Lives of Purpose with Distinction: Meet the 2026 Alumni Award honorees

A cherished Alumni Weekend tradition took center stage at this year’s luncheon as Heidelberg University honored two outstanding and one family whose impact reaches far beyond campus.

Continuing a 55-year legacy of celebrating alumni achievement and service, Heidelberg recognized the Haulman-Nutter Legacy Family, Dr. Matthew Garoufalis, and Star* Cunningham for their exceptional contributions to their professions, communities, and alma mater.

Explore their stories below and discover the lasting difference they’ve made — and continue to make — at Heidelberg and beyond.

The Haulman-Nutter Legacy Family Award

The Haulman-Nutter family legacy begins with the true story of one young Heidelberg student who refused to accept what others believed about his future.

In 1908, Orris Haulman lay gravely ill with Typhoid Fever at the Tiffin Orphans Home. While in a coma, he overheard doctors say he would never be “right” again. Orris decided then and there that he would prove them wrong. He recovered, returned to Heidelberg, switched to pre-seminary studies, and graduated in 1912. Along the way, he played football, served as editor of the Kilikilik, and led the College YMCA. Years later, he returned to serve Heidelberg as a trustee, and in 1932, the college awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.

And with Orris, the Heidelberg story of the Haulman-Nutter family began.

His daughters, Betty ’40 and Evalenn ’42, both followed him to Heidelberg, and both became teachers. Betty was active in the Euglossian Society, while Evalenn filled her days with choir, athletics, and the Philalethean Society.

At a Heidelberg freshman mixer, Evalenn met Doyle Nutter, a gifted athlete from Tiffin Columbian whose college education was made possible by anonymous local businessmen who quietly believed in him. Doyle never forgot their generosity. He played football and basketball for the Berg, served in the Army during World War II, married Evalenn, and, yes, became a teacher too.

As the generations continued, so did the Heidelberg tradition. Nancy Nutter Montgomery ’72, Dan Nutter ’73, Sandy Nutter Gonzalez ’76, Hector Gonzalez ’75, Randy Nutter ’81, Earl Lucius ’58, Sulynn Nutter Carlin ’86, Dr. Ted Carlin ’85, Jeremy Nutter ’98, Meridith Lucius ’19, and Joel Consolo ’85 all found their own connections to Heidelberg.

There’s a theme running through this remarkable family tree: teaching, mentoring, leading, and giving back. In fact, this one Heidelberg family has produced a minister, a doctor, a director, and 12 teachers across five generations.

And the story is still being written. This very year, freshman Zane Fairbanks continues the family’s Heidelberg journey.

Alumni of Distinction Award – Dr. Matthew Garoufalis ’78

Matthew Garoufalis has spent more than four decades advancing podiatric medicine, improving patient care, and mentoring future physicians — building a career defined by service, scholarship, and leadership nationally and globally.

A double major in Biology and Economics at Heidelberg, Matthew combined scientific inquiry with strategic thinking while establishing himself as a campus leader. He earned Dean’s List honors, was inducted into both Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society and the Tau Pi Phi National Economics Honor Society, and served as recording secretary and president of Excelsior Men’s Society. Heidelberg helped lay the foundation for a career rooted in leadership and lifelong learning.

Matthew earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine, where he was recognized for Outstanding Service and Scholarship. Following a podiatric surgical residency at the Westside VA Medical Center in Chicago, he launched a distinguished career spanning clinical practice, research, education, and advocacy.

Today, Matthew serves as Chief Medical Officer for Advanced Oxygen Therapy, Inc., maintains a private practice in Chicago, and works within the Advent and University of Chicago Health Systems. Board-certified in podiatric medicine and surgery, with additional expertise in wound care and limb preservation, he has become an internationally recognized leader in diabetic wound healing and limb salvage — helping improve outcomes for patients facing life-changing complications.

Matthew’s leadership has extended far beyond his own practice. As Past President of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the International Federation of Podiatrists, he has shaped professional standards and strengthened collaboration across the field.

Just as meaningful has been his commitment to education. A Clinical Associate Professor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Western University of Health Sciences, Matthew has helped train more than 100 residents and influenced the education of more than 2,000 students throughout his career.

An award-winning researcher, educator, and speaker, Matthew exemplifies what it means to live a life of purpose with distinction beyond the Berg.

Outstanding Alumni Award – Star* Cunningham ’90

Star* has built a career around solving the problems that matter most to people. A visionary entrepreneur and global business leader, she has worked on every continent except Antarctica and lived everywhere from South Africa to Vietnam to New Zealand. 

Wherever life has taken her, one thing has remained constant: a passion for improving lives and creating opportunities for others.

That drive was already evident during her years at Heidelberg. Star pursued an ambitious triple major in Computer Science, Business Administration, and Economics. She also immersed herself in campus life through Black Student Union, intramural basketball, band, and the Computer Club.

Today, as founder and CEO of 4D Healthware, Star leads innovative work in health equity, developing culturally competent healthcare solutions while creating career pathways for underserved communities. Her work helps close both health and wealth gaps, empowering individuals and strengthening communities.

Recognized as an expert in machine learning systems and wearable technology, Star is frequently sought after for her insights on the future of healthcare. But for Star, innovation is about more than technology — it’s about people. Her personal experiences navigating chronic health conditions strengthened her resolve to build more equitable healthcare systems.

That commitment drives her nationwide “Moonshot” initiative in health equity, bringing together healthcare leaders, investors, and organizations to address systemic barriers and expand access to care.

Star’s career also includes earning an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and leading initiatives in data analytics and advanced technology systems. Her leadership has been recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business, Forbes, Vanity Fair, Black Enterprise, NBC News, and Entrepreneur.com.

Equally important is her commitment to mentoring future leaders through organizations such as Girls Who Code and Black Girls Code, as well as leadership initiatives through Northwestern University.