Honoring Our Alumni: Living Legends and Hall of Fame - National University of Natural Medicine

For many years, the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) proudly partnered with the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OANP) to recognize exceptional contributions to the naturopathic profession through the annual Living Legend Award. These honorees—many of whom are NUNM alumni—represent the very best of our community’s values, innovation, and service.

NUNM also previously celebrated distinguished graduates through our Alumni Hall of Fame, which honored individuals whose impact extended far beyond the classroom and clinic.

Although these programs have paused in recent years, NUNM remains deeply committed to recognizing alumni leadership and legacy. We are currently exploring opportunities to revive and reimagine our alumni awards to better reflect the many ways our graduates are shaping healthcare, research, education, and the community today.

If you are an alum with ideas—or would like to nominate a peer for future recognition—we would love to hear from you. Please email us at alumni@nunm.edu.

Living Legend Honorees

Noel Peterson, ND, DAAPM, was honored with the prestigious 2019 Living Legend award for his demonstrated leadership, commitment to excellence, and outstanding contributions to the advancement of natural medicine in the state of Oregon.

Jared Zeff, ND, LAc, was honored with the prestigious 2018 Living Legend award for his demonstrated leadership, commitment to excellence, and outstanding contributions to the advancement of natural medicine in the state of Oregon.

Mitch Stargrove, ND, was honored with the prestigious 2017 Living Legend award for his demonstrated leadership, commitment to excellence, and outstanding contributions to the advancement of natural medicine in the state of Oregon.

Ed Hofmann-Smith, PhD, ND, was honored with the 2015 Living Legend award. The award recognized Dr. Hofmann-Smith’s outstanding leadership, commitment to excellence, and longstanding contributions toward the advancement of the naturopathic profession in Oregon.

Rita Bettenburg, ND, was bestowed the highest honor from NCNM and the OANP: the 2014 Living Legend award. The award recognized Dr. Bettenburg’s outstanding leadership, commitment to excellence, and longstanding contributions toward the advancement of the naturopathic profession in Oregon.

Martin Milner, ND, was honored with the 2013 Living Legend award for his demonstrated leadership, commitment to excellence, and outstanding contributions to the advancement of natural medicine.

Kevin Wilson, ND, was the recipient of the third annual Living Legend award. The honor recognizes Dr. Wilson’s demonstrated leadership, commitment to excellence, and selfless contributions in the advancement of natural medicine.

Rick Marinelli, ND, MAcOM, was honored with the 2011 Living Legend award for his demonstrated leadership, commitment to excellence, and selfless contributions in the advancement of natural medicine. Dr. Marinelli is a clinical authority on pain management and natural medicine.

Kenneth D. Peterson, DC, ND, received the inaugural Living Legend award from NCNM and the OANP. Dr. Peterson was recognized for 57 years of dedicated service and advancing the profession of natural medicine. In practice since 1953, Dr. Peterson holds the distinction of being the longest continuously practicing naturopathic physician in Oregon.

Betty Radelet, DC, ND, received the inaugural Living Legend award from NCNM and the OANP. Dr. Radelet is recognized as NCNM’s first female graduate and for advancing the profession of natural medicine. Prior to retiring at age 89, Dr. Radelet held the distinction of being the oldest continuously practicing naturopathic physician in Oregon.