Area physician, musician receives Distinguished Hometown Alumni Award

A longtime Dubuque physician and musician is this year’s recipient of an award celebrating the achievements of local public school graduates. Hunter Fuerste will receive the 2025 Distinguished Hometown Alumni Award from Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools, the foundation announced this week. Fuerste attended Bryant Elementary, Washington Middle and Dubuque Senior High schools, the announcement states. He later studied music at North Texas State University and graduated from medical school at University of Iowa. Fuerste returned to Dubuque to partner with his parents and siblings at Fuerste Eye Clinic, where he continues to work as an ophthalmologist.  A lifelong trombone player, Fuerste also performs with his American Vintage Orchestra, has directed productions at The Grand Opera House and served as president of the theater’s board and has collaborated for over three decades with Dubuque Arts Council.