Class reunion

No way it’s been 50 years!

Class of 1975 50 year reunion

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025
at Homecoming

11 a.m.-1 p.m.	Lunch and time of sharing Marbeck Center/lower level Kreider Room $15
1:30 p.m.	Football game vs. Manchester Admission is $10 adults/$5 for children/senior citizens

Who is coming to the reunion?

Class gift

Proposed gazebo Beavers traditionally combine resources towards a 50-year Class Reunion Gift. This summer Berky Hall was torn down. It was built in 1915 and named for Bluffton’s first science professor, H.W. Berky. In its place will be a cul-de-sac drive providing emergency access to Centennial Hall, Knowlton Science Center, Shoker Science and Founders Hall.

The Class of 1975’s 50^th Reunion Gift will fund a gazebo and landscaping near this cul-de-sac. The estimated cost of the project if $15,000. We hope that you will join us in making a charitable gift to “Bluffton University – Class of 1975 Gift.”

Purchase tickets

Renewing connections

What are you doing now?

Name	Town	Spouse	Attending the Reunion
Kathy Sauder	Grabill, Ind.	Jerry Sauder ’75	Yes
	Current activities	I am still working full time at the family business, Sauder Feeds, Inc. I oversee all accounting and financial reviews. Jerry and I have worked as a team for 50 years to sustain and grow the business. In the past 10 years I have developed an interest in dahlias and spend many hours growing and tending them during the summer and fall. I am church secretary and Jerry and I have a Small Group that meets in our home. We recently took a mission trip to Zimbabwe, Africa. I enjoy hiking and Jerry and I take many trips to places that we can hike and see God through the beauty of nature. We have 9 grandchildren that bring us much joy as we get to be part of their lives and experience their world which is different than our world was at their age. We also enjoy taking rides in our ’65 red mustang in which we had our first date! Jerry was able to track it down and restore it. We are thankful to God for His goodness to us.
	Bluffton’s impact	I met my best friend, Jerry Sauder, whom I have been married to for 50 years as of this year. I also met many dear Christian friends at Bluffton with whom I have stayed in touch.
Rosie Grady Chapman	Washington, Mich.		No
	Current activities	I am a retired school social worker with Utica Community Schools in Shelby Township, Mich. I am also a professional storyteller, therapist, art therapist, photographer and mixed media artist.
	Bluffton’s impact	Bluffton allowed me to hone my skills as an English teacher and a performing artist.
Sharon (Slater) Fontaine	Hopkinton, Mass.	Rob Fontaine	No
	Current activities	Pianist with contemporary worship band at church. Retired choral singer, past volunteer at local arts center. Interests include reading, Biblical studies, and travel.
	Bluffton’s impact	The Bluffton music department prepared me well for my musical endeavors over the years. Also lifelong friends and many special memories.
Dan. L. Merkel	Findlay, Ohio	Janet K. (Inbody ’73) Merkel	Yes
	Current activities	Retired. Active model railroader and photographer. Father of 1 daughter, grand father of 3. Enjoy cruising and railfanning.
	Bluffton’s impact	I received a good education, met the love of my life and made many lifelong friends.
Anthony L. Panozzo	Plainfield, Ill.		Yes
	Current activities	Upon graduation, I remained in Ohio and taught high schoolers for a period of three years in the Kenton School District. However, a career change and opportunity presented itself. Most of my career has been centered in the elevator industry. I worked in Illinois and Ohio. My retirement occurred in 2016 from Otis Elevator.(Cleveland). Boredom continued to confront me post-retirement. After lengthy deliberation, I applied and tested to be a licensed elevator inspector. I hold a national license and have done so in Illinois. Wisconsin, Missouri and Nevada. I have two children, Anthony and Nicole, and a handsome 12-year-old grandson. He is a handful. I enjoy golf, of course, and the NFL. I travel frequently (mostly warm venues) and the tropics have become my favorite.
	Bluffton’s impact	I enjoyed my time there, and many of the personnel encounters along the way. I do regret losing touch with a few, but for the most part, life marches on. 50! (ynotpan@sbcglobal.net) Feel free to drop in and say, ‘Hello.’
Mark Roeschley	Graymont, Ill.	Jane Thorley Roeschley ’75	Yes
	Current activities	Farmer and seed businessman
	Bluffton’s impact	The academics and sports and music participation prepared me for life. The relationships that I formed at BC shaped my worldview and and have sustained me since.
Michelle Lehman Snyder	Wind Point, Wis.		Yes
	Current activities	Retired teacher, play recorders in two groups and still play oboe and reenactment of Revolutionary War military officers band.
	Bluffton’s impact	Bluffton gave me a great foundation for teaching and coaching. Lifelong friends have been a plus!