Traditional Campus Events
Student activities at Bluffton University features a variety of events, including
two weekly programming series: the Thursday Night Spotlight and Marbeck After Dark
series. In addition to those two series, there are a number of traditional events
that happen every year on campus. Find information below highlights of our traditional
favorite events that we plan every year!
If you’d like more information about these events or how to get involved, contact
the Office of Student Engagement at engagement@bluffton.edu.
Bluffton Olympics
Coordinated by Marbeck Center Board, Bluffton Olympics is the first big traditional
event for first-year students. First Year students and their orientation groups will
compete in a series of games and activities, such as a three-legged race and egg-carrying
race. This event happens the weekend of fall welcome.
Homecoming
Homecoming week activities are usually held in October with an event every night in
the week leading up to Homecoming Saturday. Activities are planned by a Student Homecoming
Committee, advised by the office of student engagement.
Dam Jam
Dam Jam is similar to Midnight Madness at other colleges, except that at Bluffton
it marks the transition from fall sports to winter sports. The event has a basketball
theme as students, faculty, and staff get to show off their skills on the court to
win prizes and have a good time. Students also have a chance to compete for great
prizes, such as gaming systems, televisions, or bookstore gift cards! This event is
a great collaboration of Marbeck Center Board and the Bluffton University Cheerleaders.
Finals Breakfast
Finals week is always a stressful time on all campuses, but at Bluffton we try to
make it a little less stressful with Finals Breakfast! During finals week in the fall,
faculty and staff work with Marbeck Center Board in order to provide a study break
featuring games, caroling, and, of course, free breakfast! Oh, did we mention that
this breakfast is served at 10PM? It’s one of our favorites!
Cabaret for a Cause
Cabaret for a cause is a semi-formal event where students, community members, and
faculty/staff tome come together and show off their musical talents. Cabaret for a
cause raises money for a local charity each year in March. This event is coordinated
by the Office of Student Involvement with co-sponsorship by Marbeck Center Board and
Student Senate!
Lil Sibs/Riley Creek Festival/Bluffton 500
Every spring, Bluffton University holds a Little Sibs Weekend where current students
can bring their younger brothers and sisters to campus for a weekend full of fun activities!
The highlight of the weekend is our traditional Riley Creek Festival, which is an
event designed for both students and community members to come and enjoy live entertainment,
inflatables, and food. The Riley Creek Festival is also the event where the annual
rubber duck race down the Little Riley Creek is staged, so it’s always sure to be
a blast! It’s fun for all ages! This event is coordinated by the Office of Student
Involvement in collaboration with Marbeck Activities Council, Student Senate and other
groups.
Thursday night spotlight
Coordinated by the office of student engagement, each Thursday night features a different
student organization putting on an event for the campus. This can include talent shows,
karaoke, ice cream social and more. It is a time where students get to learn about
the various groups on campus and get to interact with other students on campus. It
is a great way to support the student groups on campus.
MAD
Marbeck After Dark events are sponsored by Marbeck Activities Council. Every Friday
night has a different event, which are planned by students for students. Events range
from black light dances, to frozen yogurt parties and Karaoke night. These events
are put on to build a community across campus by bringing people together in one place!
Beaver Tail-Gating
Beaver Tail-Gating is one way for students to engage in fun, fellowship and the chance
to meet new people while supporting our student-athletes. Held before every home football
game in the Saltzman Stadium parking lot. Corn hole, food, music and more.
