Bluffton University news
New Experiences
Bluffton University and partners across the city are connecting in new and meaningful ways. Students will explore direct connections between their academic studies and community engagement.
"Messiah" rehearsals begin
Rehearsals for the 124th performance of Handel's "Messiah" will be held 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays each week from Sept. 24-Dec. 3 in the Gilliom Room of Mosiman Hall on campus.
President to share
Dr. Jane Wood, president of Bluffton University, will present the Forum "President's Reflections and Bluffton University Initiatives in 2019-20."
Tailgating
Beginning Saturday, Sept. 14, the Bluffton fans can enjoy Beaver Tail-Gating before all home football games. Tailgating starts at 10 a.m., with the game following at 1:30 p.m.
Convocation
During a time when, as a whole, our nation's perceived well-being is declining, the importance of relationships was emphasized as a key to happiness during Opening Convocation.
Welcome new faculty and staff
Five faculty members and 20 staff members or graduate assistants are joining the Bluffton University community this academic year.
The power of plant pigments
Dr. Angela Montel, professor of biology, will present "The Power of Purple (and Red and Blue and Green and Yellow and Orange) Plant Pigments to Promote Human Health," on Sept. 6.
Summer Discovery Program
Rowena Zuercher created her own social work internship through the Summer Discovery Program which provides a $1,500 grant for Bluffton students to explore their vocation.
Ball in the House
Ball in the House will perform Sept. 19 in Yoder Recital Hall. The high energy a cappella group performs R&B, soul and pop hits that have audiences singing, dancing and beatboxing along.
Vocational discernment
Kathy Dickson '03, director of vocational discernment and community engagement at Methodist Theological School of Ohio, will speak Sept. 3 on "Discernment on Purpose--Checking in on Your Best Life."
Opening convocation
"The Power of Relationships: How Connectivity Impacts Well-Being" will be the Opening Convocation address by Dr. Beth Taylor Mack of the YMCA of the USA.
Krabill art exhibit
"A Visual Reflection on Fear and Connection" by Merrill Krabill of Goshen College, will be displayed Aug. 26 - Oct. 18 in Grace Albrecht Gallery.
Community sing
Dr. Bo Young Kang, director of choral activities, will lead an informal singing event on Wednesday, Aug. 21, in Mosiman Hall.
Commencement 2019
Faculty, family members and friends filled Sommer Center to witness Bluffton's 119th commencement ceremony. State Representative Riordan McClain '06 returned to campus to present the commencement address.
Faculty research
Bluffton University faculty members who have been awarded grants, sabbaticals and other scholarly endeavors were recognized at the 2019 Dean's Reception.
Academic awards
Bluffton University recognized many of its top students for their academic achievements at the annual Academic Awards and Honors Forum.
Prothro forum
In an era when divisiveness and negative rhetoric seems to be admired, Marathana Prothro, assistant professor of communication at Bluffton University, is instead encouraging understanding.
Outstanding athletes
Isaac Zickafoose, football, and Erin Weisgarber, volleyball, were named Bluffton's outstanding senior male and female athlete of 2019.
Academic awards
Bluffton University will host its annual Academic Awards Forum at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, in Yoder Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
Oratorical contest winner
Hannah Conklin '19, a convergent media major and journalism minor from Westerville, Ohio, was named the winner of Bluffton University's annual C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest held April 3.
Alumni forum
Nowlin, a 1991 graduate, presented the Alumni Forum "The Light Still Shines Bright Off the Field: Success in Leadership and Life" to a packed Stuzman Lecture Hall.
Keeney Peace Lecture
During Bluffton University's annual Keeney Peace Lecture, John Sharp shared "Changing the World One Life at a Time: The MJ Sharp Story."
Accelerated MBA
To prepare professionals to excel in today's high-demand workforce, Bluffton is now offering an accelerated 12-month Leadership Master of Business Administration, in addition to its 24-month program.
Project Wild
Sixteen future teachers recently took part in a unique training for hands-on science education, including a hands-on field investigation of plants and wildlife outside the new Moyer Nature Center.
Of Bronze and Bravery
Through artwork, letters and scrapbooks, Archivist Carrie Phillips is sharing Bluffton's unique history during and after World War I. The exhibit "Of Bronze and Bravery" is on display in Musselman Library.
Theatre for social justice
Melissa Friesen presented a piece of theatre during Friday Colloquium, inviting attendees to participate as actors and provide feedback. The intent of community-based theatre is to engage and spark change.
Alternative Pathway to Licensure
Bluffton is one of five universities in Ohio to provide coursework for an alternative pathway to teaching for professionals who later felt the call to the classroom.
Trustees meeting
At their winter meeting, the Board of Trustees welcomed a new member; approved new housing options, scholarships and sabbaticals; and granted emeritus status to two retiring faculty members.
We're All A Little Crazy
"We approach mental health in a way that's like, 'What are the challenges that we all face that ultimately affect our mental health?' which makes it a topic for everyone.'"
Voices of Conscience
Bluffton will host the traveling exhibit "Voices of Conscience," Feb. 17 through March 31. This dramatic exhibit remembers the witness of peace-minded people against the First World War.
Servant leadership
Nate Fields '71 came to Bluffton the year Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "Blueprint" speech. Originally having "no other purpose than to play football," he graduated with a mission to serve.
Beaver-Falcon scholarship
Jordan Stutzman, a senior from Millersburg, Ohio, is Bluffton University's seventh recipient of a full scholarship to Bowling Green State University's Master of Accountancy program.
HLC Reaccreditation
"Bluffton's successful HLC reaccreditation visit confirms not only the stable and secure foundation of the university, but strongly positions us to partner with businesses and the nonprofit community."
VP named
Dr. Lamar Nisly has been appointed as vice president and dean of academic affairs. Nisly has served as the interim vice president and dean of academic affairs since June 2017.