J. Denny Weaver
Religion professor emeritus
Teacher, theologian, mentor
With 31 years of Bluffton University teaching experience, Dr. J. Denny Weaver has left an indelible mark on many students. Since joining the Bluffton faculty in 1975, Denny has served on nearly very major faculty committee, chaired the religion and history department for nine years and spent 22 years as faculty athletics representative.
A well-known name within the Mennonite church and considered one of the most prominent and influential current Mennonite theologians, Denny has written more than 50 articles and published and edited seven books. He is founding editor of the C. Henry Smith Book Series, which fosters communication among Mennonites on important issues of theology and postmodernism and circulates Anabaptist and Mennonite literature relevant to the peace church.
Denny is best known for serving in the role of college professor. His students describe his classes as “alive with interaction, sharing ideas and open discussion of various points of view.” As a teacher, he encouraged students to think critically about theology and faith but was known for his “unwavering dedication to Anabaptism’s core convictions.” “Denny has indeed been a mentor and inspiration to me, literally re-directing my life path,” says Steve Mullet, board member and 1985 Bluffton graduate. “His encouragement to think critically about theology and faith was an energizing and liberating experience.” Denny was also very involved in the Bluffton campus and community and loved to attend Beaver sporting events.
Denny most recently spent two weeks in May traveling with Bluffton students on a cross-cultural trip to Germany and the Netherlands. He and his wife, Mary, live in Madison, Wis.
— Jill A. Duling and Andréa Ressler ’09
