Love along the Riley
02/14/2025
A sampling of love stories that began on Bluffton's campus.
Building on Faith and friendship
Mark Roeschley ’75 and Jane Thorley Roeschley ’77
Mark Roeschley ’75 and Jane Thorley ’77 arrived at Bluffton College at different times,
each bringing their own dreams and aspirations. Mark, a business and math major, and
Jane, a home economics major, might have crossed paths in various settings. However,
the legend of their love story centers around a winter’s day on the Krehbiel (now
Adams) Bridge when Jane, with a playful spirit, launched a snowball at Mark. That
simple act of spontaneity sparked something more. Mark later claimed, “he knew Jane
liked him then!”
Bluffton College not only provided them an education but also wove their lives together through shared experiences and values. They were both active in campus religious life and attended First Mennonite Church, forming a bond over faith and purpose. It was after a Tuesday night rehearsal of Handel’s “Messiah” that they planned their first date, a moment so special that they still commemorate it to this day.
Their love story flourished, and on Aug. 7, 1976, Fred Miller, campus pastor, officiated their wedding in Columbus, Ohio. Their ceremony was filled with Bluffton friends and classmates, reflecting the community that had played such a crucial role in their journey. Mark had already graduated, and Jane was about to begin her senior year, marking the start of their lifelong partnership.
Now, after 48 years of marriage, they reflect on the journey they have taken together. They’ve built a life on the Roeschley family farm, where they have lived since 1986. Jane, after a fulfilling career as a Mennonite pastor, continues to offer spiritual direction and accompaniment, while Mark is looking ahead to retirement from farming. Together, they raised three children; Annabeth (’07), Leah (’11) and Ben (’14), along with their daughter-in-law Caroline (’15)—all of whom continued the Bluffton tradition.
For younger Bluffton couples, Mark and Jane offer this wisdom: “Life will bring both joys and challenges. You will change and grow in ways you never expected, but what matters most is finding someone who will stand by you through it all.”
Their story is a testament to the power of love, faith and commitment—values they
discovered and nurtured at Bluffton College.
Austin ’18 and Shelby (Koenig ’19, MBA ’22) Buccholz
Austin Buchholz ’18 and Shelby (Koenig ’19, MBA ’22) have their love story shaped
by time, friendship and a shared connection to Bluffton University. Though their paths
first crossed in 2015 on the basketball court, their journey to love wasn’t immediate.
Instead, it was a story that unfolded at just the right moment, proving that some
things are simply meant to be.
Austin, a criminal justice major, graduated from Bluffton in 2018, while Shelby, studying business and marketing, followed in 2019 and later earned her MBA in 2022. While they shared mutual friends and experiences, their timing never quite aligned during their undergraduate years. Life had other plans for them.
It wasn’t until Austin embarked on law school studies at Ohio Northern University that their story truly began. With a little encouragement from friends, they reconnected, and this time, everything clicked. What had been a friendship built on shared memories and college experiences blossomed into something deeper.
On Sept. 10, 2022, Austin and Shelby tied the knot, surrounded by family, friends and many of their former Bluffton teammates. Their wedding was a beautiful tribute to their roots, incorporating Bluffton’s school colors, purple and black, as a nod to the place that had brought them together.
Some of their favorite memories from their Bluffton days include early Saturday mornings at Twisted Whisk, savoring cinnamon rolls and French vanilla lattes. Even now, when passing through Bluffton, they make it a point to stop by their beloved café, reliving the simple joys of their college days.
Today, Austin and Shelby have built a life together in Ottoville, Ohio. Austin practices law in Ottawa at HSVS Law Firm and also gives back to his alma mater as an adjunct professor at Bluffton. Shelby works in the Human Resources department at Central Insurance in Van Wert. Their greatest joy, however, is their 10-month-old daughter, Carly, who brings endless love and laughter into their home.
Looking back, they offer this advice to current Bluffton couples: “Make time for each other in the busyness of college. Support each other’s extracurriculars and take the time to get off campus for a date night at a local restaurant. The memories you create together will last a lifetime.”
Though their love story didn’t begin exactly when they expected, Austin and Shelby’s
journey proves that sometimes love arrives right on time. And for them, Bluffton University
will always be the place where their story first began.
Eric ’21 and Aubrey (Bartel ’20) Bender
Eric Bender ’21 and Aubrey (Bartel ’20) first met through a mutual connection, Eric’s
first- year roommate happened to be one of Aubrey’s good friends. The small, tight-knit
feel of Bluffton meant that their paths crossed often. Whether it was in the residence
halls, study sessions or soccer fields, they became familiar faces to one another.
Soccer was a shared passion, one that brought them together both on and off the field. They pushed each other to be better athletes, cheering from the sidelines and celebrating victories as teammates. But it wasn’t just soccer—both Aubrey and Eric majored in exercise science, meaning they shared classes, study groups and long hours preparing for their futures. Between lab assignments and lectures, their friendship deepened, conversations grew longer and laughter became a constant presence whenever they were together.
One of their favorite traditions became spending time at the Twisted Whisk, a cozy spot where they could escape the pressures of school, sip coffee and simply be present with each other. Whether tackling homework or getting lost in conversation, those quiet moments strengthened their bond.
As their time at Bluffton continued, friendship turned into something more. The small-town charm and close community at Bluffton made their love story possible—surrounded by friends who encouraged them, supported them and eventually stood by their sides on their wedding day.
On May 4, 2024, they promised forever to each other, with many of their Bluffton family there to celebrate. Claire (Clay) Kleman, Connor Kaminicki, Patrick Spillman and Joe Eisele, all friendships formed at Bluffton, were a part of their big day, a testament to the connections and lifelong relationships the university fostered.
Now, Aubrey and Eric have built a life together in Spring Hill, Kan. Aubrey, a physical therapist, helps people regain strength and movement, while Eric, an executive chef, brings creativity and passion to his kitchen. Though their Bluffton days are behind them, the lessons, friendships and love they found there remain an unshakable foundation for their future.
Eric’s advice to others is simple: “Be real with each other and enjoy spending time
together.” A philosophy that guided their relationship from those first shared moments
at Bluffton to the life they now share.
Daryl ’90 and Sandra (Burns ’91) Dowdy
During Sandra (Burns ’91)’s first quarter at Bluffton, she and Daryl ’90 saw each
other in Dr. Suter ’s science class. After that, Daryl saw Sandra walking across campus
and asked if she would be at the Halloween dance and if she would dance with him.
Sandra thought Daryl was just messing with her since she was a first-year, so she
responded, “I guess. If you ask me.”
Sandra and three of her friends dressed up like KISS that year. Sandra didn’t think Daryl would recognize her even if he really wanted to dance with her, but he did. And he did ask. And that was the start of our journey.
Daryl and Sandra have been married for 32 years. On their big day in June 1992, Bluffton was represented well. Seven of their bridesmaids and groomsmen were friends they had made as a result of Bluffton College.
A special memory for Sandra was when Daryl came to the airport to pick her up when she came back from a cross-cultural trip to Mexico. Sandra had been gone for three months and to see Daryl waiting for her when she got off of the plane was a feeling she will never forget.
Fun memories for the both of them include a trip to Tennessee with Tami Forbes, Wednesdays dancing at The Ohio Theater, football games with the national playoff team, basketball games with Peg shouting out the players’ birthdays from the stage in the old gym and hours of sitting in the lobby watching tv shows because it was not open hall hours.
To younger Bluffton couples, Daryl and Sandra would tell them “Not to smother each other. Yes, spend time together, but also have your own friends to hang out with and keep your individual identities.”
Daryl is in his third year as the Van Wert Health Department Commissioner. His first position after college was working with troubled teens at Starr Commonwealth, which he did for 20 years. After that he taught at Bluffton University and led the multicultural organization there for four years followed by working at Ridgeview Behavioral Hospital for seven years. He has also been an adjunct professor at Bluffton.
Sandra is in her 31st year of teaching at Lincolnview Schools. She began as a high school Spanish teacher, then moved to the junior high level where she teaches ELA and math classes. She also continues to coach junior high track and field at Lincolnview.
Daryl and Sandra live in Van Wert, Ohio. They have two children, Calista ’15 and Justis ’19, who both graduated from Bluffton.
Calista played volleyball and graduated in 2015. Calista currently teaches at Allen East Schools as an intervention specialist for sixth grade. She is married to Mitchell Altenburger who also attended Bluffton. They live in Ada and have two children, Shalie and Rowan.
Justis played basketball and graduated in 2019. He currently teaches strength and conditioning classes as well as physical education classes at Lima Senior. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Ashley, and they have a son, Jaylen, who is a year-and-a-half.
“It’s crazy to think, but without Bluffton, this family I have would most likely not
exist. Bluffton is where the life I have now began to unfold. I wouldn't trade it
for anything,” said Sandra.
Spencer '22 and Risa (Fukaya '22) Garrison
Risa (Fukaya ’22) never imagined that transferring to Bluffton University in the fall
of 2020 would lead her to the love of her life. Arriving as a junior, she was excited
for new experiences but had no idea that an ordinary chapel service would change everything.
Spencer Garrison ’22 had been at Bluffton for two years already and was actively involved in campus life. Due to COVID-19, chapel services were held outdoors, and Spencer had the responsibility of leading that day. Dr. Paul Neufeld Weaver, professor of education and Spanish, introduced the two briefly, but at the time, neither thought much of the meeting. Little did they know, their paths were destined to cross again.
As a leader in the ICON (International Connection) team, Risa helped plan a bonfire and worship night that fall. The event was filled with warmth, laughter and music, and it was there that she saw Spencer in a new light. His kindness, sincerity and passion for faith shone through, leaving an impression on her heart. Their friends at Bluffton took notice of their growing connection, playfully nudging them toward each other and making their time of dating even more special.
Bluffton’s close-knit community continued to bring them together—whether through worship nights, shared friendships, or participating in events like Cabaret for a Cause. Each moment built a foundation of faith, trust and admiration for one another. Over time, their friendship blossomed into love, leading them to a lifetime commitment.
In January 2024, Spencer and Risa exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony surrounded by their closest family and friends. While they didn’t incorporate any particular Bluffton elements into their wedding, the love and support they found at Bluffton carried into their marriage.
Now, settled in Kansas, their journey continues. Spencer works at a solar company and preaches once a month at their church, while Risa dedicates her work to international students at Hesston College. Together, they lead music for Sunday services, continuing the tradition of faith-filled worship that brought them together.
Their advice for younger Bluffton couples would be “Look closely at how the person shows up in the community and in the world. You may like who they are to you, but you need a common goal to serve others as a team and to be truly inspired by them.”
Though their love story began unexpectedly, Bluffton University wove their lives together,
creating a bond built on faith, friendship and shared purpose—a bond that continues
to grow with each passing day.
Aaron ’05 and Tsedey (Biru Juka ’11) Williams
Tsedey Biru Juka ’11 never imagined that attending Bluffton University would indirectly
lead her to the love of her life. While she pursued her studies in pre-medicine with
a biology and math minor, Aaron Williams ’05 had already graduated with a degree in
business administration and a minor in sociology.
Through mutual friends who were still attending Bluffton, Tsedey and Aaron first met after Aaron had graduated. Their friends, who were dating at the time, introduced them, though neither thought much of it initially. Over time, their friendship grew, and what started as casual conversations and shared social gatherings slowly blossomed into something deeper.
Though their years at Bluffton never coincided, it was still the common thread that wove their paths together. Aaron had remained in the town of Bluffton for a year after graduation, and mutual friends naturally brought them together. They spent years as friends before romance ever entered the picture, proving that sometimes, life works in unexpected and beautiful ways.
On Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, Tsedey and Aaron got married in a quiet, intimate ceremony. Due to Tsedey’s demanding schedule in medical school, they planned for a formal wedding in the summer of 2020—only for the COVID-19 pandemic to cancel those plans. In 2021, they traveled to Ethiopia and held a traditional Ethiopian ceremony (Melse). Someday, they hope to have a vow renewal ceremony to celebrate with their loved ones back home.
Although they didn’t spend their university years together, Bluffton remains a cherished place for them. Over the years, they’ve returned to campus, reminiscing about their time in the residence halls, attending football and baseball games, and reconnecting with old friends and professors.
Their advice for younger Bluffton couples would be “College is a great place to make friends and potentially find a life partner but focus on building strong friendships first. If something more comes of it, then it was meant to be. Also, trust your instincts when it comes to dating and never compromise on your core values.”
Now settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, Tsedey is a neurologist completing a subspecialty fellowship to become a Multiple Sclerosis (MS) specialist. Aaron, a business owner, operates various ventures in logistics and shipping, real estate and medical weight loss.
Together, they are raising their 14-month-old daughter, Abrielle, who, as Tsedey likes to say, is the spitting image of her father.
Bluffton University not only played a role in shaping their careers but also in bringing
them together. Though their love story unfolded in its own unique way, Bluffton will
always hold a special place in their hearts.
Brady ’25 and Riley (Garmatter ’23) Mitosinka
Brady Mitosinka ’25 and Riley (Garmatter ’23) first crossed paths during Brady’s senior
year of high school when he visited Bluffton University for a campus tour. Riley,
a first-year student and President’s Ambassador at the time, guided Brady’s family
around campus. It was a brief encounter, and after that day, their paths didn’t cross
again for nearly a year—until fate, or perhaps divine intervention, had other plans.
When Brady arrived at Bluffton as a first-year student the following fall, he began working in the admissions office alongside Riley, who was now a sophomore. What started as simple conversations between coworkers soon turned into a close friendship. Working side by side, they spent countless hours together, quickly finding comfort in each other's presence.
Bluffton provided the perfect environment for their relationship to flourish. The admissions student office fostered a strong sense of community among its student workers. This closeness transformed coworkers into friends and, eventually, friends into family. Brady and Riley shared late-night games of pool and ping pong at Bob’s Place, often staying until the building closed for the night. Their favorite memories were built in these everyday moments—simple, yet meaningful experiences that deepened their bond and turned their friendship into a lifelong partnership.
On July 22, 2023, Brady and Riley exchanged vows, surrounded by the friends they had made along the way at Bluffton. While their wedding didn’t include any specific “touches of Bluffton,” the relationships they formed there remained at the heart of their celebration.
One of their favorite aspects of married life has been continuing to call Bluffton home. As Riley serves as the hall director for Ropp Hall, the couple has had the unique opportunity to spend their first years of marriage living on campus. The memories they are creating in Ropp Hall are among their most treasured, strengthening their connection to the university that brought them together.
Their advice for younger Bluffton couples is “Make time for each other and cherish each moment. Your partnership should feel like a family you want to be a part of.”
Currently, Brady is in his final semester at Bluffton, playing baseball for the Beavers and interning at Motion Industries in Findlay. Riley teaches third grade at a local school while also fulfilling her role as hall director. Though they don’t have children yet, their mini golden doodle, Maybel, is a beloved member of their little family.
Bluffton University will always hold a special place in their hearts—not just as the
place where they studied and worked, but as the place where they found each other,
built a friendship and started their forever together.
J. Tyler ’11 and Chalsi (Eastman ’12) Campbell
Chalsi (Eastman ’12) and Tyler Campbell ’11 first crossed paths in their religious
studies classes at Bluffton University. Their shared passion for theology and faith
brought them into the same classrooms, yet in a small medical ethics class of six,
Tyler has no memory of Chalsi being there. Perhaps it was fate’s way of saving their
love story for the right time.
Bluffton provided them with more than an education—it laid the foundation for a deep friendship, one built on meaningful discussions, shared experiences and a campus that nurtured community. They laughed together in study groups, engaged in theological debates and found comfort in the familiar rhythm of Bluffton’s small but vibrant world. But it wasn’t until graduate school at Conrad Grebel University College in Canada that their friendship transformed into something more. Away from the campus where they first met, they discovered how much they truly valued each other’s presence.
Their journey came full circle when they decided to get married in a place that held so much significance—the Prayer Labyrinth at Bluffton University. On July 8, 2016, surrounded by family and the echoes of their shared past, former religion professor Trevor Bechtel officiated their wedding. Bluffton had not only been the place where they met but also the sacred ground where they vowed to walk through life together.
Years later, their love for Bluffton remained strong. When Tyler served as an adjunct professor, they cherished their time together on campus, enjoying simple lunches that felt like echoes of their student days. As life unfolded, they found joy in bringing their two children, Keziah and Cy, to campus, watching them meet the Beavers and experience the place where their parents' story began.
Today, Chalsi serves as campus pastor at Bluffton University, continuing to give back to the place that shaped her, while Tyler works as a copyeditor at OnePower in Findlay. Their love story, rooted in faith, friendship and the unwavering support of their Bluffton community, serves as a testament to the unexpected ways love finds us when the time is right.