Bluffton University news
Closing reception
The closing reception of the "Voices Together" art exhibit will be Sunday afternoon, Feb. 19, with an artist talk by Gwen M. Stamm, whose artwork is featured.
Not just an assignment
Students of Dr. Gerald Mast's Religious Communication class developed study notes to submit for possible inclusion in the Anabaptist Community Bible.
Student-run business
From developing and standardizing recipes to streamlining the online shopping cart, Bluffton University students are gaining hands-on learning experiences through the Bluffton Bread Company.
Full accreditation
Bluffton's nursing program has been granted the full five-year accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the nation's leading accrediting agency for nursing programs.
Cross-cultural
Immersed in new environments, participants experience diverse lifestyles, make new friendships and learn respect for other heritages all while meeting personal challenges that build character.
Mennonite hymnals
The genealogy of the "Voices Together" Mennonite hymnal, accompanied by an exhibit of Bluffton University's hymnal collection, will be presented Sunday, Feb. 5
New wood-fired kiln
Behind Sauder Visual Art Center, there is a newly built wood-fired kiln constructed by ceramics students and T.R. Steiner, adjunct professor of art. Bricks used in the kiln were repurposed.
New MND program
Bluffton is now offering a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics graduate degree for students interested in becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Complete requirements for the RDN exam in 12 months.
New teaching tools
Enhancing student engagement was the focus of Dr. Walt Paquin's 2021-22 sabbatical. The professor of social work will share his findings during Colloquium on Feb. 3.
And J Denny Beaver is....
Performers in the J Denny and Jenny Beaver suits will be revealed Jan. 28 following the men's basketball game. Multiple students, chosen by a competitive selection process, portray the couple.
Show up every day
Early circumstances did not deter future successes for Sharetta Smith, the mayor of Lima, Ohio. Smith spoke on her "Journey to Leadership" at the Presidential Leadership Forum.
Legacy coach retires
Men's Basketball Coach Guy Neal will retire at the end of his 34th season. The three-time conference Coach of the Year is the winningest coach in Bluffton men's basketball history.
Vax development
CANCELLED: Robert A. Lerch, Ph.D., a member of the Pfizer team that developed the COVID mRNA vaccine, will speak at Forum.
Why me?
During the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Forum, retired police sergeant Clayton Moore addressed a question people often ask themselves in times of trial.
Journey to Leadership
Sharetta Smith, mayor of Lima, Ohio, will present the Bluffton University Presidential Leadership Lecture Forum on Tuesday, Jan. 24.
Unproduced plays
Dr. Melissa Friesen will explore unpublished works by American playwright Tina Howe during Friday Colloquium. Evidence from Howe's writings illuminate her understanding of playwrights as "strip-tease artists of the soul."
MLK Forum
Clayton Moore, a retired sergeant with the Fostoria Police Department and author of the memoir "Good Cop, Black Cop: Guilty Until Proven Innocent," will present the MLK Forum.
"Voices Together"
Gallery hours are 9 a.m-5 p.m. weekdays and 1-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The reception will be at the Grace Albrecht Gallery in the Sauder Visual Art Center.
Pottery sale
Original pieces of pottery will be sold in Sauder Visual Arts Center Dec. 9-10. Profits from each sale will be given to the artist.
Hiding Jews
Inspired by the student production of "The Diary of Anne Frank," Dr. Martina Cucchiara will discuss "Hiding Jews in Nazi Germany" during a Friday Colloquium on Dec. 2.
'Messiah'
Soloists along with the Bluffton Choral Society including students, faculty, staff and community members will be accompanied by an orchestra.
Sounds of the season
The Holiday Collage Concert will feature singers and instrumentalists from the University Chorale and Concert Band on Dec. 4.
Expecting Emmanuel
"Entering Advent with the Women of Jesus' Genealogy" will be the Nov. 29 Forum presentation by Rev. Joanna Harader of Lawrence, Kan.
Chamber Ensembles
Bluffton's Brass Ensemble, coached by Dr. Roy Couch, will also perform a variety of music from the Renaissance, American musical theatre and traditional Irish tunes.
Those other duties
When Estée (Arend '13) Hemphill reflects on her rise through the Cleveland Guardians's front office, she places importance on words often overlooked in a job description: other duties as assigned.
Bread sales open
Bluffton Bread Company fall online sales will run through Nov. 22. Order loaves of Pumpkin, Applesauce Oatmeal Cinnamon and Asiago Cheddar early in the week for pick up on Fridays.
19th Varsity sport
Brian Williams will coach, recruit and manage the varsity co-ed Esports program starting in the 2023-24 academic year.
Anne Frank
The story revolves around the confinement of eight people in a tight living space as Jewish families in Amsterdam are forced into hiding from the Nazis during World War II.
"Let's Talk"
During Spiritual Life Week, Flack-Wetherald shared a message on forgiveness during Chapel which resonated with Deborah Yoder '23, an English major from Listowel, Ontario.
New scholarships
Two new scholarships, including the Dr. Perry Bush Scholarship funded by an anonymous donor, were approved during the Board of Trustees fall meeting.
Trick or can
Students go door to door asking for donations of shelf-stable and nonperishable food items from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27. Donations may also be left on doorsteps and porches.
Fall play cast
"The Diary of Anne Frank" captures the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence-- their fear, their hope, their laughter, their grief.
Choral concert
Under the direction of Dr. Bo Young Kang, director of choral activities, the concert will feature solo and duet performances from the Vocal Chamber Ensemble, Camerata Singers and University Chorale.
Fall instrumental
Under the direction of Dr. Roy Couch, ensemble selections will include "Bright Shining as the Morning Sun," "Dancing in Air," "A Sacred Suite," "Benediction," and "...and the antelope play."
Master's degree
Classes are offered online or through Zoom videoconferencing. Once classes and the practicum are complete, program participants are eligible to take the Ohio Assessments for Educators.