Get involved!
If she had to sum up her college career in one word, sophomore Christy Rupp, from Wauseon, Ohio, would pick “involvement.” Because that’s what she says gives her academic life a healthy balance. In addition to her studies in biology, Christy is involved in a myriad of activities, including Habitat for Humanity, Concert Band, Flute Ensemble, honors program and worship dance team.
Being an honors student.
As a student in Bluffton’s honors program, Christy appreciates the small class sizes and challenging curriculum offered to her. She also enjoys the trips many honors students get to go on, including taking in a Broadway performances of The Lion King and Wicked and attending the Mid-East Honors Association Conference, which brings together students whose institutions belong to the National Collegiate Honors Council.
A heart to help.
Christy first got involved with Habitat for Humanity as a junior in high school. “Our church helped build a house in Archbold, and I became friends with the homeowner,” says Christy. “It was one of my first experiences with seeing need up close.” Christy is currently vice president of the campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity, which is working to raise $15,000 to contribute to a house being built in Lima, Ohio. Many Bluffton students, faculty, staff and alumni will be among the volunteers helping build the house. Additionally, Christy helps out yearly with the Hugh O’Brian Leadership (HOBY) program, which she first became involved in as a high school sophomore. “The goal of the HOBY program is to empower sophomores to become tomorrow’s leaders,” says Christy. “This past year, I assisted the program director and help create the service projects that the students participate in as a part of HOBY.”
Keeping in tune.
Having played the flute since the sixth grade, Christy was attracted to the grandeur of Yoder Recital Hall as a prospective student and hoped to one day play in it. She was elated to find out that participation in Bluffton’s musical ensembles didn’t require her to major in music, especially since she wants to go into scientific research or a medical field. “Participating in Concert Band and Flute Ensemble allows me to continue with my love of music while I pursue other studies,” says Christy.
