Alumni Awards
10/06/2026
Recipients from left to right: Mary (Burry) Ramseyer ’58, Dr. Christine (Jolliff ’89) Denecker and Nancy Schweingruber
Bluffton University honors three for service, achievement and leadership
Bluffton University recognized three individuals for their outstanding commitment to vocation, community and the university during the President’s Banquet Saturday, Oct. 3.
Dr. Christine (Jolliff ’89) Denecker was awarded the Professional Achievement Award, which recognizes a graduate who has continued the pursuit of intellectual growth and has explored creative avenues in his or her chosen field.
Denecker built a distinguished career in higher education rooted in teaching, curiosity and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities. She began her career as a high school English teacher at Allen East before earning her Ph.D. in rhetoric and writing from Bowling Green State University while working full-time and raising a family. She spent her career at the University of Findlay, serving in a variety of leadership roles before becoming vice president of academic affairs in 2026.
Bluffton played an important role in shaping Denecker’s path. She entered Bluffton as an elementary education major, but Professor Mary Ann Sullivan recognized her passion for reading and writing and encouraged her to pursue English education and communication. Professor Libby Hostetler also played an important role by advocating for Denecker’s student teaching placement. Among her most meaningful accomplishments were earning her Ph.D., becoming a teacher who made a difference and co-editing an award-winning book on first-year writing. She credits Bluffton with teaching her to remain curious, humble and open to unexpected opportunities.
Nancy Schweingruber was awarded the Faculty/Staff Service Award, which recognizes a former Bluffton faculty or staff person (alumni or non-alumni) who during his or her time on campus fostered a spirit of community through personal relationships with others.
Nancy spent much of her life building community through service, relationships and lifelong learning. She worked tirelessly for Bluffton in her professional roles and in the ways that she welcomed students and visitors, creating opportunities for people to connect.
One of her most significant contributions was serving for 16 years as director of Bluffton’s Institute for Learning in Retirement. She helped grow the program from about 60 participants to more than 100, developing courses, organizing field trips and recruiting volunteers. While the program offered opportunities to learn about everything from literature and music to nature and international cultures, Nancy said the relationships were the greatest reward. Participants became friends and formed a community she described as “another family.” They also became Beaver sports fans, donors and a part of the extended Bluffton family.
Nancy and her husband, Don, also spent more than 20 years leading BASIC groups, building lasting friendships with generations of Bluffton women. Those relationships led to shared meals, weddings, travels and countless memories. Beyond Bluffton, Nancy served 20 years on the local school board and helped organize Reaching Women, an annual communitywide retreat that brought women from churches throughout the region together.
Mary (Burry) Ramseyer ’58 was awarded the Lifetime Service Award, which recognizes an individual who has dedicated his or her life to heartfelt service to people, community or church.
Ramseyer spent her life building relationships and serving others. After moving to Bluffton in eighth grade, she attended Bluffton High School and later Bluffton College, where she became deeply involved in the community and met her future husband, Bill Ramseyer ’58.
Ramseyer initially planned to pursue nursing but discovered that teaching was a better fit. She earned her degree in education and went on to teach elementary students over decades. She also helped establish a day care program at Laurel Oaks Vocational School for pregnant and parenting students.
Her career and life later took her and Bill to Missouri, Virginia, South Carolina and other communities in Ohio. In Virginia, she served as director of teacher education at Clinch Valley College, while Bill established the college’s first football program. Ramseyer also became involved in the American Football Coaches Wives Association and founded the League of Women Voters chapter at Wise, remaining active with the organization for nearly 50 years.
Service remained a constant throughout her life. She was involved with the National Youth Advocacy Program for more than 40 years, including 15 years as its president, while continuing to volunteer and stay connected to her family, friends and community. She remains a continuous supporter of Bluffton University and the alumni community, cheering on Beaver athletics, working on the Elbert Dubenion dedication and hosting many alumni across the years.
Together, Denecker, Schweingruber and Ramseyer represent three distinct expressions of service: a commitment to professional excellence and lifelong learning, a dedication to building community through relationships and a lifetime devoted to serving others. Their stories reflect the lasting influence of a Bluffton education and the university’s mission to prepare students to live lives of purpose through meaningful work, relationships and service.
Know someone who deserves an alumni award? The Alumni Office relies on nominations from alumni and friends when selecting award recipients. Learn more about the awards and submit a nomination at www.bluffton.edu/alumniawards.