Bluffton University news

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.


Junior Jenna Juarez earned first place in the annual C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest with her speech “Promoting Peace in Skilled Nursing Facilities.”

Speaking peace

Jenna Juarez advocated for including meaningful daily activities for elders in her winning speech during the C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest.


Bluffton University's various music groups will perform amusing and familiar pieces this Spring Fling

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.


Several students will present their speeches for the C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest

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.


Women's basketball, volleyball, and softball coach, the late Kim Fischer

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.


An exceptional performance will be put on by Bluffton University’s Masterworks

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

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.


Jamy Bechler, author, podcaster and former basketball coach.

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.


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