Humanitarian and McMaster graduate Samantha Nutt to be inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame 

Head and shoulders of Samantha Nutt, a smiling woman with brown hair wearing a blue blazer over a white top, against a dark background.

Two-time McMaster grad Samantha Nutt, the founder of War Child Canada and War Child USA, is being honoured for her tireless advocacy for children and families in war-torn regions of the world.


Two-time McMaster graduate Samantha Nutt has been named as one of the 2025 Inductees to Canada’s Walk of Fame, a prestigious national recognition of excellence. Nutt is being honoured in the category of Humanitarianism for her tireless efforts advocating for children and families in war-torn regions around the world.

As the founder of War Child Canada and War Child USA, Nutt’s leadership has brought hope and resources to vulnerable communities across the globe, addressing critical issues such as access to education, health care, and justice in areas affected by conflict.

A graduate of McMaster’s Arts & Science progam and medical school, Nutt has maintained strong ties with the university throughout her career, and received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2001.

She chaired McMaster’s Future of Canada Project Council and is a member of the external advisory council for McMaster’s Wilson College of Leadership and Civic Engagement, which offers Canada’s only combined Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Civic Studies, and supports leadership-focused research and community programming grounded in the liberal arts.

Nutt has returned to McMaster as a guest speaker, inspiring students  who are interested in medicine and global health.

“Dr. Nutt’s groundbreaking efforts have earned her international acclaim and represent the kind of impactful work McMaster encourages its graduates to pursue,” said McMaster President David Farrar.

“This recognition highlights Dr. Nutt’s extraordinary achievements and her dedication to helping children and their families around the globe. Congratulations to Dr. Nutt on this well-deserved honour.”

Nutt has been appointed a Member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario, and has been recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

Other outstanding Canadians who will be inducted in 2025 include cardiovascular surgeon Tirone David, musician Liona Boyd, band Our Lady Peace, golfer Mike Weir and actor Tonya Williams.

They will be formally honoured for their exceptional achievements and contributions at the Canada’s Walk of Fame Awards Show and Gala Celebration on June 14, 2025, in Toronto.