Bluffton University news

To fully fund the Foundation, Bluffton is launching “Distinctively Bluffton: The Campaign for Bluffton College Foundation.” The goal is to raise $12.5 million in unrestricted dollars to build a robust endowment.

Foundation launched

Bluffton College Foundation's goal is to invest in educational excellence, infrastructure and innovative initiatives that will ensure Bluffton's legacy is maintained on the Bluffton campus.


A sampling of love stories that began on Bluffton's campus.

Love along the Riley

Shared classes, mutual extracurriculars, random meetings along the path. People meet and fall in love on campus in many ways. However, like the Riley Creek their connection to Bluffton is a constant.


Emeritus professor of history, Dr. Perry Bush

2025 Commencement

Dr. Perry Bush, emeritus professor of history, will address the 125th graduating class during the May 3 Commencement ceremony in Sommer Center.


University of Findlay's professor of media and communication, Diana Montague

UF History Forum

Dr. Diana Montague will present "Researching University of Findlay's Growth" on Feb. 25, discussing the university's development from 1983-2019.


Jacob Hoffmann plans to study pre-physical therapy and play soccer at Bluffton.

Scholarship Winner

Jacob Hoffmann, from Toledo, Ohio, won Bluffton University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship valued at more than $150,000.


Bluffton University's Musselman Library

Fall 24' Dean's List

The Fall 2024 Dean's List recognizes students with a GPA of 3.6+ in at least half-time graded courses, with distinction for those achieving 3.75+.


Greg Mott of the University of Findlay and Dr. Paul Neufeld Weaver of Bluffton University pose with their host family during the UF study trip to Peru,

Study trip to Peru

To conclude his sabbatical, Dr. Paul Neufeld Weaver co-led a University of Findlay study trip to Peru. This is an example of collaboration and shared resources between Bluffton and Findlay.


Professors were invited to reveal the 2024-25 mascots. Dr. Joyce Jackson, education, revealed Jenny Ella Meyers; and Dr. Lamar Nisly, English, revealed J Denny Ally Zvara. Other performers for 2024-25 will continue for 2025-26.

The Big Reveal 2025

Who were in the mascot suits in 2024-25? It can now be told that Ella Meyers and Ally Zvara served as J Denny and Jenny Beaver in 2024-25.


Bluffton alumnus Dick Boehr first performed in the Messiah as a recent high school graduate.

A Boehr tradition

At Dick Boehr's 75th "Messiah" performance, his passion for the music and the community it creates continues to inspire those around him.


Bluffton University will host an Alumni and Friends tour of Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia, June 4-17, 2026.

Bosnia Alumni Trip

Bluffton University will host an Alumni and Friends tour of Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia, June 4-17, 2026.


Events commemorating Anabaptism at 500 throughout 2025

Anabaptism at 500

Bluffton University will host events in 2025 to mark 500 years of Anabaptism, including films, exhibits, and theater, celebrating faith, peace, and service.


Hannah Plesac '25, MND '26 completed a culinary internship at Purdue University. Hannah's dream is working in the field of sport nutrition, which will now become a reality with the new MND track at Bluffton University

New MND tracks

Specialized tracks in eating disorders and sports nutrition have been added to the Bluffton University Master of Nutrition and Dietetics.


Performances of Handel's

'Messiah' soloists

Erin Alcorn, soprano; Andrew Lipian, countertenor; Brian Skoog, tenor; and Jeremiah Sanders, baritone, will perform the solos for Bluffton's 130th and 131st performances of Handel's "Messiah."


Bluffton University’s fall play, “26 Pebbles.”

26 Pebbles

"26 Pebbles" tells the true story of the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting, honoring the 26 victims and exploring how the community coped with grief, hope, and healing.


The vacant Berky Hall will be demolished in spring 2025. Funding is being provided by a grant from Allen County Land Bank.

Demolish Berky

The vacant Berky Hall will be demolished in spring 2025. Funding is being provided by a grant from Allen County Land Bank.


“Apostle Paul takes each piece of the Roman soldier armor and connects a Christian value to each piece,” said Rev. Matthew Yoder.

Spiritual Life Week

"Put on the Armor of God" was the theme of fall Spiritual Life Week. Rev. Matthew Yoder, pastor of Grace Mennonite Church, worked with students to explore Ephesians 6:10-18.


Musical collaboration

Bluffton University, University of Findlay, College First Church of God choir and Findlay Civic Choir are combining forces to perform Handel's "Messiah" under the direction of Dr. SeaHwa Jung.


Online and cohort-based MBA recognized.

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.


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.


Students explored the Czech Republic, a former part of the Soviet Republic Czechoslovakia, that reflects remnants of a socialist past alongside a newer capitalist mentality.

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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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