Bluffton University news
15 years, 15 questions
Having arrived on campus June 23, 2010, J. Denny Beaver is celebrating his 15th birthday! What's it like to be J. Denny? Let him tell you in his own words.
Highest honor awarded
Jayme Jarrett, director of financial aid, was honored for her problem solving, patience and understanding when working with students and their parents.
Celebration highlights
Events affirming Bluffton's commitment to peace traditions rooted in its Mennonite heritage were held last spring, in conjunction with the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement.
Meaningful impact
Colleges of Distinction recognizes Bluffton for its commitment to experiential education, including collaborative projects, student research and global learning.
Women in Song
"One Hundred Years of Mennonite Women through Story and Song" concert will be performed to conclude the spring Anabaptism at 500 celebration.
Student grants
Trevor King of Wauseon, Ohio, and Logan Daugherty of Bradford, Ohio, accepted a Summer Discovery Grant to be able to complete unpaid vocational experiences.
CDC welcomed
Delegates from the Mennonite Church USA Central District Conference will gather on the Bluffton University campus.
Knowlton scholar
A scholarship valued at more than $16,000 has been accepted by Hayley Burke, a Mount Vernon High School graduate. The Austin E. Knowlton Memorial Scholarship is presented annually.
Strategic plan approved
Three faculty members were promoted and a one-year strategic plan was approved by the Bluffton University Board of Trustees.
Providing stability
Faculty and staff members were recognized for their combined 210 years of service and dedication to students and community.
Prepared for life
2025 Commencement speaker Dr. Perry Bush, emeritus professor of history, encouraged Bluffton's 189 graduates to speak truth, serve others and be authentic.
Academic awards
More than 100 outstanding student scholars received recognition at the Bluffton University Academic Awards and Honors Forum.
Athletic awards
Justin Maurer, Kiley Cline, and supporters Corwin Croy and Rita Dietrich were honored at the Athletics Awards for excellence, dedication and impact.
Protecting immigrants
Mya Vernon '27, a graphic design major, placed first with her speech "Protecting Immigrants Against ICE," in the annual C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest.
Memories of hope
It is through stories of faithfulness, support and resilience that we are reminded of the power we have to navigate the future."
Choir concert
A choral concert, directed by Camille Lively, will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 27, in Yoder Recital Hall.
Reader's Theatre
Dr. Melissa Friesen, Mary Nord Ignat and Joseph Ignat will host a Reader's Theatre based on testimony of Jacques d'Auchy d'Auchy from "Martyrs Mirror."
Annual Juried Show
The Grace Albrecht Gallery will display the best works by students at this year's 57th annual juried student exhibit, April 22-May 4, 2025.
Anabaptist remembrances
The importance of critically remembering the foundations of Anabaptism was discussed during the Spiritual Life Week Forum.
Popcorn Falls
Dr. Melissa Friesen, Mary Nord and Joseph Ignat will direct, "Popcorn Falls," at 7:30 p.m. April 3-5 and at 2:30 p.m. April 6 in Ramseyer Auditorium.
Civic Engagement
Dr. Lamar Nisly, professor of English, will present Bluffton's annual Civic Engagement Forum exploring how looking back we can find our way forward.
The Good Life
More than personal fulfillment, Dr. John D. Roth identified the Good Life as being found in relationships, in things that truly matter.
Open house
Alumni, donors, friends, and community members are invited to visit with Bluffton University president Alex Sider and cabinet member Thursday evening, April 10, in Musselman Library.
MCC background
Mennonite Central Committee addresses issues such as racism, immigration and armed conflict and more in 45 countries worldwide. Executive director Eric Kurtz shared about MCC in Forum.
Senior Art Exhibit
Grace Albrecht Gallery will host the senior visual art exhibit, March 10-April 4, 2025. A reception for the artists will be held 1-3 p.m. Sunday, March 16.
Impacts of stats
Join Bishop T. Florence '25 for a presentation on the impact of advanced basketball stats and analytics, exploring his independent study project.
Spiritual life week
Rev. Dr. Maxwell Kennel will explain how the Anabaptist tradition challenges both polarization and neutrality when addressing social problems.
Drawing Near
Bluffton University will host a book celebration with poets Dr. Jeff Gundy, Ruth Naylor, Obi Martin, Shannon McKeehan, Sheri Hostetler and others.
Gaslit Generation
Marathana Prothro, director of general education, will show how social media companies work against their users by nurturing a culture of self-forgetting.
Student leaders
Select Bluffton students receive training in networking, professional development and interviewing as President's Ambassadors. Students chosen to serve as ambassadors in 2025-26 are announced.
Spring cast list
Bluffton University Theatre presents Popcorn Falls, a comedic farce where a town facing bankruptcy tries to save itself by opening a theater.
Historical Insights
Dr. John D. Roth, emeritus professor of history, Goshen College, and project director, Anabaptism at 500 will reflect on tradition's role in uncertain times.
Merger Stopped
Bluffton University was informed that the University of Findlay Board of Trustees voted to not proceed with the merger.
Leadership change
Dr. Jane Wood has resigned from her position as president. Dr. J. Alexander Sider has been appointed as acting president, effective immediately.
Faith into action
Eric Kurtz, executive director, Mennonite Central Committee Great Lakes, will explore how Anabaptists put faith into action throughout the company's history.