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2025-26 Bluffton University News

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.

During the First Tuesday in the Library event, Rippel will reflect on her summer internship experience at Ohio University, where she conducted research on the relationship between growth hormone levels and cellular senescence—key factors in the progression of diabetes.

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.

First Tuesday Forum Recap

The "First Tuesday in the Library" Forum series continued Oct. 7 with Ellie Shemenski '27, a social work major.

Choral Director Named

Bluffton University is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathon Blake Turner as the university's new choral director in a part-time staff role.

“After the Blast” blends dystopian intrigue with deep emotional insight, offering a poignant and timely reflection on resilience, connection and the fragile hope for renewal.

2025 Fall Play Cast

Bluffton University Theatre has announced the cast and production team for its fall play, "After the Blast" by Zoe Kazan.

Faculty Colloquium

Dr. Alex Sider, president and professor of religion at Bluffton University, will present the Colloquium, "Following Jesus When Things Fall Apart."

Messiah Tradition

Bluffton University in conjunction with University of Findlay will once again join together for the treasured holiday tradition of Handel's Messiah.

As part of the role, Dr. Mast will also serve as editor of the C. Henry Smith Series in Anabaptist Culture and Thought and deliver one Yoder Scholar Lecture per year on a topic related to biblical, religious or Anabaptist studies.

Yoder Scholar Appointed

Bluffton University is pleased to announce that Dr. Gerald Mast has been appointed the Harry and Jean Yoder Scholar in Bible and Religion.

Bluffton University looks forward to the insight and leadership the board of trustees will continue to provide with the addition of these three new members.

New Trustees Elected

Bluffton University has elected three alumni to its board of trustees: Pete Suter '94, MAOM '02, Malissa Takacs '01 and Matt McQuown '90, MBA '06.

Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3, Shanaman will explore the rhythms of life through a spiritual lens, encouraging listeners to reflect on timing, purpose and faith.

Spiritual Life Forum

Adam Shanaman '22, campus ministries intern at Bluffton University, will speak on "A Time for Everything" during Bluffton's Spiritual Life Week Forum at 11 a.m. on Oct. 28 in Yoder Recital Hall.

Bluffton’s cross-cultural program encourages students to move beyond tourism and experience life through another community’s perspective. During the forum, students described their time in Chicago, Kentucky and the Czech Republic.

Cross-Cultural Forum Recap

Bluffton University students recently reflected on lessons learned through their 2025 cross-cultural experiences during the university's annual Cross-Cultural Forum.

Driven by our peace-church tradition and a focus on developing students for life as well as vocation, Bluffton has spent 125 years learning, experiencing and bettering the world together.

2025 Enrollment

Bluffton University looks to continue to strengthen enrollment alongside new leadership changes and strong strategic guidance.

Holland will offer insights into Thoreau as a 19th-century American Poet-Naturalist whose spiritual solitude fostered a deep connection with all of creation.

Thoreau's Spiritual Ecology Forum

Dr. Scott Holland, professor emeritus of theology and culture at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., will present "Henry David Thoreau's Personal Solitude and Public Solidarity or How to Befriend All Creation" during Bluffton University's Forum at 11 a.m. on Oct. 21 in Yoder Recital Hall.

Bluffton announces the Be a Beaver Program, enhanced scholarships, and local grants—making high-quality education more affordable for students.

Bluffton Reduces College Costs

Bluffton guarantees full tuition for qualifying students with new aid, bigger scholarships, and local grants--helping students and families plan with confidence.

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