Alumni Awards
Exceptional Bluffton University alumni who have reached milestones of achievement, service and giving, are honored each year during Homecoming weekend at the President’s Banquet.
Two awards are given each year, selected from Award of Merit, Lifetime Service, Professional Achievement, Outstanding Young Alumni or Faculty/Staff Service.
2025 Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Andrea Flack-Wetherald '10
Andrea Flack-Wetherald ’10, social work major, founded The Center for Brave Communication. Blending improv, mindfulness and peacebuilding, she trains leaders across North America. Author of two books, she credits Bluffton’s study abroad and mentorship for shaping her creative, compassionate career.
A feature story about Andrea Flack-Wetherald >
2025 Faculty Staff Service Award
Carlin Carpenter
Carlin Carpenter served Bluffton University for over 30 years as head football coach and athletics director. Winningest coach with 103 victories, he guided Bluffton to national recognition, built Salzman Stadium, and shaped student-athletes through the “Beaver Code.” He and wife Sharon cherish lifelong Bluffton relationships.
A feature story about Carlin Carpenter >
2023 Award of Merit
Gregory Wannemacher ’77
Greg Wannemacher ’77 and his wife, Donna ’78, were served as co-chairs for the Simply Innovate Campaign. When Bluffton needed a “construction manager” for the Knowlton Science Center, Wannemacher worked alongside Phill Talavinia, vice president of student affairs and athletics, to oversee it from the contractors’ bidding process clear through its completion.
A feature story about Greg Wannemacher >
2023 Professional Achievement Award
Dr. Ruth Abaya ’07
In her role as a pediatric emergency physician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Abaya is often able to “fix” problems in the short term.
However, after completing a stint in the emergency department where the same young
man was treated twice for gunshot wounds in the span of a month, Abaya began working
in public health and violence prevention, as well.
A feature story about Dr. Ruth Abaya >
2022 Lifetime Service Award
Kathy (Gaines ’78) Carr
Over the course of her 40-plus-year career in education, Kathy (Gaines ’78) Carr estimates
she touched the lives of roughly 6,000 children. During her career, Carr was active
on many boards and service organizations ranging from the Indiana Black Expo to the
National Education Association to the board of directors for the Fort Wayne Rescue
Mission.
Elementary education >