Bluffton University news
Handel's "Messiah"
The traditional Advent performance of Handel's "Messiah" will continue in 2024, with concerts at both Bluffton University and University of Findlay.
Student debate
Should public schools in Ohio should be required to permit religious education? Students in the Argumentation and Advocacy class will debate during Forum on Nov. 5.
Actuarial internship
Colby Schlabach '25, an accounting major from Sugarcreek, Ohio, will share experiences from his internship with Everence during the First Tuesday in the Library Forum.
Best MBA Program
Bluffton University has been recognized by research.com for having a best Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program in the U.S.
Altruistic impulses
Dr. Jonathan Andreas, Howard Raid professor of economics, will explore concepts of "Benevolence, Bias and Hierarchy" during the Friday Colloquium on Oct. 25.
Spiritual Life Week
The Rev. Matthew Yoder, pastor of Grace Mennonite Church, Pandora, will be the guest speaker for the 2024 Fall Spiritual Life Week, "Put on the Armor of God."
Collecting food
Members of the Social Work Club plan to go Trick or Treating on Oct. 31. They won't be begging for candy but collecting canned goods for the local food pantry.
Docudrama cast list
"26 Pebbles," a docudrama about the community response to the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, will be performed in November. Cast members are beginning rehearsals.
Opening minds
Cross-cultural experiences allow Bluffton students to experience ways to approach different cultures with open minds. Students shared learnings from international and domestic trips during Forum.
Maintaining mission
Bluffton University will again be called Bluffton College upon completion of the proposed merger with University of Findlay. The timeline is uncertain. The earliest this could happen is 2026.
Bluffton stories
Samantha Shrider '12 visited with faculty, staff and alumni to record their stories for an oral history project to celebrate Bluffton University's 125-year anniversary.
Cross-cultural reviews
Students who participated in cross-cultural experiences last spring will share about their adventures in Czech Republic, Guatemala, Ohio River Valley, Washington, D.C., and Kentucky/Appalachia.
New phys ed major
The new health and physical education major will help address the issue of under qualified teachers teaching health and physical education courses.
Presidents' address
Bluffton and Findlay presidents collaborated to present the State of the University Forum in the context of the proposed merger with University of Findlay.
Best College
The U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges" guidebook has ranked Bluffton in the top tier of Midwest regional colleges for 27 consecutive years.
Enduring legacy
Dr. Robert Postic, professor of political science at University of Findlay, shared "The Enduring Legacy of the U.S. Constitution," during the Constitution Day Forum.
2024 Enrollment
Despite 2024 FAFSA issues, Bluffton first year class enrollment is up from last year. Total enrollment, including graduate and undergraduate, is 641.
Bluffton's 125th year
Founded in 1899, Bluffton will mark its 125th year during Homecoming and Alumni Weekend on Oct. 4-6.
Historian reflects
Dr. Perry Bush, emeritus professor of history, will present "Is the Kobzar Still Dancing?" to kick off Homecoming Weekend marking the university's 125 years.
Remember your faith
A football coach, campus pastor and an alumnus walk onto stage. Personal stories of faith and memory were shared to introduce the 2024-25 Civic Engagement Theme.
Not-So-Secret History
Unexpected stories emerged from Bluffton alumni, faculty and staff interviews in preparation for the university's 125th year. Samantha Shrider '12 will share these stories during Forum on Oct. 1.
State of the University
Presidents Dr. Jane Wood and Dr. Katherine Fell will present the annual State of the University address in context of the proposed merger of Bluffton University and University of Findlay.
Cinematic theatre
"Bonhoeffer: Cell 92" depicts the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German pastor and leader in opposition to the Nazi regime, in a one-man theatre production based on diaries and other primary sources.
Summer research
Dr. Melissa Friesen, professor of theatre and communication, will present the Friday Colloquium, "Are you loving it? New theatre from the Toronto Fringe Festival."
Constitution Day Forum
The persistent resilience of the U.S. Constitution despite past and present challenges will be examined during the Sept. 17 Forum presentation.
Opening art exhibit
"Lamentations that describe tragedy through abstraction" by artist Justin Johnson will be displayed in the Grace Albrecht Gallery through Oct. 5, 2024.
Friday colloquium
Dr. Lamar Nisly spent the summer seeking to understand why authors write a late novel in a very different genre than was their typical approach.
Civic engagement
Coping skills using faith and memory will be discussed at the Sept. 10 Forum presentation. A panel of university faculty and staff will introduce the 2024-25 Civic Engagement Theme.
Tibetans' Culture
Four Tibetan monks will present their 2024 US Tour's fundamental goals, featuring a showing of their healing chants at Bluffton University.
Becoming Rooted
The 125th class of new Bluffton University students were encouraged to embrace the new, practice curiosity and kindness while "Becoming Rooted" in their new environment.
Dean's Forum
"Faith and Memory at Bluffton and Beyond" will be presented by Dr. Alex Sider as the 2024 Academic Dean's Forum on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Becoming Rooted
Letting go to become more grounded will be the theme of the 2024 Opening Convocation which welcomes new students into the academic community.
All about moths
Bring your flashlight and learn about moths while exploring the Nature Preserve on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Coach Kaighin named
Sean Kaighin, the new men's soccer head coach, previously coached at Marietta and served as boys youth director of coaching at the Greater Toledo Futbol Club.
College of Distinction
For the fifth year in a row Bluffton has been recognized for excellence in undergraduate education considering factors such as student engagement, teaching excellence and community involvement.