Bluffton University

The Big Reveal 2025

01/29/2025

Professors were invited to reveal the 2024-25 mascots. Dr. Joyce Jackson, education, revealed Ella Meyers as Jenny; and Dr. Lamar Nisly, English, revealed Ally Zvara as J Denny.

Bluffton’s Beaver mascots revealed

Throughout the year, Bluffton University’s mascots, J Denny and Jenny Beaver, greet new students at admissions events, cheer teams on at games and increase campus spirit all while keeping their identities secret.

Two students were revealed and joined the revered ranks of Beaver mascot alumni during the Saturday, Jan. 25, basketball doubleheader against Franklin College.

Ella Meyers ’25

Being within the correct height ranges for both Beaver suits, Ella Meyers, senior intervention specialist major from Kalida, Ohio, served as both J Denny and Jenny Beaver throughout the year. 

She enjoyed interacting with the whole student body and representing the university through both J Denny and Jenny.  One of her favorite memories was stealing the award-winning scooter at Dam Jam and riding it onto the court.  

“My mom actually encouraged me to apply,” said Meyers. “My first year at Bluffton, I was a cheerleader, so it was really fun for me cheering on the Beavers from a different perspective through J Denny and Jenny.” 

Meyers was in the suit at several football games, Dam Jam and Finals Breakfast. Her campus involvement includes being a President’s Ambassador, Resident Advisor and working in the campus store. 

Ally Zvara ’25

Ally Zvara, an English AYA major from Wellington, Ohio, served as J Denny Beaver at events ranging from Homecoming to Discover Bluffton to the Dam Awards. Besides having her secret identity of being J Denny on campus, she’s also a member of Peer Awareness Leaders (PALs) and Student Senate vice president.

Zvara said she had a lot of fun interacting with the crowd at football games. Zvara said she loved being able to pick on her friends without them knowing it was secretly her! 

“Being the beaver is such a unique experience and I would recommend it to anyone,” said Zvara. “I never thought this was something I would do during my college career, but my friend, Noah Heiing ’24 (former J Denny 2023-24) encouraged me to try out and I haven’t regretted a single moment.” 

Zvara is finishing her final semester on campus by student teaching at Delphos St. John’s High School in Delphos, Ohio. After graduation, Zvara plans stay in the Bluffton area and become a high school English teacher with the end goal to become a university English professor. 

The reveal kicked off the application process for the next round of Beavers to be selected for the 2025-26 academic year. 

J Denny came on the scene in fall 2010 to honor Dr. J. Denny Weaver, professor emeritus of religion and longtime faculty athletics representative at Bluffton. First introduced in 2014 to help J Denny spread campus cheer, Jenny celebrated her 10th birthday in fall 2024. Since their introductions, 55 students have served as J Denny or Jenny Beaver.