2025-26 Bluffton University News

Accreditation Visit

The Education Department at Bluffton University is hosting an accreditation visit by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) on April 13, 2026.

Rippel studied in the molecular biology lab where she explored the relationship between excess growth hormone and cell senescence.

The November edition of the "First Tuesday in the Library" forum series was presented by Alexis Rippel '27, who shared her summer research conducted in the DISIRE Summer Undergraduate Program at Ohio University.

luffton’s natural restoration projects have continued to encourage collaboration between the campus and the surrounding community, inviting students, faculty, staff and local residents to engage directly with the outdoors.

Enbridge Watershed Grant

Bluffton University, in partnership with the Blanchard River Watershed Partnership, has received an Enbridge Watershed Grant from the Western Reserve Land Conservancy to establish a one-acre native prairie along Little Riley Creek beside the Sommer Center.

To live into this idea, Frey Martin offered three practices: curiosity, patience and service.

Service Forum Recap

Alumnus Eric Frey Martin '08, director of constituent engagement for Mennonite Mission Network, spoke on the Nov. 5, presentation, "Moving at the Speed of Love: Finding Purpose in Mission and Service."

The addition complements Bluffton’s existing pre-professional programs and reflects the university’s growth in health-related disciplines.

New Pre-OT Major

Bluffton University has announced the launch of a Pre-OT major, expanding its offerings in the health sciences to prepare students for careers dedicated to helping individuals live independently and meaningfully.

Faculty Colloquium

Laurel Neufeld Weaver, assistant professor of social work and MSW field education co-director at Bluffton University, will present the Colloquium, "Activating Resilience: Creating the Trauma-Informed Classroom."

After an environmental disaster forces survivors deep underground, nature must be simulated and fertility is tightly regulated. Anna and Oliver want a baby, but Anna can’t pass the Mental Health Exam. Will training their new robot helper satisfy Anna’s craving for meaning and purpose?

After the Blast

Dr. Melissa Friesen, communication and fine arts department chair and Mary Nord and Joseph Ignat endowed chair in theatre at Bluffton University, will direct Bluffton's fall play, "After the Blast."

Holiday Open House

President Alex Sider and the Bluffton University Cabinet invite alumni, donors, friends and members of the Bluffton community to campus for a Holiday Open House

Hostetler will introduce the process and vision behind his new documentary, which explores nonviolent and community-based peacebuilding practices that challenge traditional responses to violence.

Unexpected Peace Forum

D. Michael Hostetler, award-winning producer, director and communications consultant from Kitchener, Ontario, will present "Making the Documentary Film Unexpected Peace" during Bluffton University's Forum at 11 a.m. on Nov. 18 in Yoder Recital Hall.

Shanaman reminded the audience that “there is a time to be content and a time to not be content,” urging Bluffton students to embody both peace and purpose as they live out their faith.

Spiritual Life Week Forum Recap

Bluffton University's Spiritual Life Week Forum welcomed Adam Shanaman '22, campus ministries intern, to share a message exploring faith, contentment and action.

Yoder will examine how working for systemic change and justice, particularly on behalf of Indigenous communities, can be a powerful expression of love and advocacy rooted in faith.

Indigenous Justice Forum

Deborah Yoder '23, communications manager for the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, will present "Loving Our Indigenous Neighbors" during Bluffton University's Forum at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 in Yoder Recital Hall.

“The updated program name better represents the breadth of learning and experience our students gain—from foundational coursework in speech and hearing science to hands-on clinical practice,” said Dr. Gayle Trollinger, vice president of academic affairs.

Communication Sciences

Bluffton University will update its SLPA program to be named Communication Sciences and Disorders, reflecting national standards and enhancing pathways for students seeking graduate study and meaningful careers in communication and hearing health.

Named in honor of longtime coach and mentor Carlin Carpenter and his wife Sharon, the scoreboard initiative celebrates the Carpenters’ decades of dedication to Bluffton students, athletics and the wider university community.

Carlin and Sharon Carpenter Scoreboard

Bluffton University is pleased to announce that the Carlin and Sharon Carpenter Scoreboard Initiative has been fully funded through generous gifts from committed donors.

Faculty Colloquium

Dr. Jacob Buchanan, assistant professor of environmental science, will present the Colloquium, “One Year of Public Programming at the Bluffton University Nature Preserve."

The events offered opportunities for Bluffton University to build stronger connections with the Village of Bluffton, while nurturing curiosity about the environment. Partnerships like this help strengthen Bluffton’s ties to the surrounding community and build relationships that benefit both local students and the university.

Nature and Community

Bluffton University recently welcomed second and seventh-grade students from Bluffton elementary and middle school for two days of hands-on outdoor education experiences.

Martin will explore Jesus’ call to love God and our neighbors at a pace that honors relationships, encourages service, and resists the pressure of speed and efficiency.

Mennonite Mission Forum

Eric Frey Martin, director of constituent engagement at Mennonite Mission Network, will present "Moving at the Speed of Love: Finding Purpose in Mission and Service" during Bluffton University's Forum at 11 a.m. on Nov. 4 in Yoder Recital Hall.

First Tuesday in the Library

Alexis Rippel '27, an honors student majoring in biology and chemistry, will share her research findings during a Forum titled "Exploring Diabetes Research: My Project within Ohio University's DISIRE Program" at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, in Musselman Library's Reading Room.

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