Beavers All
I'm a Beaver. You're a Beaver. We’re Beavers All. And when we get together, we do
the Beaver
Call. BEA - VER Beavers. Beavers. Go Beavers!
Bluffton has been known as The Beavers since the late 1920s when long-time coach A.C.
Burcky noted that Beavers are “resourceful, indefatigable (don't tire easily), accomplish
more with less ("works with twigs, building up large things from small”) and work
to leave the world a better place ("never does things any worse than its ancestors
did.")
Let us celebrate the many ways that we are Beavers All!
Golf Internship
Carter Mumbower is completing a paid junior golf internship with the Northern Ohio PGA this summer.
Stories in the Book of Numbers
Dr. Jackie Wyse-Rhodes is delving into the Old Testament “gem,” to write a book for the Herald Press’ Believers Church Bible Commentary series.
Forming connections
"I've always felt an environment here that Bluffton was like my family," said Diaz. "I've met international students from many countries and I feel very welcome here."
Expect the unexpected
In high school, I kept to myself... I would have never expected that by my senior year, I would be saying 'How's it going?' to almost every person I passed because they were my friends."
The evolution of memes
"I wanted to look at how memes are created, how they change and how they interact. I'm analyzing them through the lens of visual rhetoric, looking for patterns and themes."
Community and service
My main goal is to help a school that is helping me. I see this as an opportunity for me to leave a mark on this campus for others to follow."
From Bluffton to Yale
Dr. Alex Sider, professor of religion, encouraged Alexis Cash to reach for the Ivy League. This fall she will enter Yale Divinity School to earn her Master of Divinity.
Internships in D.C.
I didn't get to leave on my own terms... I just have to look at all the valuable knowledge, relationships, adventures and new experiences I did gain while in D.C."
Brothers and teammates
Brantley and Carson Curnutte were both drawn to Bluffton by the relationships they built while visiting. However, it was mainly Bluffton's baseball program that shaped their college experience and their relationship as brothers.
Internship leads to job offer
If I went to school anywhere else, I would not have had the courage to get an internship at a company like Progressive. I had multiple professors encourage me to apply."
Senior shapes future
Senior Aubrey Bartel squeezed every experience possible out of her four years at Bluffton. After graduation she plans to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Kansas.
Filling a need
Seeing a need and responding to a challenge, Amy Mullins developed an online resource teaching basic phonics skills designed specifically for older students.
Enhancing her experience
Getting to spend a semester in a totally different environment while getting school credit and great internship experience was absolutely incredible. It was the best decision I've ever made."
Student teacher thrives
Up until last week, Robert McMullen-Ruppert '20, an intervention specialist major was student teaching in inner-city Chicago through a partnership with the Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture.
Strong relationships
Von Thomas came to Bluffton to play football. While he enjoyed his four seasons on the gridiron, he also values the relationships he formed and the lessons learned along the way.
Growth through relationships
"Bluffton presented me with a whole array of views in the church. That's really challenged me and helped solidify my beliefs, helped me question why I believe what I do."
Relating to others
Leslie Beasley '20 is putting her last three and a half years of Bluffton education into practice through her current student teaching experience.
Transitioning majors
Now that I’m here, I would much rather be here than anywhere else, any other dietetic program, because at Bluffton you get so much hands-on experience as an undergraduate.”
Senior hits 1,000
My advisor gets involved in making sure you have all of the tools you need for your future and your success in the psychology field.”
Connecting through faith
At Bluffton University, the worship band has allowed two current students to form meaningful relationships with alumni, as well as strengthen their relationship with God.
Making connections
Encouraged by a high school teacher to pursue higher education in the U.S., Ermias Assefa '23, an international student from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is fulfilling his goal at Bluffton.
Focusing on service
Junior Wilmar Caal Botzoc first stepped foot in the United States in 2011. A year later, he returned home to Guatemala only to be called back to the U.S.
Semester in Music City
Julian LaVallee, a junior music major with a concentration in business, spent fall 2019 in Nashville, Tenn., gaining clarity on his future career path and developing his faith.
Unique double major
Emma Cobb, a senior from Archbold, Ohio, is pursuing two very different passions in her pursuit to earn a degree--music and nutrition.
Hands-on experience
From perfecting recipes with wholesome ingredients to executing professional business and marketing plans, the Bluffton Bread Company is an example of the great things happening at Bluffton University.
Big research opportunity
"It was fun to live in Chicago all summer and it was neat to see concepts from class being applied to actual things." Levi Litwiller researched organic compounds while interning at AbbVie Pharmaceuticals.
World Series experience
Milan Schilling '23 got the experience of a lifetime when the Reds Youth Academy Member of the Year earned two tickets to game four of the World Series in Washington D.C.
Finding success
Abigail Newkirk '20 is a speech-language pathology and audiology (SLPA) major who starts every day around 5:30 a.m. Newkirk thrives in a "go-go-go" lifestyle, and she wouldn't have it any other way.
Developing career skills
“When I got here, I didn’t even know what convergent media was. I learned so much so fast.” Learning about all approaches to media—from video to social media, is a strength of the program.
Research for Midwestern
Heather McConnaughey '20, a criminal justice and sociology double major from Pioneer, Ohio, recently presented her research at the Midwestern Criminal Justice Association's annual meeting in Chicago.
Growing through music
Kenzie Newberry '20, a music education major from Defiance, Ohio, was initially drawn to Bluffton University because of the music program. Newberry is thankful for the growth the program has helped her achieve.
Finding his niche
I feel like there’s a healing property in almost all art. I’d like to be a healer; I think it’s one of my talents.”
Writing for therapy
By combining her passions, Dani Easterday '20, a writing major with minors in English and psychology, has a unique plan for life after college.
Competitive internship
For the third year in a row, a Bluffton University student, Levi Elsea ’20 was selected to participate in a two and a half month highly competitive internship with Purdue University’s Department of Nutrition Science.
Experience led growth
I learned a lot about myself which was the best part. In D.C. I had to handle a lot of things on my own. It was good preparation for the future.”
Aspiring Lawyer
Sienna Sullivan '21, a criminal justice major, spent her summer in the Ohio Public Defender's Office interning with the Criminal Investigation and Mitigation specialist team for death penalty cases.
Sports and business
I definitely feel like I'm pursuing the correct degree for what I want to do. [The internship] solidified that I am on the right track, and I'm thankful for the requirement."
Career path in human resources
For Adam Duncan '20 a business administration and marketing double major the key to succeeding in college is time management.
Junior ready to lead
As the oldest of six children, Amryn Dover '21 knew from an early age she wanted to work with kids. "Being the oldest child, I watched my siblings grow," said Dover. "It really influenced me to pursue this major. I always loved helping them learn new things."
Bluffton women's soccer
At Bluffton, it's all about relationships, and the women's soccer team is no exception. "Team chemistry is probably our strongest asset right now," said Kevin Gregory, head women's soccer coach.
Coach and mentor
I'm still learning, and I will never stop learning, but advancing the sport and elevating other female coaches is something I'm passionate about."
Nursing degree is challenging and rewarding
Bluffton's ideologies really match up with mine and the professors are great. They are here for you. They want you to succeed."
Ministry Inquiry Program
Jenny Dorsey confirmed her call while interning this summer at Sharon Mennonite Church through the Ministry Inquiry Program. "This is definitely the right path for me."
Internship connects Bluffton senior, alumnus
"This is an opportunity to put to use what I'm studying and to determine what I want to do for the rest of my life."
Summer internship
Andrew Sluss, a social work major, is interning at CASA of Allen and Putnam Counties. The agency trains volunteers to intervene on the behalf of abused and neglected children in the court system.
Senior and professor collaborate on research
"I really appreciate that the Mennonite schools have strong communities and deliberate community building on campus, and the small student-to-faculty ratio is really nice."
Learn and Earn
"Working [on campus] has helped me establish accountability, team work and conflict management skills. It's shown me how connecting with people and building relationships can propel you forward."
Enrollment counselor builds relationships
As a volunteer for World Vision, a humanitarian aid, development and advocacy organization, Holly Metzger '05 is living out the values instilled during her Bluffton education.
Big Opportunities for Art Major
"I liked the smaller class sizes and both the education department and the art department are great here. It just felt right."
Student of the year
Melanie Moon, a double major in criminal justice and social work, received the Outstanding Undergraduate Criminal Justice Student Award from the Ohio Council of Criminal Justice Education for 2019.
From internship to career
Thomas Wagler '19, a biology major from Bloomdale, Ohio, is currently finishing an internship with Wannemacher Enterprises. He is also looking toward a bright future with the company.
Changed trajectory
I realized that you need to surround yourself with people who have the same goals as you and who push you to be better."
Ethan Zaerr '20
Considering that there’s not really a chemistry and physics education licensure here, Bluffton has worked with me to ensure that I am prepared to find a teaching job after graduation.”
Break a leg
"If you're going to do musical theater, and most music in general, you want to go where the business is. So for the business of musical theatre, that's Broadway."
It's all about relationships
I talked to the professors and felt like they were really knowledgeable and cared about their students. As a future educator, that's what I want to do as well, so Bluffton is a good fit."
Set up to succeed
Bluffton's MBA was a fantastic complement to my nursing background.The professors taught me how to be a leader and gave me the educational advantage I didn't have before."
Spring break service
"Many of the close relationships I've made in college have started during volunteer trips through SERVE. Taking part in events like our spring break trip helps you meet many new people."
Sibling support
"I came to Bluffton for the small campus. And of course, because my sister came here." Omar and Keturah Warlick, who both run sprints on the track team, have grown closer while finding their own paths.
Curating poetry
Obi Martin '20, an English major from Juniata County, Pa., maintains, with friends, an online poetry journal that offers a voice to conservative Mennonite and Anabaptist writers.
Ready to stand out
Abbi McCormick '19, a psychology and sociology double major, has spent the last four years developing the skills and confidence to pursue a master's in mental health counseling following graduation.
Casey Clark '19
Casey Clark '19, a biology major from Lima, Ohio, will further her interest in orthopedics following graduation. The senior was recently accepted into Marietta College's physician's assistant program.
Building community with esports
My dream is for the organization to be a place where people can get together, compete, play, mingle with each other and bridge every group on campus."
Keyon Camden
Keyon Camden started as a music major but realized his calling was in helping others in a more direct way. Transitioning to social work, for him, was the best decision he's made in college.
Cheer coach
Morgann Rode, Bluffton’s cheerleading coach for the past three years, is excited to expand the opportunities available on campus with a competitive cheer/STUNT program.
And J Denny is...
Another generation of Beavers have concluded their mascot mission and are preparing to tuck away their tails. Let's learn about the newly-identified Beavers.
Embracing opportunities
Senior public relation major Jena O'Brien came to Bluffton for the academic support. Four years later she says the opportunities provided have equipped her for the job market and for life.
Prepared for the future
"I'm ready to start looking for jobs," said Justis Dowdy, a senior sports management major and member of the men's basketball team. "I feel prepared and I owe a lot of that to Coach Neal."
Sharing the love of softball
We really pay attention to details and explain the 'why' behind what we teach." Head softball coach Amanda DeMoine is excited to share her knowledge of the game.
Paying it forward
Aryn Preston understands the importance of advocacy and mentorship. With the desire to extend support to others, she changed her major to social work half-way through her college career.
Determined
While at Bluffton for just two years, Michael is getting the most out of his Bluffton experience. He plans to graduate in May and is applying to graduate schools for physical therapy.
Hannah McBride
Hannah McBride connects with music during Chapel. “That’s when I feel the closest to God, and I realized I want to do that as a job.”
Environmental sociology
"I'm looking at the effects of waste--especially paper waste--how it biodegrades, and then I'm researching students' attitudes toward recycling." Alicia Loch's year-long research project combines her majors--biology and sociology.
Making a difference
"I want to make a difference and do something different every single day. With nursing you get that." Sophomore Paige Lawhorn is doing just that as an STNA working at a nursing home near campus.
Ben Black '19
Ben Black transferred to Bluffton as a chemistry major, but soon added physics and mathematics majors. When the pre-engineering major was offered, Black figured why not add one more.
Tough love
There are so many people on this campus who have helped me. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today or where I’ll be five, ten years from now.”
Jarod Siekman
"I think there's a lot of cool math ideas that you can teach students even if it doesn't really apply to the curriculum." Such as Mayan numerical concepts explored during a cross cultural experience.
Competitive internship
The summer between your junior and senior year is a really crucial time to do something to promote yourself and get extra experience someone else might not have.
ALTERNATIVE CROSS CULTURAL
Hannah Brown '19, a nutrition and dietetics senior, stepped out of her comfort zone and her academic discipline to complete a cross-cultural experience through a three-week BCA Study Abroad program.
Jayden Groppi '19
Jayden Groppi '19, spent his summer exploring culture and self, both locally and abroad.
Bluffton PR intern
I got a feel for what doing graphic design full time is like. I learned a lot. It’s a little extra verification that this is what I want to do when I graduate.”
SEMESTER IN D.C.
Joshua Ehlers ’19 spent his summer in the heart of Washington D.C., learning about the economic divide on each half of the Anacostia River.
TIM BENDER '20
Timothy Bender '20 spent the summer discovering what he wants to do with the rest of his life, with help from Bluffton's Summer Discovery Grant.
BECCA STARN '18
Psychology and food and nutrition might seem to be two majors with very little in common, but for Becca Starn '19 they are an ideal match.
ALEXIS MONTEMARANO '20
Bluffton University junior Alexis Montemarano started on her journey to becoming a speech-language pathologist in preschool. That's where the SLPA major befriended a classmate who was deaf.
Faculty support
For Seth Regula, a senior music major, making connections on the business side of the music industry is key to his future.
Adam Knott '19
With zip lining, swimming and rock climbing on the daily schedule, senior sport management major Adam Knott found the perfect summer job/internship at Pleasant Hill Outdoor Camp in Perrysville, Ohio.
Scarlett Purtee '21
Scarlett Purtee, a sophomore criminal justice major, has dealt with everything from lost cell phones to line jumpers to rowdy light night crowds as a security officer at Cedar Point.
Lucas Keller '19
Transfer student Lucas Keller designed his own major, "the sociology of community development," which incorporates classes from sociology, economics and political science.
Destiny Grant '19
Destiny Grant, a psychology major and criminal justice minor from Belle Center, Ohio, came to Bluffton as a nervous freshman.
Bailey Baker '21
At the end of May, Bailey Baker, an early-childhood education and intervention specialist double major from Toledo, Ohio, witnessed the "cutest thing" she had ever seen.
Tyler Avila '18
Ask senior Ty Avila his plans for the future, and he'll tell you, "I have big dreams." He is already making those dreams a reality through a summer job at WPKO.
New accessibility map
The course titled “Historical and Theological Studies: Bible and Disability” introduces students to emerging issues in the field of religious studies.
Alexis Link '21
For Alexis Link '21, sound and color collide in amazing ways due to a sensory condition known as synesthesia.
The Witmarsum
Bluffton University's student news organization, "The Witmarsum," has surpassed its content goal by 50 stories this year and has certainly undergone a transformation in the past two years.
Peace book club
During the spring 2018 semester, more than 20 faculty and staff members gathered weekly to discuss the importance of a peaceable vision of education in and beyond Mennonite schools, colleges and universities.
Ryan Golden '18
Ryan Golden, a senior from Findlay, Ohio, is standing out on the baseball field for both his batting average and his unique mustache styling.
Wyatt Baer '18
Wyatt Baer '18 from Marshallville, Ohio, didn't choose an ordinary academic plan for graduation.
Hannah Brown '20
Hannah Brown '20, a graphic design major from Findlay, Ohio, traveled more than 1,000 miles away from home with the help of a little pixie dust to take part in an extraordinary internship experience.
Sarah Heydinger '21
Sarah Heydinger '21 of Tiro, Ohio, is jumping hurdles in the classroom and on the track as she works to balance her academic and athletic ambitions.
Laura Galley '18
Laura Galley '18 a nutrition and dietetics major from Cumberland, Ind., was recently accepted into the Ph.D. program at Cornell University.
SERVE
Students taking part in Bluffton University's SERVE organization spent the spring break in the Columbus and Cincinnati regions, working with impoverished families, women's shelters and area churches.
Tajah Upshaw '21
Tajah Upshaw '21, a criminal justice major from Lima, Ohio, explored the broad stereotypes she and other women of color have experienced.
Jacob Hill '19
Jacob Hill, a business administration and accounting double major, was recently elected student senate president. He has a personal connection and understanding to the difficulties that can arise in life.
Micayla Hanover '18
Micayla Hanover '18 traveled more than 3,000 miles to attend Maynooth University in Ireland.
HCAC Mentorship Program
Two Bluffton University students are expanding their knowledge of collegiate athletics through the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference's (HCAC) newest mentorship program.
Micah Hunsberger '18
Micah Hunsberger '18 has spent three consecutive summers furthering his knowledge of computer programming through paid internships at Tempus Technologies in Auburn, Ind.
Beaver Reveal '17-'18
The identities of J. Denny and Jenny Beaver are a tightly guarded secret at Bluffton University.
Lydia Sorensen '20
For Lydia Sorenson, a sophomore from Ada, Ohio, college is presenting the opportunity to discover new routes to achieve her academic goals.
Multicultural Organization
Bluffton University's Multicultural Student Organization (MSO) is growing and adapting to fit the needs and interests of today's students.
Jeff Gundy
To his students, Jeff Gundy, the professor of English is known for the striking way he begins each class.
Kimberly Meyer '17
Kimberly Meyer, a music and music education double major from Defiance, Ohio, decided to step outside of her comfort zone by completing her student teaching experience in a completely new setting--Chicago.
Nathan Otto '18
Nathan Otto '18, a middle childhood education major from Orrville, Ohio, spent the fall semester in Chicago for his student teaching experience.
Andrew Renner '20
For Andrew Renner the saying like father like son applies to his college experience. The sophomore basketball player shares not only an alma mater and future career path with his father but also a coach.
Micah Roberson '17
Micah Roberson, one of the most highly decorated football student-athletes in Bluffton history, nearly gave up the dream of going to college.
Mark Bias
Mark Bias has worked at Bluffton for 11 years and can typically be found in the Bluffton University Event Complex cleaning or managing student workers.
"Bridge" Literary Journal
The second edition of "Bridge: The Bluffton University Literary Journal" is now live.
Emily Short '18
Emily Short wears many hats. She is a bible and theology major with three minors (psychology, sociology, and peace and conflict studies).
Chanhee Hwang '19
For Chanhee Hwang '19, a business administration major, college has been both a rewarding and a challenging time.
Emily Griffith '18
After taking part in three successive internships, senior Emily Griffith, is gaining a lot of experience in the field of accounting.
Kelsey May '20
Kelsey May is jumpstarting her career in the field of nursing with a unique opportunity.
Austin Every '17
Austin Every '17 experienced the opportunity of a lifetime. The information technology major and graphic design minor earned an internship at NASA in Washington D.C.
Maria Hernandez '19
Maria Hernandez, a mathematics and physics double major, is engaging and growing in her Mennonite faith while offering her voice and insight to the community.
Kris Lyons '18
Kris Lyons '18 spent the summer shadowing radiation oncologists at the Cleveland Clinic.
Katelyn Amstutz '19
Katelyn Amstutz, a junior biology major from Dalton, Ohio, spent several weeks this summer analyzing viruses found on Ohio poultry farms and the vaccines that prevent them.
Scott Bergman '06
Scott Bergman '06 is teeing off with Bluffton University once more. Stepping back onto the course, this Bluffton graduate is serving as an assistant coach for the men's golf team.
Jason Summers '19
Jason Summers, an accounting and business administration double major, has spent the last two semesters as well as the summer learning outside of a traditional classroom setting of Bluffton.
Kala Jilani-Pritchett '18
Kala Jilani-Pritchett '18, a psychology major from Dayton, Ohio, took part in an experience this summer that offered insight into her future.
Kasey Mohr '16
Kasey Mohr enrolled in Bluffton's blended degree-completion program while working full-time.
John Parent '18
John Parent '18, a senior English major with a concentration on adolescent/young adult education from Delphos, Ohio, is not only a full-time student at Bluffton.
Katie Keesbury '18
Senior Katie Keesbury found her calling this summer, nearly 5,000 miles away from her hometown of Bryan, Ohio.
Emma Eickholt '18
Emma Eickholt '18 spent the summer volunteering at Lima Memorial Health System to learn more about careers in speech-language pathology.
Erika Byler '18
Erika Byler '18, a communication major, found her calling this summer through the Ministry Inquiry Program. It just wasn't the calling most participants find during the program.
Hannah Conklin '20
Hannah Conklin, a sophomore convergent media major from Westerville, Ohio, spent the summer as an intern at 104.9 The River.
Justin Kauffman '20
Justin Kauffman '20 gained vocational experience in the field of dentistry this summer by volunteering at a free community clinic.
Amber Edwards '18
When Amber Edwards had the chance to take a creative writing class, she immediately signed up. Now, two pieces from the class have been published by a literary journal specifically for college writers.
Kevin Williams
Kevin Williams admits what he's most looking forward to is the relationships he will be able to build on campus and within the community.
Takayla Gadberry '20
After witnessing the positive impact Stepping Stones had on her little brother, Takayla Gadberry decided to become part of the Cincinnati-area non-profit's team this summer.
Lauran Brown '18
Lauran Brown '18 of Norwalk, Ohio, admits she wasn't the best student in high school. However, her attitude changed when she became an accounting major at Bluffton University.
Sarah Oliver '19
Sarah Oliver '19, a biology major from Lexington, Ohio, came up with the idea for a summer research project from a place where many students come up with ideas--YouTube. She is attempting to hatch ducklings outside of their eggshells.
Karen Klassen Harder
Dr. Karen Klassen Harder, professor of business, presented "Images of Leadership" to about 30 business department faculty members at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India.
April Misamore '18
April Misamore '18, a food and nutrition major from Findlay, Ohio, recently received two back-to-back recognitions that emphasize the hard work and dedication she's put into her academics.
Becky Boban '19
Becky Boban '19, an art and writing major from Madison, Ohio, recently received a unique honor with her poem "Built on the Breeze."
"Bridge" Literary Journal
Stories, prose and poems from 20 young writers are featured in the first edition of "Bridge: The Bluffton University Literary Journal."
Ollie Moorer '18
If you ever head to the weight room at Sommer Center, there's a good chance you'll run by Ollie Moorer either lifting weights, working on cardio or even clearing his mind with yoga.
Malika Thompson '18
Malika Thompson '18, a Spanish major from Cincinnati, Ohio, is spending the spring semester in Barcelona, Spain.
Masterworks Soloists
Five Bluffton University students recently earned the chance to showcase their vocal talent in front of crowd gathered at Yoder Recital Hall for the annual Masterworks concert.
Brianna Lugibihl '17
Senior Brianna Lugibihl combined her love of theatre, education and social change to create "DEMO," a two-act play which recently debuted at Bluffton University.
Tessa Short '18
Tessa Short was in a 1998 edition of the Bluffton alumni magazine when she was just 18 months old. 18 years later she's back to continue a fourth generation legacy.
Brista Drake '19
Sophomore Brista Drake is working on her second book. The art and writing major self-published her first work, a young adult novel called "Remedy for Memory" in 2015.
Demetrius Terry '20
At Bluffton, Demetrius Terry '20, a history education major from Columbus, Ohio, can often be found on the field or on the court, but he can also be found behind the mic.
Chelsea Zoltowski '18
Chelsea Zoltowski '18 presented a forum, "Sticky Geckos: My Research Experience Studying Gecko Adhesion" in Musselman Library.
Dietetics Students
Each year, Bluffton University food and nutrition majors are asked to think outside of the recipe card to develop nutritious meals for Lunch and Learn.
Brianna Keith '18
During the fall 2016 semester, Brianna Keith '18, a music major from Grafton, Ohio, explored the harmony between technology and music.
Ceramics Students
Bluffton University students who took ceramics in fall 2016 not only created bowls, plates and vases during the semester, they built a kiln to fire their pieces in.
Claire Clay '18
Claire Clay is a big fan of political dramas on television, she got to experience the drama, political intrigue and scandals in real life this fall.
Janean Shannon '86
Bluffton alumnae, assistant to the business manager, grandmother of six and nationally and internationally ranked heptathlon medalist Janean (Franklin '86) Shannon continues to conquer.
Bradley Hardesty '20
At 16, many students are focused on getting their licenses and looking forward to their junior year of high school rather than considering their college careers. However, for Bradley Hardesty, college is already a reality.
Eric Beachy
Bluffton University's Eric Beachy, a food and nutrition major from Millersburg, Ohio, has a 15-year plan, and it's ambitious.
Rowena Zuercher '20
Rowena Zuercher '20 took a gap year between high school graduation and her freshman year at Bluffton University to work with the active service groups in Los Angeles.
Adam Craig
Adam Craig, Bluffton's newly-hired golf coach, took an unconventional path to the green. Like one of golf's greats, he didn't pick up the sport until he was a teenager.
Chelsea Zoltowski '18
During the summer of 2016, Chelsea Zoltowski, a chemistry major from Toledo, was part of a team using biomimicry in their study of geckos.
Alicia Rodriguez '16
Just hours after walking across the graduation stage, Alicia Rodriguez '16 boarded a plane for a flight which would take her halfway around the world to Bangladesh.
Meg Short '16
Recent Bluffton University graduate Meg Short '16 from Archbold, Ohio, has undertaken a year of voluntary service work to discover more about the poverty and the conflict that exists within the world.
Kasey Myers '18
A recipient of Bluffton University's $1,500 Summer Discovery Grant, Kasey Myers '18 combined her knowledge of nutrition with a focus on ministry.
Blake Hershberger '18
During the summer of 2016, Blake Hershberger immersed himself in the Guatemalan culture, living in Guatemala City for a month with the aid of a $1,500 Summer Discovery Grant.
Tyler Rotstein '18
Tyler Rotstein, a junior business administration major and football player, is competitive on the field and on the track, but not the track many might be thinking.
Jamie Lyn Smith
Bluffton University's newest addition to the English faculty is spearheading a new initiative for the university. Jamie Lyn Smith, assistant professor of English, will direct Bluffton's new literary journal.
Madeleine Elwell '19
When Madeleine Elwell returned to campus for her sophomore year, she packed the typical items, but brought two new items--a sash and tiara as the 2016 Butler County Junior Fair Queen.
Morganne Faler '19
After 11 years of showing animals through 4-H, this was Morganne Faler's final year of eligibility, she had never won the competition and her hog was named Grim Reaper.
Sherri Winegardner
Sherri Winegardner '91 is reviving the RN to BSN program she graduated from 25 years ago.
Kenny Beeker '18
Kenny Beeker is delving into the heart and soul of his hometown this summer during a three-month Community Heart and Soul internship.
Dean Walters '18
Dean Walters traveled, learned a new language and observed the treatment of diseases this summer, as he spent six weeks in Peru completing an immersive Spanish and medicine internship.
Mary Bias
From clay to cups, Mary Bias has been creating ceramic pieces since the beginning of her senior year at Bluffton. Bias, who lives in Lima, says creating from clay is a way for her to talk to God.
May Day
The May Day tradition of first-year students dancing around the Maypole holds a great significance for Cara Echols, a dancer who is wearing navy blue this year.
Bourassa Family
Mark Bourassa, assistant dean of students and director of the Bluffton University event complex, has welcomed a new addition to his family--a daughter named Andrea-- who was adopted from the Philippines.
Darryl Nester '85
Dr. Darryl Nester has a crush--lyrically, at least--on pi. His "Pi (A Love Song)" is a hit, as a winner in the National Museum of Mathematics' 2015 song contest.
Phil Sugden
Phil Sugden, assistant professor of art, along with his wife Carole and two videographers, traveled to Havana, Cuba for winter break.
Kiera Suffel '19
This past summer, Bluffton University Freshman and cross country runner Kiera Suffel got to experience life in Costa Rica as she went there on a trip with a Spanish club.
John Burkhart '94
From the beginning of his college career through his first year of teaching full time, the one thread that has remained consistent for John Burkhart, assistant professor of accounting, is Bluffton University.
MCC UN Seminar
Their reasons for going differed, but Bluffton students who traveled to New York City for the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) United Nations Seminar shared a learning experience.
Volleyball bonding
Head volleyball coach Steve Yarnell traveled more than 1,000 miles to cross something off his bucket list.
Carrie Phillips
Carrie Phillips curated an exhibition of Bibles from the 1500s in connection with the August observance of the 175th anniversary of the building of the first Mennonite church in the Bluffton-Pandora area.
Jackie Wyse-Rhodes
Jackie Wyse-Rhodes, assistant professor of religion, has always enjoyed sending and receiving mail. "League of Extraordinary Pen Pals" was a new hobby she was excited to pick up.
Scott Sharik
While he's still a relative newcomer to campus--arriving just last March as director of human resources--Scott Sharik has quickly come to appreciate the university's four enduring values.
Tyson Goings
Tyson Goings is coming back in order to give back. He hopes to provide the same environment to students that head football coach Carlin Carpenter afforded him years ago.
Lauren Dickerson '18
A trip to the Dominican Republic was life-changing for Lauren Dickerson. An interest in international adaption sparked by that trip manifested itself in a children's story written for her Becoming a Scholar class.
Creating Together
A new course this semester has had students spending part of their time learning about various cultures, and the other part cooking their cuisines.
Student athletes
The university’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) has had a busy year aiding the Ohio Area 3 Special Olympics.
More than peace
Several Bluffton students heard stories of nonviolence from an unlikely felon and explored peacemaking methods to build a bridge between faiths at this year's Intercollegiate Peace Fellowship Conference.
Chad Shutler
When the women's basketball team defeated Defiance, the players were ecstatic with the win but little did they know it was the 100th of Coach Chad Shutler's career at Bluffton.
Darryl Nester
After discovering the hidden complexities of a seemingly simple board game, Darryl Nester programmed an online version of it that has recently been recognized by the game's creator.
Phill Talavinia
Phill Talavinia, Bluffton's athletics director, begins his appointment to the five-member NCAA Division III Infractions Appeals Committee in January.
Rebuilding hope
Bluffton's vice president for fiscal affairs spent a week with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) repairing homes in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York, for families that had given up hope their homes could be whole again.
Steve Yarnell
Steve Yarnell didn't always want to be a volleyball coach, but 10 years into his tenure at Bluffton, it's working out pretty well.
Matt Friesen
Moving from pastor to professor, Matt Friesen believes that a strong and supportive community lies at the heart of the Anabaptist tradition.
Dan Berger
Professor Dan Berger was a Boy Scout for just a couple years as a kid, but, as an adult, he has rejoined with an enthusiasm he thinks will last well into retirement.
James Grandey
As a member of the Division III Baseball National Committee, James Grandey seeks to foster a better experience for NCAA Division III student-athletes .
Student internships
Two Bluffton students, Matthew McCoy and Daniel Piero, are among 20 nationwide selected for an internship with one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world.
Audra Hammond
For Audra Hammond, physical exercise can be hard to come by. That's why she started a program to encourage herself and her colleagues to get up from their desks and get moving.
Rae Staton
With the considerable help of a dozen volunteers and several donors, campus counselor Rae Staton had more than 80 Bluffton-themed hats to give to those who had their heads shaved to combat cancer.
Dr. Perry Bush
Two years ago, Dr. Perry Bush traveled to Ukraine to teach as a Fulbright scholar. Last November, he went to Washington, D.C., to help select the next Fulbright scholars.
Dr. Bob Antibus
The professor of biology serves as a volunteer commissioner at the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District, and is pleased with the growth he has seen in the Allen County parks' popularity.
Carrie Phillips
Carrie Phillips, archives and special collections librarian, recently celebrated 15 years of healthy brain scans and triumph over a tumor that doctors had found accidentally.