Bluffton University news

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.


Samantha Shrider recounted that her favorite stories began with

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

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.


Dr. Katherine Fell from Findlay and Dr. Jane Wood from Bluffton spoke to the commonalities of the two universities located just 17 miles apart.

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.


As the cornerstone was laid for Bluffton’s first building 125 years ago, President Noah C. Hirschy concluded his remarks with an idea that has proved as durable as the structure itself: “Let us expect great things.”

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.


An address by Dr. Perry Bush will kick off Bluffton University's 125-year celebration.

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.


Matthew Nardo, head football coach; Chalsi Campbell ‘12, campus pastor; and Carrie Mast ‘95, associate pastor of First Mennonite Church, Bluffton, served as panelists for “Faith and Memory in Challenging Times.”

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.


Samantha Shrider ‘12 gathered stories of everyday memories from Bluffton alumni, faculty and staff in preparation for the university's 125th year.

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.


This one-man show incorporates screens projecting flashbacks and imagery.

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.


Dr. Melissa Friesen will present on her summer research.

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."


Dr. Robert Postic, University of Findlay professor of political science

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.


Artist's reception with Justin Johnson set for Saturday, Oct. 5.

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.


Dr. Lamar Nisly will discuss his summer research during Friday Colloquium.

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.


Chalsi Campbell, Matthew Nardo and Carrie Mast will present

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.


Four Tibetan monks dressed in traditional garments.

Tibetans' Culture

Four Tibetan monks will present their 2024 US Tour's fundamental goals, featuring a showing of their healing chants at Bluffton University.


Dr. Sarah Fedirka, of the University of Findlay, presented the Opening Convocation address. Faculty don academic regalia for this official beginning of the academic year.

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.


Dr. Alex Sider, vice president and dean of academic affairs

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.


Dr. Sarah Fedirka, associate professor of English at the University of Findlay, will present the Opening Convocation address.

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.


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.

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.


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

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.


National recognition

The National Strength & Conditioning Association has again approved Bluffton's strength and conditioning program. Bluffton students are eligible to take the CSCS credentialing exam.


Commencement speaker Glen Guyton encouraged Bluffton’s graduates to celebrate, to acknowledge that growth is success.     photo by Beth Caroline Designs

Celebrate success

Commencement speaker Glen Guyton, Mennonite Church USA executive director, encouraged 147 Bluffton graduates to celebrate how far they have come before stressing about the future.


Kelly Bilen, MackKenzie Martin, Brooke Barnes and Abby Bush were recognized for completing Departmental Honors projects.

Student scholars

Outstanding students were recognized for academic achievements, including those completing departmental honors projects, at the annual Academic Awards and Honors Forum.


President’s Ambassadors receive extensive training in networking, professional development, etiquette, conversational skills and interviewing.

President's Ambassadors

President's Ambassadors to serve during the 2024-25 academic year have been selected. These students will assist in recruiting prospective students, greeting campus guests, and engaging alumni and donors.


Faculty research was celebrated at the annual year-end Dean’s Reception, led by Dr. Alex Sider, interim vice president of academic affairs.

Faculty research

Faculty development of computational simulations supporting climate study, literature research and installation of a permaculture garden will be supported by research grants.


Kelly Armentrout, Bill Hanefeld and Cole Kropka received awards as outstanding athletes and contributions to Bluffton athletics.

Celebrating success

"Success is a Choice" was the message given at the 2024 Athletics Award forum. Awards were presented to standout senior student-athletes and a dedicated supporter of Bluffton athletics.


Play in MLB stadium

Bluffton University baseball will travel north, all the way to Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, to take on the Alma College Scots on Wednesday, April 24.


Junior Jenna Juarez earned first place in the annual C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest with her speech “Promoting Peace in Skilled Nursing Facilities.”

Speaking peace

Jenna Juarez advocated for including meaningful daily activities for elders in her winning speech during the C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest.


Bluffton University's various music groups will perform amusing and familiar pieces this Spring Fling

Spring Fling Concert

Bluffton University's music groups will come together for a spring concert featuring fun and familiar tunes at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 21, in Yoder Recital Hall.


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