Bluffton University news

Robin Bowlus, vice president of advancement and enrollment management; Lyle Miller, Everence; Greg Liestman, Everence; Jane Wood, president; and Ed Basinger, Everence, following the gift presentation.

$1.8 million gift

“John and Erma (Stutzman) wanted their generosity to extend beyond their lifetime and the financial gift from their estate will have the potential to create this type of legacy.”


President Jane Wood shares the State of the University for 2023-24.

State of the University

President Jane Wood announced a major gift, explained how the state of each student directly impacts the state of the university and shared successes from the year.


Judge David A. Rodabaugh, Lima Municipal Court, presented the 2023 Constitution Day Forum.

Constitution Day

Judge David A. Rodabaugh, Lima Municipal Court, discussed the recent Supreme Court decision for 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis. The case dealt with matters of free speech, nondiscrimination and LGBTQ-rights.


Dr. Jane Wood, Bluffton University's 10th president

The state of higher ed

President Dr. Jane Wood will present the State of the University Forum on Tuesday, Sept. 26 in Yoder Recital Hall.


The university and community join in this traditional town-gown advent performance.

Join the chorus

Perform Handel's "Messiah" with the Bluffton University community on Dec. 10. Vocalists high school age and older are invited to join the chorus. Weekly rehearsals begin Oct. 3.


A tour of Holocaust sites in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic were among the short-term cross-cultural experiences in spring 2023.

Cross cultural Forum

Learn more about short-term cross-cultural opportunities as students who participated last year share their experiences at Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 3.


U.S. News ranking

"U.S. News & World Report" once again named Bluffton University to the top tier of Midwest Regional Colleges. This is Bluffton's 26th consecutive year to be ranked.


Charlene Coughlin, marketing professional and Bluffton University graduate, explored the power of advertising on mental health.

Marketing and mental health

Bluffton graduate Charlene Coughlin, spoke in Forum on the connection between marketing and mental health. If authentic, positive marketing is the right thing to do and good for business.


Works by Kathleen Pahl will be displayed Sept. 25-Oct. 22.

Pahl art exhibit

Using color, organic forms and lines, Kathleen Pahl explores intersections of life and death and our relationship with the unknowable. The exhibit begins Sept. 25.


Dr. Amy Mullins created

Crack the Code app

Collaboration between Dr. Amy Mullins, education faculty, and Katrina Stone '25, computer science major, led to creation of an app effective for literacy development.


Michael Bailey, Heather Koontz, and Laurel Neufeld Weaver answered questions on why mental health issues are on the rise and obstacles people face in managing their emotional wellness.

Emotional health

Instead of looking to social media for a diagnosis, the panelists encouraged audience members to seek help from a licensed mental health provider.


Judge David A. Rodabaugh will examine recent Supreme Court decisions concerning restrictions of citizens' rights.

Constitution Day Forum

Judge David A. Rodabaugh, Lima Municipal Court, will present "Constitutional Limits on State and Federal Governments Regarding the Rights of Private Citizens," on Sept. 19.


Yoder artist reception

Artists Sue Hershberger Yoder and John Yoder will share about their work and answer questions at an artists' reception, Sept. 17, in Sauder Visual Arts Center.


Thomas E. “Tucker” Lott, a businessman, storyteller and mentor from Kansas City, Mo., shared stories from his time at Bluffton.

Make wise choices

Make positive choices and always get back up if you fall, "because falling happens." Alumnus Thomas E. "Tucker" Lott gave this advice during the annual Opening Convocation.


2005 Bluffton graduate Charlene Coughlin is the president of TWIST Creative in Cleveland.

Marketing impact

Bluffton alumnae Charlene Coughlin, president of TWIST Creative, will present "Marketing and Mental Health - The Industry's Impact on Individuals and Communities" at the Sept. 12 Forum.


Jonathan Andreas, Ph.D., is the Howard Raid Professor of Business at Bluffton University.

Effective leadership

Mastering the principles of hierarchy can lead to more effective leadership, according to Dr. Jonathan Andreas, professor of economics. He will explain during Friday Colloquium on Sept. 8.


Panelists Michael Bailey, Heather Koontz and Dr. Laurel Neufeld Weaver will introduce the 2023-24 Civic Engagement Theme.

Emotional wellness

Mental health professionals and scholars will present "Emotional Wellness: A Panel Discussion" during Forum on Sept. 5.


An exhibit of projective illuminations and framed prints on silk opens the 2023-24 Grace Albrecht Gallery schedule.

Liquid Illumination 2.0

Projective illuminations and framed prints on silk by Sue Hershberger Yoder and Jon Yoder will be displayed in Grace Albrecht Gallery Aug. 28-Sept. 17.


Thomas

Opening convocation

Thomas E. "Tucker" Lott, an alumnus, consultant, storyteller, investor and mentor, will be the featured speaker as the class of 2027 is welcomed during Opening Convocation.


The first phase of this project will remove invasive plants near the entrance of the preserve.

Preserve restoration

Invasive shrubs are being removed at the Bluffton University Nature Preserve to support biodiversity and provide resources for birds, small mammals and insects.


(Non) resident writer

Jeff Gundy, emeritus professor of English at Bluffton University, received a $93,500 grant to travel the world as a writer in (non) residence.


At Bluffton, a dedicated admissions transfer coordinator works with each student individually throughout the application process.

Transfer Honor Roll

Bluffton is one of the 208 colleges and universities selected to the 2023 Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society's Transfer Honor Roll. Colleges were named based on a "Transfer Friendliness" rating.


Bluffton has been recognized as a College of Distinction since 2019-20.

College of Distinction

Colleges of Distinction recognized Bluffton University for providing a high-quality undergraduate education that focuses on hands-on learning, strong student-teacher relationships, a vibrant campus life and successful outcomes.


 Alumni, family and friends join forces: Jesse Williams III ‘89, Clayton Jacobs, Jesse Williams IV and Matthew Jacobs golfed in 2022.

FORE! '23 scramble set

The 26th annual Alumni and Friends Golf Scramble to benefit Bluffton athletics, is set for Saturday, July 22, at Bluffton Golf Club.


Collegiate faculty and staff from as far away as Rhodes Island, South Carolina and Winnipeg, Canada, gathered to discuss vocation.

NetVUE gathering

Career center professionals gathered at Bluffton for the NetVUE (Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education) regional meeting to discuss ways to infuse vocational exploration into the curriculum.


Despite taking courses online, 2023 MBA graduates created community and gathered in-person following commencement.

Alumni discount

A 20 percent tuition discount on a MBA, MAOM, MAEd, MSW or Master of Dietetics degree is available to all alumni who earned an undergraduate degree at Bluffton.


Changes to the Board

Following best practices for an engaged board, the Board of Trustees changed its bylaws, reducing the number of members and standing committees. Retiring trustee Mitch Kingsley was also recognized.


The Bluffton University Nature Preserve is home to 160 acres of woodland and grassland trails, a riverine ecosystem and a small, lake, wildlife habitat.

Invasive plants

A $25,000 Cenovus grant will fund the removal of invasive plants from the Bluffton University Nature Preserve. This work will allow native plants to thrive.


More than 200 students make their way to Sommer Center for their Commencement ceremony.

Commencement 2023

More than 200 students received degrees on a beautiful Saturday morning. Commencement speaker Kathy (Gaines '78) Carr encouraged them to "Have faith in how far you can go."


Faculty received summer 2023 Bluffton University Research Center grants, which provide $2,000 and up to $300 for research-related expenses.

Dean's Reception

Faculty members were recently recognized at the annual Dean's Reception, an academic year-end event honoring faculty who have been awarded grants and other scholarly endeavors.


C. Henry Smith Scholars were among the students recognized at the Academic Awards Forum.

Academic excellence

Student scholars were recognized at the annual Academic Awards and Honors Forum.


The pottery sale coincides with Bluffton University’s 55th Juried Student Exhibition which is currently featured in the Grace Albrecht Gallery of Sauder Visual Arts Center.

Pottery sale

Students will be selling original pieces of pottery outside of Sauder Visual Arts Center April 28-30 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. each day. Profits from each sale will be given to the artist.


Coach Burrow poses with outstanding senior athletes of the year, Haley Gill and Jack Towell.

Burrow philosophy

Coach Jimmy Burrow, aka "Joe Burrow's dad," shared his "Plan to Win" at the Athletic Awards Forum. Outstanding senior athletes and supporters of Bluffton athletics were also recognized.


Instrumental and vocal ensembles perform in the annual light-hearted Spring Fling concert.

Spring Fling Concert

Bluffton University's music ensembles will come together for a spring concert featuring fun and familiar tunes on Sunday, April 23 in Yoder Recital Hall.


Spring choral concert

Camerata Singers and University Chorale will perform a spring concert at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 16.


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