Preserving history
Then and now
In the heart of Bluffton, Ohio, two individuals, Carrie Phillips ’99 and Amanda (Bartel
’16) Gunnink, wove their lives into the fabric of Bluffton University, each leaving
an indelible mark through their dedication to preserving history and fostering community.
lifelong commitment
Carrie Phillips, library director at Bluffton University, graduated with a degree in computer science and embarked on a journey that blended technology, faith and a deep commitment to her alma mater. While her major focused on coding, the liberal arts curriculum at Bluffton University allowed her to explore diverse fields such as accounting, graphic design, math and choir.
Her college experience extended beyond academics, encompassing concert band rehearsals,
singing in the Chorale, and serving as a Peer Awareness Leader. Throughout her time
at Bluffton, she worked at the campus library, unknowingly beginning a lifelong chapter.
By 2005, Carrie became Bluffton’s archivist and special collections librarian. In 2020, amid a pandemic and institutional shift, she stepped in as interim director of the library—a role she continues to hold, all while safeguarding the archives she cherishes.
Carrie finds meaning in fragments of memory, such as a centuries-old “line-a-day” diary of H.J. Kraybill, a founding fundraiser for the college. Reading his words, she saw not just a historical figure but a kindred spirit, someone who, like her, was building something larger than himself, with faith as the backbone.
“I think stories have a way of making history more alive and accessible,” said Phillips. “When you hear individual stories from students, faculty, staff and alumni, it just makes thinking about the institution a much more rich experience.”
Faith, she learned, doesn't just live in scriptures or hymnals; it breathes through
the institution’s mission, through the stories shared by alumni, and in the papers
of presidents. Her work is part vocation, part preservation, and wholly rooted in
service, ensuring that Bluffton’s memory lives on in the hearts of future students.
faith and memory
Amanda (Bartel) Gunnink, library assistant at the University of Iowa’s Engineering
Library, previously worked alongside Carrie in Musselman Library and the Archives
and Special Collections. Amanda engaged deeply with the study of history, recognizing
its significance in understanding culture and faith. Together, they cared for the
history and tales of Bluffton buried deep in the archives. 
“Faith and memory come in where the stories are,” said Gunnink. “I am very blessed to be in a position to be able to maintain those memories for future generations to look back on.”
Post-graduation from Bluffton University, Gunnink participated in an internship with both the Smithsonian Institution and as an archives intern with the United States Olympic Committee.
Gunnink's academic journey reflects a commitment to understanding history through the lens of faith and culture, emphasizing the interconnectedness of daily life and historical context.
Carrie Phillips and Amanda Gunnink exemplify how faith and memory can guide one's vocational path and service to community. Carrie's work in preserving Bluffton's archives ensures that the university's history, rooted in faith, is accessible to future generations. Amanda's academic pursuits demonstrate a deep engagement with history, recognizing the role of faith and culture in shaping historical narratives. Their stories underscore the importance of preserving and interpreting history through a lens of faith, ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to inform and inspire.
Together, Carrie and Amanda embody the spirit of Bluffton University, where faith, memory and service converge to create a legacy that transcends time.