Special interests bring students together in the following organizations:
African-American Student Organization (AASO)
Theresa Henry, advisor
Ext. 3306
African-American Student Organization offers a socialization forum for African Americans to share their culture. AASO mission is to unify all students regardless of race, background or ethnicity. The goal is to support members of the community and achieve a universal understanding across our campus and the world.
Members of AASO are positive role models who strive to provide a helping hand to the Bluffton University community and the circle of world unity.
Bluffton Latino Society
Theresa Henry, advisor
Ext. 3306
The purpose of this organization is to bring together Latino students and all Bluffton students to build awareness and promote the Hispanic culture in the Bluffton community. This will allow, not only Hispanic students a chance to unify and reconnect to their culture, but also encourage others to discover and develop a passion for this dynamic culture.
Bluffton University’s Chapter of Habitat for Humanity
Laura Brenneman, advisor
Ext. 3280
Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical, grassroots organization whose goal is the elimination of poverty housing. Habitat relies mostly on volunteer labor to build homes which are sold without interest to qualifying families who put in “sweat equity” by helping to build their own and other Habitat homes. Check out the official Habitat website at www.habitat.org to learn more about what this international agency is accomplishing around the globe.
The Bluffton University chapter sponsors an annual spring break work camp to various locations throughout the United States. Recent sites have included Newark, N.J.; Hartford, Conn.; Baltimore, Md.; and Wauchula, Fla.. During the spring break trips, groups often become close as they cook, worship and laugh together while accomplishing building projects.
The Habitat group also coordinates several Saturday workdays in Lima, Ohio; fund-raisers in Bluffton and awareness activities on campus.
Bluffton University College Republicans
Ted Bible, Chris Jebsen, advisors
Ext. 3304, 3254
The purpose of this organization is to make known and promote the principles of the Republican Party, to aid in the election of Republican candidates at all levels of government and to develop political skills and leadership abilities among Republican students as preparation for future service to the party and the community.
Bluffton University International Connection (ICon)
Louise Matthews, advisor
Ext. 3207
International Connection (ICon) provides weekly opportunities for involvement in a variety of activities with an emphasis on building friendships and sharing experiences among students of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
All ICon-sponsored events are open to all students, including weekly gatherings in The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center and other activities both on and off-campus. The annual Global Weekend provides a multicultural experience for the Bluffton campus and community. Regardless of whether you are an international student or an American student with a desire to interact in a multicultural setting, your participation is encouraged.
Bluffton University Japanese Anime Club
advisor TBA
The purpose of this organization is to enrich the campus community by offering students the opportunity to learn about Eastern culture through films and DVDs which portray the unique religion, myths, art and history of the Japanese culture.
Bluffton University Macintosh Users Club
Dan Stanowick, advisor
The purposes of this club is to represent the interests of Bluffton students, staff, administration and faculty by providing an organization through which interests may be voiced regarding use of the Macintosh platform within the Bluffton University framework.
Bluffton University Student Alumni Association
Joyce Schumacher, advisor
Ext. 3456
The Bluffton University Student Alumni Association will serve as an extension of the Bluffton University alumni, parent and church relations office. Members will support events created for students and alumni and encourage participation in and interaction at such activities helping to cultivate relationships and to communicate the importance of stewardship to the university.
Bluffton University Ultimate Frisbee
Steve Steiner, advisor
Ext. 3352
The purpose of this club team is to have fun and fellowship while playing Ultimate Frisbee competitively, with peers at Bluffton as well as at other schools.
Bluffton University Women’s Issues Circle
Christine Nerad, advisor
Ext. 3497
The purpose of this group is to discuss and raise awareness of any social, political, vocational, theological, legal, health, family and cultural issues of concern to women. BUWIC serves both women and men by bringing about awareness of these issues through activism and advocacy both on and off campus through outreach efforts and advocates for change and consciousness-raising where it may be needed to better the quality of all women’s lives. At the heart of BUWIC’s constitution is the belief that no one member is more liable or responsible for the organization’s maintenance or activities – all members are equal in importance. In keeping with Bluffton’s policies of respect and non-exclusion, all Bluffton students, whether female or male, are welcome to participate.
Bluffton University Young Democrats
Perry Bush, advisor
Ext. 3278
The purpose of the Bluffton University Young Democrats is to pursue the ideals of liberty, justice and freedom for all. The pursuit of these ideas is through support of the Democratic Party and its ideas, ideals and candidates.
P.E.A.C.E Club
Perry Bush, advisor
Ext. 3278
P.E.A.C.E stands for Peace Education and Action Community Endeavor. The organization’s purposes are to educate students about current peace-related issues and to encourage and organize appropriate action in response to these issues through consciousness-raising endeavors.
Peer Awareness Leaders (PALS)
Rian Rabideau, advisor
Ext. 3900
Peer Awareness Leaders (PALS) is a group of students who work to educate the campus community about prevalent issues affecting Bluffton University students. The group is an affiliate of the BACCHUS and GAMMA Peer Education Network, which is an international association university-based education programs that focuses on alcohol, drug, safety and wellness issues. PALS members strive to be influential educators who bring a diverse awareness to the campus community so students may make responsible decisions. The organization is an extension of the Bluffton student life office and consists of student volunteers who apply for membership.
Radio station
WBWH 99.3 FM
Colin Lasu, advisor
Ext. 3082
The WBWH campus radio station gives students the opportunity to experience all of the responsibilities and privileges of broadcasting. Purposes of this FM station include informing the campus community of international, national, local and campus news, providing a forum for public discourse on issues and matters of significance to the campus community and entertaining the campus community by playing music of diverse genres, histories and heritages. The station is located in Riley Court, Third Byers. The communication and theatre department has administrative and academic responsibility for its operation.
Student Organizations United in Leadership (SOUL)
Dan Stanowick, coordinator
Ext 3218
Student Organizations United in Leadership (SOUL) is a program intended to facilitate and support opportunities for student involvement. In addition to hosting the annual spring Riley Creek Festival, SOUL also supports leadership workshops, service opportunities, a weekly program series and an annual banquet recognizing outstanding student involvement.
