Malone University Honors Board Chair Matt Sutter with Pioneer Pinnacle Award
Malone University honored Matt Sutter, Chief Executive Officer of SoL Harris/Day Architecture and Chair of Malone’s Board of Trustees, with the prestigious Pioneer Pinnacle Award during the University’s Legacy of Learning Gala on October 10.
The Pioneer Pinnacle Award is presented to individuals or groups that have made a profound difference at Malone through their service, involvement, and support. Award recipients demonstrate a commitment to helping Malone empower students to seek “Christ’s Kingdom First” in both their vocations and daily lives, adopting a mindset of service to God and others while generously sharing their time, talent, and treasure with the University.
“It was my joy to present this award to Matt Sutter this year, not just because of his commitment to Malone and all the ways in which he serves the Kingdom with his support, but also because his wisdom and expertise have encouraged me personally in many ways,” said Gregory Miller, Ph.D., president of Malone. “Matt’s unwavering desire to see Christian education flourish for future leaders of the world is truly compelling, and Malone is a better place because of his advocacy and prayers.”
Sutter earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech and has practiced architecture across multiple states and countries for 34 years. As CEO of SoL Harris/Day Architecture—the largest architecture firm in Stark County— he has guided the firm to earn numerous prestigious design awards for landmark regional projects, including Timken’s World Headquarters, the Bridgestone Technical Center, and Westbrook Country Club. As he leads SoL Harris/Day through its transition to a fourth generation of executive leadership, he continues to model professional excellence, strategic stewardship, and design innovation across the region.
As Board Chair, a new role for him that stems from his long-term tenure on the Board (beginning in 2015), Sutter views Malone as a vital beacon in higher education—a biblically based institution where faculty, staff, and coaches intentionally mentor students and invest in their spiritual and intellectual development.
“Malone is a truly special place because it remains steadfastly Christ-centered and biblically based at a time when so many institutions have turned away from those foundational roots,” said Sutter. “I am inspired by our faculty, staff, and coaches, whose hearts are focused not only on academic excellence, but on deep, life-changing Christian mentorship. From helping students come to know Christ to empowering the 30% of our student body who are the first in their family to attend college, Malone’s education has the ability to transform lives both now and for eternity. I am deeply honored to serve this community.”
Beyond his professional and board leadership, Sutter actively serves his church and community. A longtime member of Canton First Friends Church, he has directed its youth soccer ministry for 26 seasons, serving 360 children ages 4 to 17 each season. His broader community engagement includes serving as past board chair of Leadership Stark County and past board president of TomTod Ideas—a Stark County organization with close ties to Malone that empowers middle school students to launch creative community initiatives.
He and his wife, Cindi, have been married for 34 years and live in North Canton. They are blessed with four adult sons—three biological and one adopted—three of whom are married, and one beloved granddaughter.
To learn more about the Pioneer Pinnacle Award and other opportunities to give to Malone, visit www.malone.edu/giving.