Bluffton University news
Prairie wetlands
Research into the prairie wetlands will be shared by Jacob Buchanan, M'Della Moon endowed chair in botany and environmental science, during the Oct. 13, 2023, Friday Colloquium presentation.
2023-24 Enrollment
Bluffton University enrollment for 2023-24 includes 205 new traditional undergraduate students (up from 172 a year ago) and 54 new graduate students (a 50 percent increase.)
$1.8 million gift
“John and Erma (Stutzman) wanted their generosity to extend beyond their lifetime and the financial gift from their estate will have the potential to create this type of legacy.”
State of the University
President Jane Wood announced a major gift, explained how the state of each student directly impacts the state of the university and shared successes from the year.
Constitution Day
Judge David A. Rodabaugh, Lima Municipal Court, discussed the recent Supreme Court decision for 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis. The case dealt with matters of free speech, nondiscrimination and LGBTQ-rights.
The state of higher ed
President Dr. Jane Wood will present the State of the University Forum on Tuesday, Sept. 26 in Yoder Recital Hall.
Join the chorus
Perform Handel's "Messiah" with the Bluffton University community on Dec. 10. Vocalists high school age and older are invited to join the chorus. Weekly rehearsals begin Oct. 3.
Cross cultural Forum
Learn more about short-term cross-cultural opportunities as students who participated last year share their experiences at Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 3.
U.S. News ranking
"U.S. News & World Report" once again named Bluffton University to the top tier of Midwest Regional Colleges. This is Bluffton's 26th consecutive year to be ranked.
Marketing and mental health
Bluffton graduate Charlene Coughlin, spoke in Forum on the connection between marketing and mental health. If authentic, positive marketing is the right thing to do and good for business.
Pahl art exhibit
Using color, organic forms and lines, Kathleen Pahl explores intersections of life and death and our relationship with the unknowable. The exhibit begins Sept. 25.
Crack the Code app
Collaboration between Dr. Amy Mullins, education faculty, and Katrina Stone '25, computer science major, led to creation of an app effective for literacy development.
Emotional health
Instead of looking to social media for a diagnosis, the panelists encouraged audience members to seek help from a licensed mental health provider.
Constitution Day Forum
Judge David A. Rodabaugh, Lima Municipal Court, will present "Constitutional Limits on State and Federal Governments Regarding the Rights of Private Citizens," on Sept. 19.
Yoder artist reception
Artists Sue Hershberger Yoder and John Yoder will share about their work and answer questions at an artists' reception, Sept. 17, in Sauder Visual Arts Center.
Make wise choices
Make positive choices and always get back up if you fall, "because falling happens." Alumnus Thomas E. "Tucker" Lott gave this advice during the annual Opening Convocation.
Marketing impact
Bluffton alumnae Charlene Coughlin, president of TWIST Creative, will present "Marketing and Mental Health - The Industry's Impact on Individuals and Communities" at the Sept. 12 Forum.
Effective leadership
Mastering the principles of hierarchy can lead to more effective leadership, according to Dr. Jonathan Andreas, professor of economics. He will explain during Friday Colloquium on Sept. 8.
Emotional wellness
Mental health professionals and scholars will present "Emotional Wellness: A Panel Discussion" during Forum on Sept. 5.
Liquid Illumination 2.0
Projective illuminations and framed prints on silk by Sue Hershberger Yoder and Jon Yoder will be displayed in Grace Albrecht Gallery Aug. 28-Sept. 17.
Opening convocation
Thomas E. "Tucker" Lott, an alumnus, consultant, storyteller, investor and mentor, will be the featured speaker as the class of 2027 is welcomed during Opening Convocation.
Preserve restoration
Invasive shrubs are being removed at the Bluffton University Nature Preserve to support biodiversity and provide resources for birds, small mammals and insects.
(Non) resident writer
Jeff Gundy, emeritus professor of English at Bluffton University, received a $93,500 grant to travel the world as a writer in (non) residence.
Transfer Honor Roll
Bluffton is one of the 208 colleges and universities selected to the 2023 Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society's Transfer Honor Roll. Colleges were named based on a "Transfer Friendliness" rating.
College of Distinction
Colleges of Distinction recognized Bluffton University for providing a high-quality undergraduate education that focuses on hands-on learning, strong student-teacher relationships, a vibrant campus life and successful outcomes.
FORE! '23 scramble set
The 26th annual Alumni and Friends Golf Scramble to benefit Bluffton athletics, is set for Saturday, July 22, at Bluffton Golf Club.
NetVUE gathering
Career center professionals gathered at Bluffton for the NetVUE (Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education) regional meeting to discuss ways to infuse vocational exploration into the curriculum.
Alumni discount
A 20 percent tuition discount on a MBA, MAOM, MAEd, MSW or Master of Dietetics degree is available to all alumni who earned an undergraduate degree at Bluffton.
Changes to the Board
Following best practices for an engaged board, the Board of Trustees changed its bylaws, reducing the number of members and standing committees. Retiring trustee Mitch Kingsley was also recognized.
Invasive plants
A $25,000 Cenovus grant will fund the removal of invasive plants from the Bluffton University Nature Preserve. This work will allow native plants to thrive.
Commencement 2023
More than 200 students received degrees on a beautiful Saturday morning. Commencement speaker Kathy (Gaines '78) Carr encouraged them to "Have faith in how far you can go."
Dean's Reception
Faculty members were recently recognized at the annual Dean's Reception, an academic year-end event honoring faculty who have been awarded grants and other scholarly endeavors.
Academic excellence
Student scholars were recognized at the annual Academic Awards and Honors Forum.
Pottery sale
Students will be selling original pieces of pottery outside of Sauder Visual Arts Center April 28-30 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. each day. Profits from each sale will be given to the artist.
Burrow philosophy
Coach Jimmy Burrow, aka "Joe Burrow's dad," shared his "Plan to Win" at the Athletic Awards Forum. Outstanding senior athletes and supporters of Bluffton athletics were also recognized.