Bluffton University news
Bluffton's 125th year
Founded in 1899, Bluffton will mark its 125th year during Homecoming and Alumni Weekend on Oct. 4-6.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tibetans' Culture
Four Tibetan monks will present their 2024 US Tour's fundamental goals, featuring a showing of their healing chants at Bluffton University.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Faculty development of computational simulations supporting climate study, literature research and installation of a permaculture garden will be supported by research grants.
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.
Speaking peace
Jenna Juarez advocated for including meaningful daily activities for elders in her winning speech during the C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest.
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.
Oratorical Contest
Students selected to participate in the annual C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest will prepare an oration that applies a peace-church perspective to an issue of contemporary concern.
Kim Fischer Dedication
The Kim Fischer Press Box at Bluffton University Softball Field, to be dedicated on Saturday, April 6, honors the legacy of Kim Fischer, Bluffton's winningest female coach.
French Concert
Dr. Bo Young Kang will be conducting Bluffton University's Masterworks performance of French composer Maurice Duruflé's "Requiem" at 2:30 p.m. on April 14 in Yoder Recital Hall.
Civic Engagement '24
Dr. J. Walter Paquin, professor of social work, will present the annual Civic Engagement Forum explaining the importance of making choices that enhance emotional well-being.
Athletics Awards
Bluffton University will recognize its top student-athletes at the annual Athletics Awards Forum, featuring a presentation by author and former basketball coach Jamy Bechler.
Nature: the main event
A climate activist and Pueblo descendant, Sarah Augustine, co-founder of the Coalition for Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery, presented "So We and Our Children May Live."
Gambling Addiction
Bluffton University's Virtue-Driven Athletics program invited Patrick Chester to help student-athletes gain awareness of sports betting and pinpoint the signs of gambling addiction.
Brass Quartet Concert
Under the direction of Dr. Roy Couch, the Brass Quartet will perform a variety of pieces including "How to Train Your Dragon" and "Sweet Caroline" on April 7 in Yoder Recital Hall.