Bluffton University

Alumni Awards

Each year, outstanding alumni and members of the Bluffton community are honored during Homecoming at the President’s Banquet. These awards celebrate individuals who live out the values of service, leadership and professional excellence.

---

Nominations

The Outstanding Young Alumni Award recognizes a recent graduate who has distinguished him or herself through service to people, community or church, or who has made significant contributions in his or her career. The recipient must have graduated from Bluffton University within the last 10 years.

The Professional Achievement Award recognizes a graduate who has continued the pursuit of intellectual growth and has explored creative avenues in his or her chosen field. As a result, this individual has achieved notable success and recognition in his or her career.

The Faculty/Staff Service Award recognizes a former Bluffton faculty or staff person (alumni or non-alumni) who during his or her time on campus fostered a spirit of community through personal relationships with others. This individual provided mentoring and inspiration to students, guiding them down their life's path.

The Lifetime Service Award recognizes an individual who has dedicated his or her life to heartfelt service to people, community or church. Inspired by personal faith in God and the ultimate purposes of His kingdom, this individual has made a difference in the lives of others.

Nominate here

The Alumni office rely on nominations from alumni and friends when making selections for alumni awards. There are no limitations on the number of nominations an individual may make. Nominations will be kept on file and reviewed annually for three years.

Two awards are given each year, selected from Award of Merit, Lifetime Service, Professional Achievement, Outstanding Young Alumni or Faculty/Staff Service.

 

---

2025-26 award recipients

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 >

 

---

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 >

 

---

Past Alumni Award Recipients