Bluffton University news
Beaver athletics return
The safer return to athletics plan includes competition opportunities for all teams. For some teams this means a spring conference game schedule. For other teams, there will be no changes to the schedule.
2020 Commencement
Dr. David Yost '83, CDC consultant, addressed the 2020 Bluffton University graduating class during a socially-distanced, in person Commencement at Salzman Stadium.
Board of Trustees
During the spring 2020 meeting, Trustees discussed the implementation of the university's newly developed strategic plan, taking action on return to campus plans and reviewing increased diversity and inclusion efforts.
First class of SLPA graduates
Bluffton is celebrating its first class of speech-language pathology and audiology program graduates. The SLPA program was added in 2016 to meet the growing need for professionals in this area.
Scholarly Research
For a quarter century, Bluffton professors J. Denny Weaver and Gerald Mast have been writing, researching and collaborating on projects exploring the Anabaptist peace church tradition.
Classes to resume in fall 2020
Fall semester will begin Aug. 17, 2020. Students will finish fall semester classes by Thanksgiving break and not return to campus until January to minimize the risk of virus spread.
Study Buddies continue
The education department will continue offering free online educational enrichment, Bluffton Study Buddies, in response to K-12 school closures each Tuesday and Thursday through the month of May.
Virtual campus ministries
Chapel continued during its weekly Thursday morning time through Zoom videoconferencing instead of in-person at Yoder Recital Hall.
Peace Oratorical Contest
Gabriel Denecker '21 won first place in the C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest. Denecker's speech sought to demonstrate how Catholic social teaching shares much in common with Mennonite peace church theology.
Academic awards
Bluffton University is recognizing many of its top students for their academic achievements. Thirty-three seniors were honored as distinguished scholars in their respective academic areas.
Alumni Master's Degree Grant
All alumni who earned their undergraduate degree at Bluffton are eligible for a 20 percent tuition discount on Bluffton master's degree programs.
ACT not required
Bluffton is adopting a test-flexible policy for students seeking admission to traditional undergraduate programs.
Athletics respond
Today's Bluffton Beavers continue to be resourceful and accomplish more with less despite their seasons ending early, classes moving online and being separated from friends and teammates due to the coronavirus.
Athletes of the year
Andrew Renner, men's basketball, and Alexis Cash, cross country/track and field, received the 2020 Bluffton senior Athlete of the Year awards.
New science major
Bluffton's major in medical laboratory science prepares students for a career as a scientist who conducts and reads medical tests in hematology, microbiology, immunology and more.
Presidential Scholarship
An incoming student at Bluffton University has been awarded the university's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, valued at more than $140,000 for four years.
Zoom at Noon
Adult and graduate program directors will introduced their programs in 30-minute webinars, April 20-24, 2020.
Global health class
Nursing students learn from professionals on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, nurses from Italy and a doctor from Toledo.
That's how we innovate
Bluffton Study Buddies connects education majors with children needing help with academics. In its first 10 days, students from New York to Iowa logged on to the Study Buddies Zoom page.
Beaver-Falcon MAcc Scholarship
Kirk Kauder from Curtice, Ohio, is Bluffton's eighth recipient of a full scholarship to Bowling Green State University's Master of Accountancy program.
Bluffton Study Buddies
Bluffton education majors and student teachers will provide free online academic help and educational games/activities for K-12 students during school closures in Ohio.
Deserving happiness
Dr. Jackie Wyse-Rhodes, assistant professor of religion at Bluffton University, will present Bluffton's annual Civic Engagement Day Forum titled, "Deserving Happiness: A Wisdom Conversation."
Social work program celebrated
Alumni and faculty will share stories during the Forum presentation on March 17 to honor the 75th anniversary of the Bluffton social work program.
The Witmarsum wins
"The Witmarsum," Bluffton University's student-driven media organization, earned three awards during the 2020 Ohio Collegiate Newspaper and Website Competition.
Tips shared
Three young Bluffton alumni in corporate positions returned to campus with guidance for current students.
Seeking nominations
The Bluffton University Alumni Association is seeking Alumni Award nominations for the Lifetime Service Award and the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Beaver reveal 2020
Perhaps one of the most tightly guarded secrets at Bluffton University is the identities of J. Denny and Jenny Beaver.
2020 tour of Europe
Bluffton University President Jane Wood and Dr. Gerald Mast, professor of communication, will host a tour of Europe Sept. 26-Oct. 7, 2020.
A Life in Story
Dr. Jane Wood, president of Bluffton University shared "A Life in Story: The Construction of Personal Narrative" during her Jan. 31 Colloquium presentation.
Valentine's Bread
The Bluffton Bread Company is back for Valentine's Day with Triple Chocolate Bread--perfect for the chocolate lover in your life, even if that's you.
Seeds of change
During Bluffton University's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Forum, Dr. LaShonda Gurley issued a challenge: "Be the seeds, shift the culture, walk the talk."
Lunch and Learn
Bluffton University's junior nutrition students will host the 2020 Lunch and Learn series from Feb. 12 to April 15 on the first floor of Berky Hall.
Future teachers invited
High school students are invited to learn more about Bluffton University's Educator Preparation Program, the demands and rewards of teaching, and more.
Relationships are key
Relationships, mentorship, education and focus are keys to leadership and professional development says Ronda Lehman, president of Mercy Health.
Celebrate the Library
Bluffton University's Musselman Library will host its seventh annual Celebrate the Library Week, Feb. 4-6 with the tag line: "Celebrating Student Research and Creativity."