2025-26 Bluffton University News

Dean's Reception

Bluffton University recognized faculty scholarship, professional development and institutional contributions during its annual Dean's Reception.

The Forum celebrated students who have demonstrated intellectual curiosity, perseverance and a commitment to learning across disciplines.

Academic Awards Recap

Bluffton University recognized student achievement, scholarship and academic excellence during the annual Academic Awards and Honors Forum

The Presidential Scholarship Competition brings numerous high-achieving high school seniors to campus each year to write an essay in response to a faculty lecture and previously assigned readings.

PSC Winner Announced

David Rich, Brownsburg, Ind., has been awarded the university's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, valued at more than $156,000 over four years.

The Forum included recognition of major athletic award recipients and a keynote presentation from Brian Polian, vice president for athletics and nation engagement at John Carroll University.

Athletic Awards Forum 2026

Bluffton University recognized outstanding student-athletes, campus supporters and welcomed a featured speaker during its annual Athletics Awards Forum.

Using examples from athletics, Scott illustrated how negative reactions, whether to a missed play, a foul or an opponent’s actions, can disrupt focus and performance. Instead, he encouraged students to pause, reset and remain committed to their goals.

Buffton University's Civic Engagement Day Forum was presented by Chris Scott, who encouraged students to reflect on the power of mindset, accountability and self-control in both competition and everyday life.

The two-year grant, titled Fostering Leadership for Communities of Faith, will be used to develop and strengthen initiatives that help students explore and pursue leadership roles in faith-based settings.

NetVue Grant

Bluffton University has been awarded a $60,000 grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) through the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE).

All seats are reserved, and tickets are available at www.bluffton.edu/tickets. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for senior citizens, Bluffton University faculty and staff and non-Bluffton University students, and free for Bluffton University students.

2026 Spring Play

Bluffton University will present the spring play "Little Women" by Kate Hamill April 16-19 in Ramseyer Auditorium, College Hall.

Academic Awards Forum

Bluffton University will recognize student academic achievement during the Academic Awards Forum.

Athletic Awards Forum

Brian Polian, vice president for athletics and national engagement at John Carroll University, will present the Athletic Awards Forum, "Ahead of the Game: Your Successful Skill Set."

Teach-Out Partnership Announced

Bluffton University has been named an official teach-out partner for Siena Heights University, reinforcing its commitment to supporting students as they navigate institutional transitions and continue their academic journeys with confidence.

Faculty Colloquium

Dr. Amy Mullins, professor of education, will present a faculty colloquium titled "A One-Semester Sabbatical: An Eclectic Approach."

This year’s theme focuses on the topic “Who is my neighbor? Knowing, loving, and serving our neighbors.”

Civic Engagement Day

Bluffton University will host its annual Civic Engagement Day this spring, bringing together campus to explore the importance of active citizenship, community involvement and social responsibility.

Throughout the presentation, Yoder highlighted the inherent tension between inclusion and exclusion, reminding the audience that “where there is belonging, there are also those who don’t belong.

Spiritual Life Week Forum Recap

Rev. Phil Yoder challenged Bluffton University students, faculty and staff to reconsider the role of belonging in their lives during the Spiritual Life Week Forum.

Civic Engagement Day Forum

Chris Scott, head track and field coach at Bluffton University, will present the Civic Engagement Day Forum, "Competition with My Neighbor: The Good and the Bad."

Life is Long

As the featured Forum speaker, Bluffton University alumni Malissa Takacs '01 challenged students to consider how purpose, relationships and service shape both career paths and lifelong impact.

Sports Discipline Forum

Rev. Michael Danner, associate executive director for church vitality with Mennonite Church USA, will present a Forum titled "Sports as a Spiritual Discipline"

Herrera, whose weekly column ran for 15 years in the Bargain Hunter, reflected on the challenges of engaging with an audience that often held differing views.

English Festival Recap

Bluffton University hosted Melissa Herrera, writer and author, as the featured speaker for the 2026 English Festival Forum.

Faculty Colloquium

Dr. Anayeli Lopez, assistant professor of social work, will present a faculty colloquium titled "Practicing Inclusion in Challenging Times: Culturally Responsive and Justice-Centered Approaches with Immigrant Communities."

President’s Ambassadors receive extensive training in networking, professional development, etiquette, conversational skills and interviewing, preparing them to represent the university at institutional and community events.

2026-27 President's Ambassadors

Bluffton University has named the students who will serve as President's Ambassadors during the 2026-27 academic year.

Spiritual Life Week Forum

Rev. Phil Yoder, lead pastor of First Mennonite Church in Bluffton, will present the Spiritual Life Week Forum, "Abiding in Alienation."