Bluffton University news
Transfer honor roll
Bluffton was recently named to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society's 2022 Transfer Honor Roll in recognition of the dynamic pathways the university has created to support transfer students.
Ready to build a life
"We believe that Bluffton graduates are prepared for life as well as vocation, for responsible citizenship, for service to all peoples and, ultimately, for the purposes of God's universal kingdom."
Faculty research
Faculty members awarded research grants and sabbaticals shared their plans during the annual Dean's Reception.
2022 Academic Awards
Outstanding scholars were recognized for their academic achievements at the 2022 Academic Awards and Honors Forum.
Peace Lecture
Existing inequalities for people with disabilities were deepened by the COVID-19 pandemic according to Dr. J. Alexander Sider. He presented the 2022 C. Henry Smith Peace Lecture.
Research symposium
Student research, pre-professional and creative endeavors, ranging from an exploration of the molecular motion of water droplets to a multimedia presentation about a fictional apocalyptic event, were presented.
Developing leaders
Champion WNBA Coach Dan Hughes pointed to his "coaching tree" as his biggest career accomplishment. Hughes spoke at the Athletics Awards Forum. Awards were presented to Jameel Cosby and Brooke Kleman.
Commencement 2022
Peter Strange, chairman emeritus of Messer, Inc., will address the 2022 graduating class during the May 7 Commencement ceremony at Salzman Stadium.
Oratorical contest
Madison Baker '22, a marketing and sport management double major, won the annual C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest. Her speech focused on the stigma of human trafficking.
Modern Minimalism
Bluffton's year-long exploration of "Cultivating Modern Minimalism" culminated with Civic Engagement Day. More than 20 presentations were available, styled like an in-house conference.
STEM Scholarships
Bluffton has received a five year Choose Ohio First $138,600 grant by the Ohio Department of Higher Education to support students in STEM fields.
Prayer vigil
Bluffton University PEACE Club and Bluffton Area Ministerial Association will hold a joint prayer vigil Friday evening, April 1, for fallen Village of Bluffton police officer Dominic Francis.
37th English Festival
Author Helen Frost provided offered practical advice to aspiring writers during the 37th English Festival. About 50 high school students joined Bluffton students for a day celebrating the written word.
Students Explored 'God's Calling'
Listening for and following "God's Calling" was explored during spring 2022 Spiritual Life Week. Students delved into discerning their vocations with Kathy Dickson.
Rare Bible conserved
A 1531 Froschauer Bible has returned to Musselman Library. The conservation restored the structural integrity of the Bible so it could be examined--with proper handling techniques.
Classic murder mystery
Tickets are now available for the Bluffton production of Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap." In this classic whodunit, a blizzard traps seven strangers together with a murderer on the loose.
Scholarships approved
New endowed scholarships established in memory of former history faculty member John D. Unruh Jr. and Rose M. White were approved by the Board of Trustees.
Cancel Culture failure
Melissa Florer-Bixler addressed what she described as some of the most pressing concerns for society today: third way politics, cancel culture and polarization during the Keeney Peace Lecture.
We Remember
On the 15th anniversary of the Bluffton University baseball team's bus accident, more than 100 members of the Bluffton University community gathered to remember and reflect on the events of March 2, 2007, and the lives lost in Atlanta, Ga.
Women's soccer coach hired
Bluffton University has named Zach Hammon as its next head women's soccer coach.
Stadium lights
Stadium lights will be installed at Alumni Field in summer 2022. A 1973 Bluffton alumnus and his wife, Randy and Debbie Gade, made a $300,000 gift to fund this addition.
Cross-Cultural Forum
During the spring Cross-Cultural Forum, students shared about their experiences in Chicago, Nashville, England and Guatemala. The students took part in semester-long opportunities in the summer and fall of 2021.
IT collaboration
A collaboration between Bluffton University, Eastern Mennonite University and Goshen College is strengthening the three Mennonite institutions' ties and improving their respective IT departments.
Standing on principles
"The investments people make in you and the investments you make in other people transcend a lifetime," said Susan Manchester, State Representative for Ohio's 84th House District.
And J. Denny is...
J. Denny and Jenny Beaver took center stage Saturday when the identities of the students portraying Bluffton's mascots were revealed. Thank you Kelly, Adam, Rona and Evan!
Men's soccer coach
Steve Bushre will begin duties as Bluffton's head men's soccer coach on Feb. 1. He most recently as served an assistant coach at Indiana University East.
$2 million estate gift
Nursing students will benefit from a new scholarship funded by an estate gift from the trust of Hazel Robinson.
Beaver-Falcon award
Madison Brunswick, a senior from St. Henry, Ohio, is Bluffton's 10th recipient of a full scholarship to Bowling Green State University's Master of Accountancy program.
Nardo named head football coach
Bluffton University has named Matthew Nardo as its next head football coach.
Soloists for Messiah Performance
Bluffton's music department has announced the soloists for its 126th performance of Handel's "Messiah".
Haley Gill
Haley Gill '23, a nutrition and dietetics major, knew she needed to make the most of her summer when she received the Bluffton Summer Discovery Grant.
Board member welcomed
The Board of Trustees welcomed Azra Nakicevic, a 1998 Bluffton business administration graduate, as its newest member during the fall meeting. She is a tax partner at GBQ Partners in Columbus, Ohio.
Homemade meal to go
Prepared and served by the Bluffton University Nutrition Association, the annual Harvest Dinner returns as a drive-thru, prepaid event benefiting local charities.
Eyes opened
Students share stories of challenges, beauty and culture following cross cultural experiences to Kentucky/Appalachia, San Antonio/South Texas, the U.S. Southwest/Hopi, Navajo and Zuni people, and Guatemala.
Construction begins
The two-story, nearly 20,000 square foot Austin E. Knowlton Science Center will feature six labs, faculty offices and interactive collaborative space for students.