spirit, Canisius College conferred upon David N. Campbell, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
Canisius College is one of 28 Jesuit colleges in the nation and the premier private college in Western New York.