May Day Celebration
May Day Celebration - May 2, 2026
Bluffton University is excited to bring back a May Day celebration—a reimagining of a long-standing tradition that many in our community remember fondly. This year’s celebration marks a thoughtful reintroduction of this special day with a curated schedule of events designed to bring alumni and friends together this spring.
While this year’s May Day may look different from what some remember, it reflects our commitment to honoring Bluffton’s traditions in ways that fit today’s campus community. We look forward to building and growing this celebration in the years ahead.
We invite you to join us for a day of connection, celebration and community.
RSVP is encouraged to help us plan for your arrival on campus.
Schedule of Events
| Noon | Post-Commencement Reception, The Commons, Marbeck Center Celebrate the Class of 2026 with:
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| Noon | 58th Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition, Sauder Visual Arts Center, Grace Albrecht
Gallery The 58th annual juried student art exhibit features curated works from students across multiple artistic disciplines at Bluffton University. |
| 12:30 p.m. | Bluffton Alumni Passport, self-guided campus tours Take part in a self-guided campus tour and collect stamps along the way. Visit key locations, reconnect with spaces that shaped your Bluffton experience, and celebrate the day at your own pace. |
| 1 p.m. |
May Day Display, Bob's Place, Marbeck Center Visit with friends and reminisce about May Days past with a curated collection of May Day archives in the library. |
| 1:15 p.m. | Alumni former May Day royalty and dancers group photo opportunity, Bob's Place, Marbeck
Center Alumni who were former May Day royalty or dancers are invited to gather for a special group photo and celebration of this Bluffton tradition. |
| 1:30-2 p.m. | Story Time in The Lion and Lamb, The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center Enjoy a family-friendly gathering featuring stories and reflections from Bluffton’s history. Hosted by Libby Hostetler, Louise Matthews, and Paul Neufeld Weaver with memories shared from directors and founders over time. Light snacks provided. |
| 2 p.m. |
Alumni Sing, Yoder Recital Hall Join fellow Bluffton singers—past and present—for a time of music and connection. Prefer to listen? Stop in and relax as you enjoy choral selections spanning the years. |
| 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Nature Preserve Open House, Moyer Nature Center, Bluffton University Nature Preserve Explore the Moyer Education Center and learn more about Bluffton’s environmental initiatives with Dr. Jacob Buchanan. Hands-on activities and interactive displays will be available for all ages. |
| 3:30 p.m. |
May Day Run and Family Walk, Bluffton University Nature Preserve Participants can choose a 5K run or a family-friendly walk of less than one mile. Registration is required in advance.
Register today! |
| 4:30 p.m. |
Ultimate Frisbee, Library Lawn Join a casual, pick-up game or cheer from the sidelines—fun for all ages and skill levels. |
| 5:30 p.m. |
May Day Mocktails juice bar, The Commons, Marbeck Center Stop by for refreshing, beverages and a fun social atmosphere. |
| 6 p.m. | Alumni Reunion Celebration Picnic, The Commons, Marbeck Center Reconnect with classmates and friends over a relaxed picnic-style meal. Food available for purchase. |
