2019-20 University news
Keep in the know with news and feature stories from academic year 2019-20.
Study Buddies continue
The education department will continue offering free online educational enrichment, Bluffton Study Buddies, in response to K-12 school closures each Tuesday and Thursday through the month of May.
Virtual campus ministries
Chapel continued during its weekly Thursday morning time through Zoom videoconferencing instead of in-person at Yoder Recital Hall.
Peace Oratorical Contest
Gabriel Denecker '21 won first place in the C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest. Denecker's speech sought to demonstrate how Catholic social teaching shares much in common with Mennonite peace church theology.
Academic awards
Bluffton University is recognizing many of its top students for their academic achievements. Thirty-three seniors were honored as distinguished scholars in their respective academic areas.
Alumni Master's Degree Grant
All alumni who earned their undergraduate degree at Bluffton are eligible for a 20 percent tuition discount on Bluffton master's degree programs.
ACT not required
Bluffton is adopting a test-flexible policy for students seeking admission to traditional undergraduate programs.
Athletics respond
Today's Bluffton Beavers continue to be resourceful and accomplish more with less despite their seasons ending early, classes moving online and being separated from friends and teammates due to the coronavirus.
Athletes of the year
Andrew Renner, men's basketball, and Alexis Cash, cross country/track and field, received the 2020 Bluffton senior Athlete of the Year awards.
New science major
Bluffton's major in medical laboratory science prepares students for a career as a scientist who conducts and reads medical tests in hematology, microbiology, immunology and more.
Presidential Scholarship
An incoming student at Bluffton University has been awarded the university's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, valued at more than $140,000 for four years.
Virtual visit day
High school juniors and their families are invited to attend a Virtual Junior Visit Day on Friday, April 17.
Zoom at Noon
Adult and graduate program directors will introduced their programs in 30-minute webinars, April 20-24, 2020.
Global health class
Nursing students learn from professionals on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, nurses from Italy and a doctor from Toledo.
That's how we innovate
Bluffton Study Buddies connects education majors with children needing help with academics. In its first 10 days, students from New York to Iowa logged on to the Study Buddies Zoom page.
Beaver-Falcon MAcc Scholarship
Kirk Kauder from Curtice, Ohio, is Bluffton's eighth recipient of a full scholarship to Bowling Green State University's Master of Accountancy program.
Bluffton Study Buddies
Bluffton education majors and student teachers will provide free online academic help and educational games/activities for K-12 students during school closures in Ohio.
Chorale and camerata
Bluffton University will host a spring choral concert featuring the University Chorale and Camerata Singers at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March. 22, 2020.
Deserving happiness
Dr. Jackie Wyse-Rhodes, assistant professor of religion at Bluffton University, will present Bluffton's annual Civic Engagement Day Forum titled, "Deserving Happiness: A Wisdom Conversation."
Preventative Self-Care
Heidi Mercer, assistant professor of social work, will present "Preventive Self-Care: How to live your best life in the field of social work" on March 20.
Social work program celebrated
Alumni and faculty will share stories during the Forum presentation on March 17 to honor the 75th anniversary of the Bluffton social work program.
The Witmarsum wins
"The Witmarsum," Bluffton University's student-driven media organization, earned three awards during the 2020 Ohio Collegiate Newspaper and Website Competition.
A selfie world
David Stamile will speak during Bluffton University's Spiritual Life Week Forum at 11 a.m. on March 10 in Yoder Recital Hall
Tips shared
Three young Bluffton alumni in corporate positions returned to campus with guidance for current students.
Internship experience
Rowena Zuercher '20, a social work and Spanish double major, will share about her Summer Discovery Grant internship experience at Lighthouse Ministries.
Seeking nominations
The Bluffton University Alumni Association is seeking Alumni Award nominations for the Lifetime Service Award and the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Beaver reveal 2020
Perhaps one of the most tightly guarded secrets at Bluffton University is the identities of J. Denny and Jenny Beaver.
Senior Showcase
Senior artists and graphic designers from Bluffton University will showcase their most prominent work in the Grace Albrecht Gallery in Sauder Visual Arts Center.
Personal branding
Marathana Prothro will present the Colloquium, "Inside Job: An Integrated Approach to Personal Branding," at 4 p.m. on Feb. 21 in Centennial Hall's Stutzman Lecture Hall.
2020 tour of Europe
Bluffton University President Jane Wood and Dr. Gerald Mast, professor of communication, will host a tour of Europe Sept. 26-Oct. 7, 2020.
Brass quintet
Tickets are available for the March 12 performance by professional brass quintet at 7 p.m. in Bluffton University's Yoder Recital Hall.
Faculty pianist
Bluffton University's newest music department member will perform a recital at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, in Yoder Recital Hall.
Diversity and peace
Bluffton University will host an instrumental concert featuring its Concert Band at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, in Yoder Recital Hall.
A Life in Story
Dr. Jane Wood, president of Bluffton University shared "A Life in Story: The Construction of Personal Narrative" during her Jan. 31 Colloquium presentation.
Valentine's Bread
The Bluffton Bread Company is back for Valentine's Day with Triple Chocolate Bread--perfect for the chocolate lover in your life, even if that's you.
Values-based athletics
David King will present the Forum, "Values-based Athletics in a Social Media World," at 11 a.m. on Feb. 18 in Yoder Recital Hall.
Business Alumni Forum
A panel of Bluffton University alumni currently working in corporate roles will share about life after graduation during Forum at 11 a.m. on Feb. 18.
That Moment of Wept
Poet George Kalamaras will give a public reading at 4 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20, in the Reading Room of Bluffton University's Musselman Library.
Seeds of change
During Bluffton University's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Forum, Dr. LaShonda Gurley issued a challenge: "Be the seeds, shift the culture, walk the talk."
Lunch and Learn
Bluffton University's junior nutrition students will host the 2020 Lunch and Learn series from Feb. 12 to April 15 on the first floor of Berky Hall.
Future teachers invited
High school students are invited to learn more about Bluffton University's Educator Preparation Program, the demands and rewards of teaching, and more.
Activist and advocate
Cyneatha Millsaps will present the Forum, "Gun Violence: Its Effects on Family and Community," at 11 a.m. on Feb. 11 in Yoder Recital Hall.
Positive social change
Alaina Shearer will share her personal and professional journey toward positive social change at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4 in Yoder Recital Hall.
Learning in Community
Dr. Melissa Friesen and Dr. Walt Paquin will share during a Colloquium presentation at 4 p.m. on Feb. 7 in Centennial Hall's Stutzman Lecture Hall.
Relationships are key
Relationships, mentorship, education and focus are keys to leadership and professional development says Ronda Lehman, president of Mercy Health.
Celebrate the Library
Bluffton University's Musselman Library will host its seventh annual Celebrate the Library Week, Feb. 4-6 with the tag line: "Celebrating Student Research and Creativity."
Constructing your story
Dr. Jane Wood will share "A Life In Story: The Construction of Personal Narrative," during a Colloquium presentation at 4 p.m. on Jan. 31 in Centennial Hall's Stutzman Lecture Hall.
Bias and privilege
Dr. LaShonda Gurley will present "Walking the Talk: Transforming the Dream into Reality," at 11 a.m. on Jan. 21 in Yoder Recital Hall.
Recounting their travels
Bluffton University students who participated in long-term cross-cultural experiences in the fall will speak during Forum at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, in Yoder Recital Hall.
Genocide of the Mind
Dr. Melissa Michal will share "Genocide of the Mind and Indigenous Resilience," during a Colloquium presentation at 4 p.m. on Jan. 17.
A Health Care Journey
Ronda K. Lehman, president, Mercy Health Lima, will share "My Leadership Journey in Health Care," during forum at 11 a.m. on Jan. 14 in Yoder Recital Hall.
VP for fiscal affairs
Arthur Woodruff has been appointed as Bluffton University's vice president for fiscal affairs. Woodruff, who is originally from the Lima area, started his role at Bluffton on Jan. 2.
Human Targets
Bluffton University's Grace Albrecht Gallery will host the art exhibit "Human Targets" by Margaret Brostrom and George Cooley, Jan. 8-Feb. 23, 2020.
Hall of Fame
Three exceptional Bluffton alumni will be honored during the 2020 Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Sarah (Betts '06) vonSeggern, Jerry Burrey '65 and Ed Diller '69.
Love is in the Air
Make reservations now for an elegant evening in Yoder Recital Hall lobby with live music and a four-course meal during the third annual "Love is in the Air" event.
Alpha
Video and discussion groups provide a fresh way for students to come together for no-pressure conversations about faith, life and God.
Callings, vision, future
Glen Guyton, executive director of Mennonite Church USA, spoke to students about finding their calling and shared his vision for the future of Mennonite Church USA.
"Messiah" soloists
Bluffton University's music department has announced the soloists for its 124th performance of Handel's "Messiah," at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, in Yoder Recital Hall.
Vs. Cancer Ambassador
Baseball Coach James Grandey is a member of the inaugural class of Vs. Cancer Ambassadors. His teams have raised more than $50,000 to support childhood brain tumor research.
Colossians explored
Pastor Melissa Florer-Bixler served as a guide for the Bluffton University community as they explored the theme "Jesus: More than a Feeling" during Bluffton University's semiannual Spiritual Life Week.
Joy of 'entanglement'
For 2007 graduate Jenna Liechty Martin, living a life of wholeness and joy is only possible in community, a community not just comprised of people.
Friday Colloquium
Dr. Alex Sider will present "The Myth of Redemptive Violence" during Colloquium, Friday, Dec. 6, in Centennial Hall's Stutzman Lecture Hall.
Christmas Festival
The Bluffton University music department will present the annual Christmas Festival Forum on Dec. 3 in Yoder Recital Hall.
Shop Small Saturday
The Bluffton Bread Company will sell a limited quantity of freshly-baked loaves Saturday, Nov. 30, at Roots by Strattons, 111 S. Main Street, Bluffton.
124th performance
Bluffton University will present its 124th performance of Handel's "Messiah" at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, in Yoder Recital Hall. While tickets are free, seats must be reserved at http://tickets.bluffton.edu or at Marbeck Center.
Competing with pottery
The Bluffton University ceramics class is hosting a pottery competition for interested high school students on Saturday, Nov. 23. The event is for students both advanced and novice.
Navigating today's culture
Glen Guyton, executive director, Mennonite Church USA, will provide the Forum presentation, "Living Well. Living My IDEAL Life," on Tuesday, Nov. 26 in Yoder Recital Hall.
Houshower Christmas
Faculty, staff, students and community members are invited to gather at Bluffton University's Campus Welcome Center for the second annual "Christmas at the Houshower House."
#GivingTuesday
Join us on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, and take a journey of discovery alongside our students by supporting the Bluffton Blueprint. Help us meet our goal to support the education of Bluffton's students.
Collage Concert
Bluffton University will host the Holiday Collage Concert at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 in Yoder Recital Hall including a Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, and University Chorale and Camerata Singers.
Finding the Empire
Dr. Cynthia Bandish will present the Colloquium "Finding the Empire at Yale" at 4 p.m., Nov. 22 in Centennial Hall's Stutzman Lecture Hall.
Entrepreneur to speak
Alaina Shearer, a seasoned speaker and professional change maker, will share her personal and professional journey toward positive social change at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 in Yoder Recital Hall.
Athletes host Youth Night
Bluffton University's Student Athletic Advisory Committee is hosting Youth Night from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17. Elementary-aged children and their families are invited to Sommer Center to interact with Bluffton University athletes.
BUNA to host dinner
The Bluffton University Nutrition Association (BUNA) will host its annual Harvest Dinner on Friday, Nov. 15. It will also be the initial sale location for the Bluffton Bread Company.
Camp Friedenswald
2007 Bluffton graduate Jenna Liechty Martin will share "Why Living My Best Life Depends on You: Camp as a Place of Interconnection and Joy."
Panel celebrates
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the major on campus, Bluffton University faculty, students and alumni are coming together for a series of events to highlight the career field
Digital Music Lab
Students had the opportunity to learn from Grammy nominated musician Kendall Nesbitt in the new Digital Music Lab. "They're introducing students to skills they absolutely can use professionally."
Toe-tapping concert
Bluffton University will host a concert featuring its Gospel Choir and Jazz Ensemble on Saturday, Nov. 9.
The importance of transparency
Keith Faber, Ohio's Auditor of State, spoke on the importance of transparency, both in business and in government, during his Forum presentation, "Business is Better in the Sunlight."
English Festival Forum
Eloisa Amezcua, poet, will be speaking at Forum on Nov. 12. Her presentation will examine the ways a poem can be a container for the truths it aims to convey.
Chamber ensemble concert
The Low Brass Ensemble and Woodwind Chamber Ensemble will perform a fall concert on Thursday, Nov. 14.
Trick-or-treat
Bluffton University is inviting community members and trick-or-treaters to Mosiman Hall from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31.
Journalism competition
Bluffton University's student-driven media organization "The Witmarsum" is hosting a journalism competition for high school students. To compete, submissions must be uploaded at www.bluffton.edu/journalism-competition by Dec. 11.
Food drive for Bluffton
The Bluffton University Social Work Club is sponsoring a canned food drive during the village of Bluffton's trick-or-treat time on Thursday, Oct. 31.
Ted & Company
Bluffton University's upcoming Spiritual Life Week will feature a Ted & Company performance of "We Own This Now" at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 5, in Yoder Recital Hall.
Apprentice at Chef
Jeanna Haggard, assistant professor of food and nutrition, will present the Colloquium, "Apprentice at Chef and the Farmer," at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8 in Centennial Hall's Stutzman Lecture Hall. This event is free and open to the public.
Pastor to share
Melissa Florer-Bixler, pastor of Raleigh Mennonite Church, will share "Becoming Atheists: Worship Among the Gods," during Bluffton University's Spiritual Life Week Forum on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Research in Hawaii
April Horton '20, a physics major from Findlay, Ohio, will share about her summer research experience in in Honolulu on Tuesday, Nov. 5 in Musselman Library's Reading Room.
Arsenic and Old Lace
Performances of Bluffton University's fall play, "Arsenic and Old Lace" by Joseph Kesselring will take place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31-Nov. 2 and 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 3 in Bluffton University's Ramseyer Auditorium.
Without a Plea: Poems
An author program and reception will be held for Jeff Gundy, poet and Bluffton University professor of English, on Oct. 24.
Music lab unveiling
Bluffton University's music department will host a reception for the opening of its Digital Music Lab at 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28.
Crowned king and queen
Seniors Tim Bender of Wellman, Iowa, and Leslie Beasley of Columbus, Ohio, were crowned Bluffton University's Homecoming king and queen at halftime of the annual Homecoming football game on Oct. 12.
Math competition host
Bluffton University's mathematics department will host its annual math competition for high school students on Saturday, Nov. 9, in Centennial Hall's Stutzman Lecture Hall.
Phonics education
Dr. Amy Mullins, associate professor and director of graduate programs in education, will present the Colloquium "Crack the Code: Phonics Resources for Mature Students," at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25 in Centennial Hall's Stutzman Lecture Hall.
Cast list announced
Bluffton University will present "Arsenic and Old Lace" by Joseph Kesselring for the fall play from Oct. 31-Nov. 3 in College Hall's Ramseyer Auditorium.
Anthrotopographies
Bluffton University's Grace Albrecht Gallery will host the art exhibit "Anthrotopographies" by John Sabraw. Opening Oct. 28, the exhibit is free and open to the public through Dec. 12.
Social work alumni forum
A panel of Bluffton University social work alumni will share "In the Field: Helping Others Live Their Best Lives Through Social Work" during Forum at 11 a.m. on Oct. 29.
Film and discussion
"How could one woman steal $53 million without anyone noticing?" This question will be addressed by the documentary film "All The Queen's Horses," shown Oct. 22.
Avoiding fraud
Keith Faber, Ohio Auditor of State, will discuss the importance of checks and balances to avoid fraud, during Forum on Oct. 22.
Songs of the season
Bluffton University will host an instrumental concert at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, in Yoder Recital Hall. The performance is free and open to the public.
Forum with Obi
Bluffton senior Obi Martin, an English major from Gordonville, Pa., will present, "When Spells Weren't Cast But Written", on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 11 a.m. in Musselman Library's Reading Room.
Monarch event
Naturalist Amy Norris will update the community about the Moyer Nature Center's new designation as a monarch waystation at 1 p.m., Oct. 19, at the Bluffton University Nature Preserve.
Art from Goshen
Bluffton University will host an artist reception for Merrill Krabill, chair of the art department at Goshen College, from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 12, in the Grace Albrecht Gallery.
Exploring education
High school students are invited to learn more about Bluffton University's Educator Preparation Program, the demands and rewards of teaching, and career routes for education majors during a special event for high school juniors and seniors hosted by the Bluffton Education Organization (BEO).
Alumni Awards
Jean Szabo and Carrie (Ream '85) Woodruff will be honored by the Alumni Association at Homecoming during the President's Banquet.
Business competition
High school students are invited to compete for $6,000 in scholarships and prizes during the Bluffton University Business Competition on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Cincinnati poet
Poet Matt Hart will give a public reading at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1, in Marbeck Center's Kreider Room at Bluffton University.
The opioid crisis
Award-winning filmmaker Conrad Weaver will share about his experiences documenting the opioid crisis during two Oct. 1 presentations on the campus of Bluffton University.
Bluffton's largest class
Bluffton University has enrolled its highest number of first-year students since 2013-14. The first-year class of 250 also has an average GPA of 3.26 and the average ACT score of 21.
Accomplishments and initiatives
President Jane Wood is looking to the future, both in the academic development of the student body at Bluffton University and in the overall health of the Northwest Ohio region.
Morality and money
Dr. Jonathan Andreas will present the Colloquium, "Morals Are a Must for Making Money and Why You Worry I'm Wrong," at 4 p.m. on Sept. 27 in Centennial Hall's Stutzman Lecture Hall.
Nature Event
Bluffton is hosting a fall nature walk for children at the Moyer Nature Center and Bluffton University Nature Preserve. The event will take place Saturday, Sept. 21, 11 a.m.- noon.
Homecoming Oct. 12
The Beavers take the field at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Salzman Stadium. Individual tickets to the Homecoming football game are $6 for adults, $5 for senior citizens over 60 and $3 for children aged 5-13. Tickets for children under 5 are free.
Constitution Day presentation
Judges Sean E. Leuthold ’88 and Shane M. Leuthold ’92 present on the Policy of Stop-and-Frisk at Bluffton University.
Bluffton moves up
Bluffton University has once again been named to the top tier of Midwest "regional colleges" in the "U.S. News & World Report" rankings released today.
Cross-Cultural
Students who participated in short-term cross-cultural experiences last spring will speak during Forum at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, in Yoder Recital Hall. The presentation is free and open to the public.
Alumna encourages students
Kathy Dickson '03, director of vocational discernment and community engagement at Methodist Theological School of Ohio, provided Bluffton University students with tangible tips and practices for vocational discernment.
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."
Constitution Day
Sean E. Leuthold '88 and Shane M. Leuthold '92 will present a forum on the Policy of Stop-and-Frisk on Tuesday, Sept. 17, in Yoder Recital Hall.
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.