2025-26 Civic Engagement Theme
Who is my neighbor? Knowing, loving, and serving our neighbors
When Jesus is asked in Matthew 22, "what is the most important commandment?" he says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, 'Love others as much as you love yourself' All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments" (CEV).
In a similar fashion, Hans Denck says, ''No one can know Christ unless they follow after him in life, and no one can follow him unless they know him." To know God and to know our neighbor is to love and serve them. Over the last 20 years we have seen growing evidence that we do not know or love our neighbors.
We struggle with knowing how to engage immigrants in our communities. People are shot and killed because they knocked on the wrong door or turned around in someone's driveway. How can we begin to break down barriers to knowing and loving our neighbors as an avenue to build stronger connections to one another and ultimately a stronger civic bond? Even in our own spaces, how do we recognize that each person on campus, despite our differences, is our neighbor?
This work builds on our mission: "Shaped by the historic peace church tradition and nourished by a desire for excellence in all phases of its programs, Bluffton University seeks to prepare students of all backgrounds for life as well as vocation, for responsible citizenship, for service to all peoples and, ultimately, for the purposes of God's universal kingdom."
Civic Engagement Day Lecturer
Chris Scott, head men's and women's track and field coach
"Competition with My Neighbor: The Good and the Bad"
The Civic Engagement Day Forum presenter explores how loving and neighborly competition feels before, during and after the game.
2026 Civic Engagement Day Events
Events Schedule
April 8, 2026
8 A.M. SESSIONS
Social Determinants of Health: A Case Study Approach to Knowing, Loving, and Serving
Neighbor
Ruth Myers
Attendees will work through a case study and engage in meaningful conversations about
advocacy and the impact of social determinants of health. All are invited, especially
those with an interest in health or social sciences.
Stutzman Lecture Hall
Soul Boom: Interreligious Neighbors
Adam Shanaman/Campus Ministries
Soul Boom gathers each week to have an interfaith examination and discussion of various
topics throughout the semester. This session will look at not only loving our neighbors
who may have different religious beliefs than us but also consider what different
religions have to say about loving and caring for each other.
Kreider Room, Marbeck Center
GROB Robotics Tour
8:00-9:15 (NOTE: This is a 75 minute session)
GROB Staff/Jonathan Andreas
You are invited to take part in an upcoming tour of GROB Systems in Bluffton, Ohio—an
innovative manufacturing company known for its global impact in the automotive, aerospace,
and e-mobility industries. Participants will explore career pathways, including internships
and full-time employment opportunities across engineering, manufacturing, and business
roles. This tour offers a valuable chance to see real-world applications of advanced
manufacturing, connect with professionals, and envision future career possibilities
while learning how a global company stays grounded in community values.
Participants should plan to meet at GROB (1070 Navajo Dr, Bluffton) OR contact Jonathan
Andreas (andreasj@bluffton.edu) to arrange carpool.
Space is limited to 25 students, so please register in advance.
GROB, 1070 Navajo Drive, Bluffton, Ohio 45817
9 A.M. SESSIONS
Social Studies Kahoot K-12
EDU 323/Keylee Goerss
How does a knowledge of history affect our community? For our Kahoot, the group will
provide questions about the history that will cover K-12, around how history is tied
into the community. The Kahoot will cover History, which every student in Ohio should
have learned at different grade levels.
Stutzman Lecture Hall
I am my Neighbor: Bible reading through the eyes of another
Eli Tracy
Participants of the workshop will engage in embodied reading and interpretation of
the biblical passage from Luke 10:25-37.
Kreider Room, Marbeck Center
Loving Others Through Nutrition
Brooklyn Pfeiffer & Kaytlynn Schroeder/BUNA
This presentation will offer ways to support others by making them food. We will give
people tips and tricks on how to do this easily, and things to think about when preparing
food for others. We will also discuss how food can strengthen community, as people
come together at meals.
Centennial 211
Affirmations for our Neighbors
Zionana Aiken, Jacob Szabo & Keira Rahm
Students from the Personal Community & Health Concerns class will be talking about
affirmations and how they can help others and make their day!
Centennial 205
10 A.M. SESSIONS
Play For All Where Everyone Belongs
SED 384 Students (Group 1) - Havin Montague/Amelia Adams/Maddyn Franklin/Amber Gladwell/Gracie
Christensen
Speakers will be describing inclusive playgrounds and the importance within the community.
The speakers will be sharing pictures and different locations of inclusive playgrounds
in our area. The speakers will provide a hands-on portion that shows how hard it can
be to accommodate everyone. The presentation will be wrapped up with time for questions
and opportunities for participants to share their thoughts.
Stutzman Lecture Hall
Lift Every Voice: Music, Culture, and the Work of Democracy
Jonathon Blake Turner
Lift Every Voice: Using Culture in the Work of Democracy explores the powerful role
that music and cultural expression have played in shaping civic engagement and democratic
participation in the United States. Drawing from the legacy of spirituals, gospel,
and freedom songs including the historic anthem Lift Every Voice and Sing by James
Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson, this presentation examines how Black musical
traditions have served as vehicles for resilience, unity, and social change. Participants
will consider how culture has historically amplified marginalized voices and inspired
collective action, while reflecting on how artistic expression can continue to foster
dialogue, community responsibility, and meaningful participation in the ongoing work
of democracy.
Kreider Room, Marbeck Center
Good Neighbors Read Books: Algospeak by Adam Aleksic
Carrie Phillips/Musselman Library
Join Carrie Phillips, library director, in a scholarly reading and discussion activity
using Adam Aleksic’s 2025 book, “Algospeak: How Social Media is Transforming the Future
of Language”, which is a recent addition to Musselman Library’s book collection. How
are algorithms, social media, and short-form video changing the way we relate to our
neighbors with our language? Come prepared to read in real time an extended excerpt
from the book and to discuss the passage using a modified version of the Big 3 reading
strategy. (Content warning: abstract references to suicide are included in the reading.)
Musselman Library FLEX Space
Story Circle: Knowing, Loving and Serving our Neighbors
Melissa Friesen
What can we learn about ourselves, our neighbors, and our communities by sharing personal
experiences with one another? In this participatory session, Dr. Melissa Friesen will
lead a structured Story Circle around the theme of Knowing, Loving and Serving our
Neighbors. Given a question prompted by our theme, each participant will be invited
to share a brief personal response with the group. By listening actively to each other’s
stories, we will seek to build together a respectful community of learners and neighbors.
Gilliom Room, Mosiman Hall
11 A.M. SESSIONS
Who is your Neighbor?
SWK 302 Students/Grant, Sam, Ellie, Jenna, Allie, Serenity, Hope M. Hope C. Micah,
Jess, and Parker
Join the Social Work Practice 2 class and get to know your neighbors! You see these
individuals on campus, maybe even say a friendly "hey" in passing, but how well do
you know the individuals who make up this beautiful place? Our session blends together
education on culture with meaningful discussion and an interactive activity to stretch
your own beliefs while you get to know your neighbors.
Stutzman Lecture Hall
Project: Be the Reason
EDU 323 Students/Tianna Galbraith, Jillian Meyer, Kendall VanHorn, Jordan Hemmelgarn,
Carson Clum, Jordan Croy
Acts of Service Bingo: Bingo cards of kindness. Students will walk around the room
and ask classmates if they have or would do the action and they initial the box. The
same student can’t initial a paper twice and first 3 with a bingo win candy.
Kindness Cards: Make a kindness card for someone on campus that you wouldn’t usually
thank (custodian, cook, professor) as a way to recognize others’ dignity.
Kreider Room, Marbeck Center
Serving Our Neighbors through the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals: Enduring Values
Capstone Presentations, Session 1
Enduring Values Capstone/ Coen North, Caleb Foltz, Cami Hazelton 2. Shaina Phillips,
Malachi Lind, Lane Morris
Capstone students will present global and local angles on a topic related to the U.N.
Sustainable Development Goals.
Centennial 211
Beyond the Disability: Challenge Champions Equestrian Therapy
SED 384 Students (Group 2) - Darbie Dillon/Hannah Smith/Jenna Stewart/ Keylee Goerrs/Emma
Levan
Students will be listening to a speaker/video about Challenge Champions Equestrian
Center in Ottawa, Ohio. This equestrian center assists disable students with disabilities
in our surrounding area. There will be about a 6-minute video at the start, and then
we will have a speaker come in to show a short presentation about the organization.
After the presentation, the students will be completing an activity as part of our
interactive learning portion. The students will get to learn about how horses and
therapy go together.
Centennial 205
12 P.M. SESSIONS
Singing with our Neighbors
Darryl Nester
We'll discuss (and listen to, and sing) songs that fit within the broad theme of neighbors,
community, friendship, and service. Come with your suggestions of songs that fit that
theme, whether they are hymns, pop songs, ballads, hip hop, or any other genre, and
help us to build a "neighbor music" playlist.
Gilliom Room, Mosiman Hall
Cards for Kids
EDU 323/ Emma Levan
Participants will learn about the organization Sufficient Grace and make cards for
kids and families.
Bob’s Place, Marbeck Center
Friendly Neighborhood Economics
Labor Economics Class/Jonathan Andreas
Poster Session: How do economic forces like immigration, health policy and having
children affect our neighbors?
Kreider Room, Marbeck Center
1 P.M. SESSIONS
Strengthening The Dam; Campus Relationships
Student Senate
Student Senate invites students to reflect on the question, “Who is my neighbor?”
The event encourages participants to consider how understanding, respecting, and serving
those around us, despite differences and perspectives, can strengthen community, deepen
connections, and build a stronger sense of shared responsibility.
Stutzman Lecture Hall
Simulations Breaking Barriers: Simulation Games for Inclusive Classrooms
SED 384 Students (Group 3) - Madison Brentlinger, Elizabeth Crites, Tianna Galbraith,
Ella Taylor
How can we understand all of the students around us? Participants will learn about
and experience a simulation of Dyslexia, Autism/Communication Disorders, ADHD Task
Management and Emotional Regulation.
Kreider Room, Marbeck Center
Serving Our Neighbors through the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals: Enduring Values
Capstone Presentations, Session 2
Enduring Values Capstone/Ryan Bourke, Antonio Garrett, Jacob Windy, Brendan Williams,
Olivia Turner, Brody Symsick, Alex James
Capstone students will present global and local angles on a topic related to the U.N.
Sustainable Development Goals.
Centennial 211
Good Neighbors Read Books: Superbloom by Nicholas Carr
Carrie Phillips/Musselman Library
Join Carrie Phillips, library director, in a scholarly reading and discussion activity
using Nicholas Carr’s 2025 book, “Superbloom: How Technologies of Connection Tear
Us Apart,” which is a recent addition to Musselman Library’s book collection. As
the power to communicate and share information with our neighbors grows more efficient,
does society prosper, or does it bring out the worst in us? Come prepared to read
in real time an extended excerpt from the book and to discuss the passage using a
modified version of the Big 3 reading strategy.
Musselman Library FLEX Space
2 P.M. SESSIONS
Tips and Tricks for Communicating with Individuals with Disabilities: Jeopardy Style!
SED 384 Students (Group 4) - Jordan Hemmelgarn/Sam Archambeau/Kendall VanHorn
Serving our neighbors can include communicating with people with disabilities. This
session will cover the fourteen disability categories in Ohio and tips and tricks
for communication. We will start our event by providing the students with a brief
presentation over general information, examples, characteristics, and tips and tricks
for communicating. Following the presentation, the students will participate in a
Jeopardy game over the different categories.
Stutzman Lecture Hall
Who is my Neighbor at Work?
Marathana Prothro
Neighbors aren't just the people who live next to you. Much of our lives is shared
with our professional colleagues. What does neighborly communication look like in
professional settings? Organizational communication is powerful but it's often taken
for granted and frequently misunderstood. This session will offer practical tips for
sending and receiving neighborly communication in the workplace.
Kreider Room, Marbeck Center
Serving Our Neighbors through the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals: Enduring Values
Capstone Presentations, Session 3
Enduring Values Capstone/James Clingman, Hailey Lennard, Abolaji Monk, Alex Brown,
Collin Scheid, Olvin Duron, Andrew Phillips
Capstone students will present global and local angles on a topic related to the U.N.
Sustainable Development Goals.
Centennial 211
Color a Smile
Art Club/Emily Jones
Art Club will be doing a presentation on Color a Smile. Color a Smile is a nonprofit
organization that distributes cheerful drawings to nursing homes, hospitals, meals
on wheels programs, our troops overseas, and anyone in need of a smile. Students will
come in and meet their neighbor, the student sitting next to them, and they will draw
a portrait of the person beside them. No need to have artistic skills; rather this
is a chance to get to know the community around you.
Centennial 205
3 P.M. SESSIONS
Journey to Belonging: Building Empathy for Immigrants
The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center/Tacoma Lawson
Information on immigration, temporary protective status, and migration will be taught.
Participants will be immersed in an interactive experience to see what it would be
like to come from America and receive necessary resources. This exercise will encourage
increased understanding and empathy for those whom we may be different from.
The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center
Good Neighbors Read Books: Something Between Us by Anand Pandian
Carrie Phillips/Musselman Library
Join Carrie Phillips, library director, in a scholarly reading and discussion activity
using Anand Pandian’s 2025 book, “Something Between Us: The Everyday Walls of American
Life, and How to Take Them Down”, which is a recent addition to Musselman Library’s
book collection. What barriers might we experience in relating to our neighbors,
and what can an anthropologist tell us about those barriers? What can we do to overcome
such barriers, whether real or imagined? Come prepared to read in real time an extended
excerpt from the book and to discuss the passage using a modified version of the Big
3 reading strategy.
Musselman Library FLEX Space
6:30 pm. EVENING SESSION
Serving our Neighbors by Planting a Prairie
Jacob Buchanan
A&L credit
In this act of service, we will plant native grasses for a neighbor close to campus.
We will prepare the ground and spread native seed to make a prairie garden there.
Meet at the parking lot between Ropp and Bren-Dell