Bluffton University news
Engineering partnership
Earn dual degrees focused on engineering from both Bluffton and Ohio State University. Students may access resources from both universities with this new partnership.
Brave conversations
Andrea Flack-Wetherald, social worker, author, comedian and 2010 Bluffton graduate, shared tips for holding difficult conversations and explained how these conversations can lead to wellness.
'Messiah' soloists
Val Sibila, Kira McGirr, Frederick A. Peterbark and Max Pivik will be soloists for the 2024 performance of Handel's "Messiah" on Sunday, Dec. 10. Free tickets are required.
Messiah
Bluffton University will present its 129th performance of Handel's "Messiah" at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, in Yoder Recital Hall.
Novel release
An author event celebrating the release of Tobias S. Buckell's novel, "A Stranger in the Citadel," will be held at 4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 30 in the Reading Room of Musselman Library.
Grant funding
Bluffton received $130,000 in Great Minds Fellowship Grant funding as part of a statewide effort to encourage more students to pursue behavioral health-related professions.
Alumni honored
Athletics Hall of Fame and Alumni Awards were presented to Greg Wannemacher '77, Dr. Ruth Abaya '05, Rich Bindernagel '79 and Dr. Michael Anthony '07.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees met in October for their annual fall meeting. During the meeting, President Jane Wood provided an update on the strategic plan and shared new initiatives.
Paragon Springs
First staged 23 years ago and set nearly 100 years ago, "Paragon Springs" was chosen by director Dr. Melissa Friesen because the issues presented transcend time.
It's okay to fail
2007 alumnus David Glick returned to campus for Spiritual Life Week. Glick provided the Forum and Chapel messages and worked with students as they explored the theme "Be Rooted."
Ecological history
A Forum juxtaposing attitudes from the Renaissance with today's climate crisis will be followed by an evening performance of "Music and Poetry for a Regenerative Earth."
Theatre cast list
The lure of capitalism and the greed of small-town-self-interest will be explored in the Bluffton University Theatre presentation of "Paragon Springs" by Steven Dietz.
Corporate Partnership
A 20% tuition discount on graduate programs is just one of the benefits provided by a new corporate partnership between Grob Systems, Inc., and Bluffton University.
Alumni weekend
Along with cheering on the football, volleyball and swim teams, the Beavers will host alumni gatherings, food trucks, Beaver Tail-Gating and more for homecoming and alumni weekend.
Cross Cultural Forum
Students who participated in spring 2023 short-term cross-cultural experiences spoke during Forum.
2023-24 Enrollment
Bluffton University enrollment for 2023-24 includes 205 new traditional undergraduate students (up from 172 a year ago) and 54 new graduate students (a 50 percent increase.)
$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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.