Bluffton University

Win cash for an exceptional research paper written for a humanities and/or social science regular class assignment. Up to two $200 awards are presented annually.

Guidelines:

• The paper should result from regular course work taken at Bluffton University in the humanities and/or social science disciplines. Papers completed as part of an honors project or independent study will not be accepted, because they are perceived as having an unfair advantage over a regular term paper.  However, any Senior Seminar papers are eligible.

• An evaluation committee will evaluate each submission in terms of originality, research and clarity of expression. 

• Any currently enrolled student at Bluffton University is eligible.

• The winner will be recognized during the 2025 Academic Awards Forum. 

This annual competition is offered in honor of  John D. Unruh, Jr., professor of history at Bluffton College, 1962-64, 1967-76. The John D. Unruh, Jr., Memorial Fund was organized to promote undergraduate research and scholarship. 

The spring exhibition showcases work created in the past academic year by students in university art classes or supervised independent studies. 

Recipients of the Gregg Luginbuhl Awards, which includes a total of $550 in cash prizes donated by the Luginbuhl family, are selected by an outside juror. A best of category award is designated in each category along with honorable mentions made at the juror’s discretion.

A special award, the Gregg Luginbuhl Award in Ceramics, is chosen directly by the Luginbuhl family. A $100 prize for President Choice Award is selected by Bluffton’s president. 

Students are given the opportunity to compose and deliver a 10-minute speech that applies Christian principles of peacemaking to contemporary social issues. Cash prizes of $500, $400 and $300 are awarded to participants placing first, second and third.

The winner of the Bluffton competition advances to compete with winners from other Mennonite-related colleges and universities for an additional cash prize. Winners of the bi-national contest receive:

• 1st prize: $500 (plus a $500 scholarship to attend a peace-related conference)
• 2nd prize: $350 (plus a $350 scholarship to attend a peace-related conference)
• 3rd prize: $200 (plus a $200 scholarship to attend a peace-related conference)

The C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest is hosted each spring by the communications department and the peace and conflict studies program. To participate, contact Gerald Mast, professor of communication, at mastg@bluffton.edu or 419-358-3208.

The competition is administered by the Mennonite Central Committee and was established in honor of C. Henry Smith, who was on the Bluffton faculty from 1914-46. Smith is well-known for his particular attention to the peace commitments of the Mennonite tradition.

This annual award is presented during the Academic Awards Forum to a graduating student who is:

• a student of senior status at Bluffton University (having completed at least 88 semester hours)

• a student with an overall GPA of 3.0 and above

• a student with a demonstrated commitment to peace scholarship, either someone with a minor in peace and conflict studies or some other, equally serious way

• a student with a demonstrated commitment to peace activism, which can be conceived as within these four areas (as described in Lisa Schirch's The Little Book of Peacebuilding, 2004)

  • addressing conflict nonviolently (e.g., protest & human rights advocacy)

  • transforming relationships (e.g., trauma healing & restorative justice)

  • reducing direct violence (e.g., preventing victimization & creating safe spaces)

  • and building capacity (e.g., peace education & economic development) 

The Ministry Inquiry Program (MIP) is a joint program of the Mennonite Church and the Mennonite colleges to help college age young adults consider pastoral ministry. Students do not have to be Mennonite to participate.

Experience first-hand what ministry is for 11 weeks in the summer. Work under the supervision of an experienced pastor and become involved in many aspects of a minister’s life and work. A $2,000 scholarship is awarded toward your fall tuition. 

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?

The student will receive a scholarship of up to $2,000 to be applied to expenses at a Mennonite college or seminary. Scholarship funds come from the following sources:

• $500 from Mennonite Church USA
• $500 from the area conference of either the student or congregation served
• $500 from the home congregation of the student
• $500 from the Mennonite college or seminary the student attends

In addition to the above, the congregation to which the student is assigned provides $500 cash for living expenses. Housing will also be provided for the summer.

WHO MAY PARTICIPATE

The program is especially geared to students who will have completed two or three years of college. Seniors who plan to enter a Mennonite seminary may also be considered. Students should have at least a 3.0 GPA.

For more information
If you would like more information about this opportunity, contact Eli Tracy at tracye@bluffton.edu 

Undergraduate business studies students are eligible for the Friesen Discovery Grant to fund research, travel, intercultural activities and/or professional development.

In the past, the fund has provided $1,000 total to finance student expenses to the Mennonite Economic Development Associates annual conference, the Mennonite Health Assembly and other professional conferences.

Students interested in applying for funding should contact the business department chair.