2018-19 University news
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.
Kerry Pinion Forum
Alumna Kerry Pinion, a manager for recruiting services for Automatic Data Processing, returned to Bluffton to share some advice to students for their next step in life— joining the full-time workforce.
Cross Cultural Forum
Community building and appreciation for cultural beauty were a few of the recurring themes Bluffton University students shared about their May-term cross cultural experiences during the annual cross-cultural Forum.
Harvest Dinner
What started out as a spaghetti dinner fundraiser organized by Bluffton University nutrition and dietetics students 16 years ago has this year evolved into a farm-to-table feast featuring local produce and homemade fare.
Knowlton Science Center
Sodexo has made a lead corporate contribution to sponsor the state-of-the-art Nutrition and Dietetics Lab in the new Austin E. Knowlton Science Center.
Science Building Development
The Bluffton University Board of Trustees approved the next step in project development for a new science building.
Spiritual Life Week
Using the theme “Reimagining the Church: Looking Back to Move Forward” as inspiration, Bluffton University students explored the relevance of the Church in the modern era during Spiritual Life Week.
Helen
This modern adaptation of the Greek myth about Helen of Troy tackles issues that are as common today as they were in the Iron Age.
Reading Endorsement
Teachers seeking to advance their careers can fast-track their plans by enrolling in Bluffton University's summer reading endorsement program.
Safety first
Bluffton football has added a new piece of equipment to its practice lineup--Guardian Caps. The soft-shell helmet covers better absorbs the impact of collisions than a helmet alone.
Youth nutrition
Who knew fresh fruits and vegetables could be so exciting? Joshua Becasen, a dietetic intern at Bluffton University, did. After teaching a short lesson on the differences between fruits and vegetables, Becasen started a chant at Freedom Elementary.
Alumni Awards
Exceptional Bluffton University alumni will be honored this year during two events on Homecoming, Oct. 13.
Summer Discovery Grant
Becky Boban '19, an art and writing major, was the recipient of a Summer Discovery Grant, which allowed her to attend a writing workshop and devote her summer break to the written word.
National recognition
Bluffton University has once again been named to the top tier of Midwest "regional colleges" by the "U.S. News & World Report" rankings released today.
New faculty/staff
A new president, two faculty members and 26 staff members or graduate assistants joined the Bluffton community this academic year.
CAEP accreditation
Bluffton University is one of 147 educator preparation programs approved under the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) standards.
Welcome Center
Bluffton is moving its Welcome Center. The Houshower House, a beautiful cottage with a rich campus history, now serves as the first point of contact for campus visitors.
Tough conversations
Author and counselor Jonas Beiler urged first-year students at Bluffton University to talk, listen to others, and share a meal.
Changes on the Board
The Board of Trustees recognized three outgoing board members, welcomed two new members and approved a newly endowed scholarship during the trustees' spring meeting in June.
Grant funds new course
A $25,000 grant will help Bluffton University implement a new, high-impact learning experience for sophomore students.