Bluffton University

Meeting needs

Senior Mara Ruhlen says TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is a growing field. She is excited to make a difference in this field.

Police academy bound

With a degree in criminal justice, Ethan Beringer '24 entered the master's of social work program, interned in an adult probation office and plans to enroll in the police academy.

Intern to employee

“The classes here have expanded my knowledge exponentially, specifically microeconomics and macroeconomics. I have grown in my interpersonal communication skills too. I’m able to communicate more effectively.”

Career discernment

A $1,500 Summer Discovery Grant allowed Kayla Nartker to interview and observe English teachers and teachers in Catholic schools to explore career opportunities.

Ministry internship

A middle childhood education major, Drew Snipes worked with youth and planned events during a summer internship at Grace Fellowship in Pickerington, Ohio.

Job offer in hand

Imani Smith-Enamorado '25, a medical laboratory science major from Middletown, Ohio, has been working in a laboratory and has a job waiting for her once she graduates.

Sport management

Being at Bluffton, having small class sizes and professors who actually care and want to help us figure out what we want to do, has really helped me succeed."

Dentistry experience

A $1,500 Summer Discovery Grant gave biology major Addie Hilden the opportunity to confirm her career choice and gain needed observation hours for dental school.

Semester abroad

I always knew I wanted to study abroad at some point during my college career. Bluffton made it really easy to fulfill my dream of traveling to Spain."

Finding her way

These internships allowed me to take on a leadership role. I also learned adaptability and discipline, two very important things when working in the criminal justice field."

Passing it on

Kenny Schneider '24, a former Bluffton student-athlete himself, will work to raise funds for the athletics department in his new role as development associate for athletics and community relations.

Transferable skills

"Being able to understand that we can have differences and be from different areas and still be able to coexist and live together can create a better, beautiful world."

Building coaching skills

Hazem Sobhy, a master of business administration student and men's soccer graduate assistant coach from Cairo, Egypt, spent his summer working with the Columbus Crew, a professional soccer team.

Mission and education

A summer teaching children about Jesus and feeling included was just one more experience preparing Paige Smith for a career as an intervention specialist.

Content creator

Social media content creator Caleb Foltz expanded his skills as a summer assistant in the Bluffton public relations office.

Competitive internship

Hannah Plesac was one of only six students chosen for a summer dietetics internship at Purdue University. This internship provided practical instruction in Purdue's dining operations.

Prepared for life

Double major leads to options for business administration/sports management student and soccer goalkeeper Zachary Johnson.

Inspired by her sister

Watching her sister struggle with a chronic illness inspired Chloe Griffin to choose a major in pre-med.

Built-in support system

Pre-physical therapy major Justin Maurer appreciates the support of faculty, staff, coaches and his fellow baseball players.

Transfer student welcomed

When Grace Beck of Lima was looking to transfer to a school closer to home, she found a welcoming community at Bluffton University.

For the love of sport

An affinity toward business and athletics led to a double major in business administration and sports management for junior Joshua Crusey.

Professors who care

More than figures in an ivory tower, graphic design major Mya Vernon found Bluffton professors to be caring and challenging.

Growth

Marketing major Dylan Fenbert experiences personal growth on Bluffton's campus while he gains the skills to market and grow companies.

Early field experience

Education majors get experience in the classroom early and often. Primary Education (P-5) major and President's Ambassador Lauren Case appreciates this opportunity.

Pursuing dreams

Dreams of playing collegiate baseball and preparing for a career guiding tweens has become reality for Drew Snipes, Bluffton baseball utility player and middle-school education major.

Embracing opportunities

The ability to form connections with your professors is just one of the benefits of a small campus, according to Madelyn Renner, nutrition and dietetics major and President's Ambassador.

Providing support

Working with children who need extra support is a passion for education student Jordan Hemmelgarn. A President's Ambassador, she appreciates the support provided by faculty, coaches and staff.

Small community

President's Ambassador and criminal justice/social work double major Noah Macke appreciates Bluffton's tight-knit community.

Helping others

Helping children communicate clearly is a goal for President's Ambassador Gracie Christensen, a speech-language pathology and audiology major from Alger, Ohio.

Health through diet

Learning to manage diabetes through diet led to a major in Nutrition and Dietetics for President's Ambassador and international student Adriana Rodriguez from Honduras.

Feeling at home

Josh Webster chose Bluffton University for its friendly, supportive atmosphere. The goal for this President's Ambassador is a career in athletic training.

Future educator

Following family footsteps brought Kayla Nartker to Bluffton and to the education department. She greets campus guests as a President's Ambassador.

President's Ambassador

As a President's Ambassador, Serenity Sites will work to recruit prospective students, welcome guests to campus and engage with alumni and donors.

Calculus tutor

Cael Rose '26, a math major from St. Paris, Ohio, is doing his part to foster a sense of community on campus by tutoring in the Learning Resource Center.

Sprinting to the future

"I have the Boston Marathon, then graduation, the cross-cultural trip and then a few days later I start my master's classes."

Relating to struggles

Having overcome struggles with math as a child, Morgan Deffenbaugh, a primary P-5 education/intervention specialist major, is now helping teach the Basic Math class.

First-year teaching

First year classroom experience required for all education majors confirmed for Ashley Kloeker her desire to teach. However, she realized her true passion is in connecting with older students.

Student success

Director of Student Success Christy Garmatter will build relationships through the Day One Ready process for incoming students and the Bluffton 360 platform for current students.

Online MSW meets needs

"The discussions in class, whether they're with the professors or the other students, are so beneficial to helping solidify the material we are reading and learning."

Mascots revealed

"It was a diverse group, but we came together even though we were working with people outside of our normal friend groups. Working with them secretly was really fun."

Cross cultural x2

"Originally, I was only going to go for six months. My Spanish was improving a lot, but I wasn't as fluent as I was hoping to be so that's when I started to wonder if I could do this again."

Teaching in ministry

Caitlin Bennett '24 started at Bluffton as an intervention specialist major but ultimately found her vocation in ministry rather than education.

Chicago internship

Trin Borgman is considering a career in school social work but will further explore her options with social work field experience at the Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture.

First MND cohort

"I'm learning so much more about the field of dietetics in general and what you will need to know as a dietitian."

Art and writing major

Basil Gates, an inspiring graphic novel author/illustrator gains experience as an art and writing major and member of literary journal editorial team.

Paid internship

Anton Miller is a paid intern for Refuge 461, a spiritual formation organization organized by Marcella Ciccotelli, a United Methodist Church pastor.

Future engineer

"The one-on-one work is a lot of help. It's a lot easier to talk to your professor when you have an issue. We can prepare and talk about my future."

Chemistry and coaching

A future as a science teacher and coach was confirmed for chemistry major J.T. Taviano by his student teaching experience and serving as a volunteer football coach.

Pre-PT internship

"It's very interesting. I'm learning new exercises people can do and the way you can manipulate one exercise to target completely different muscle groups."

Second-place ceramic

Rosanna Barber's pit-fired vase "Trial by Night" won second place at the Findlay Art League's Ceramic Show. TR Steiner, ceramics instructor, took home Best of Show.

Experience in the lab

“I’m getting a lot of experience. I’m learning about the tests, why we’re running them, what they’re for and what you can assume based on the results.”

A quest to help people

Originally a nursing major, Cheyanne Bolden switched to psychology because she likes learning about how people work. Then a summer experience led her to add a major in social work.

Filling a need

"Especially being African American, the kids need you. People with backgrounds similar to you need you because yours is a face that's not common in the teaching profession."

A summer in DC

Olivia Daugherty '24, a communication and media major, spent the summer in Washington, D.C., as a Climate Change Ambassador for the Anabaptist Climate Collaborative

Helping others succeed

Ella Meyers '26, an intervention specialist major, isn't waiting until graduation to start helping people with disabilities. She is working now with clients to meet their personal goals.

Sports broadcasting

Andrew Collinsworth '25 works as a student assistant in Bluffton's public relations office developing social media content and creating visuals such as game-day graphics.

Building an app

"There was one point I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to do it. I messaged Dr. Mullins and she was, 'No, we have this.' That gave me the confidence to continue."

Intro to logistics

"Anything from hazmats to groceries. They move absolutely everything... You see semis out on the road... Now, I wonder what they're moving. It changes your perspective."

Gaining confidence

"People with drug addiction often find themselves in the criminal justice system, so having educational background in criminal justice as well as psychology will help me to help them."

Grab every opportunity

"If somebody suggests you do something at Bluffton, take their advice and do it." Advice from Jackson Clark, a business administration and marketing double major.

More than sisters

Roommates. Teammates. And yes, sisters. Brittney and Karley Ramirez create their home away from home at Bluffton.

Her future is clear

It's optometry-based and looks into how nutrition effects the health of the eye." A research project mentored by Bluffton professor of biology.

Social work internship

We're doing a lot of trauma informed care and a lot of activities around emotional regulation, but sometimes we just hang out with the kids. Other times, there's a parent-child activity."

Then to find a major

Before I even talked to anyone on campus, it just felt like home. As soon as I got out of the parking lot, I was like 'this is it.'"

Welcome to Bluffton

When Emily Buss '25 visited Bluffton University in high school, the campus community fit all her requirements--it was close to family, offered her major and provided a friendly environment.

Freelance designer

Graphic design major Matt DeRitter runs two graphic design businesses, MDR Designs, to develop logos and brand guidelines, and MRDR Graphics, which focuses on racing graphics.

Campus leader

I visited in the middle of July and decided let's give this a try. I went to the last orientation, and I was like, 'yep, I'm coming here.' I've loved it ever since."

Exploring choices

Social work major Katie Fleshman originally pursued accounting. But the major never really felt right. Then, a comment from a professor led Fleshman to further explore her choice.

Go where you are happy

Kennedy Parker '25, a communication and media major and two-sport athlete, transferred to Bluffton after a frustrating first year at a different university.

Figuring it out

Heather Sauder was initially stuck between an elementary education or accounting major. Now that she's chosen education, she's pondering between a TESOL or traditional classroom.

Teaching peace

It's been a successful start to the [Teaching Peace to Children] program. We are planning to duplicate it in the fall. It's important to familiarize children with these topics."

Competitive internship

It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. It's all paid. They're even paying for my living expenses. It's a full-time job doing something I actually want to do!"

Making history fun

Kyle Jolliff '26, a history major, confirmed his vocation by shadowing teachers at Ada High School as a first-year student. He gained additional experience by substitute teaching.

Purpose in the ER

After gaining experience in the Blanchard Valley Health System emergency room, nursing major Lindsey Shaw confirmed her occupational fit.

Support for med school

Caleb Bell received a $5,000 award supporting future physicians. The Dr. John Kraft Award is a loan which is canceled upon completion of the first year of medical school.

Solar Punk sci-fi

Deborah Yoder '23 earned departmental honors authoring science fiction short stories. "The Water Collectors" addresses issues such as sustainability and climate change through an optimistic lens.

Making an impact

The hardest goodbye came on the last day of student teaching for Ella Wiley, elementary education graduate. She gained experience dealing with difficult situations and knowing when to be stern.

Nonprofit field

Sarah Woods wanted to pursue a business degree but was unsure what direction it would lead her. After completing four internships, she now is focused on nonprofit management.

Consistency is key

Business is all about what you put into it. How much work you’re willing to do… [At my internship,] they’ve done a good job emphasizing what it takes to succeed.”

SI assistant

The internship is teaching me about how open my communication needs to be just so that I can get my job done and make everyone else's job easier, too."

Marketing success

Andrea Peralta Morales '23, an international student from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, was introduced to marketing through her family's business. She is honing her skills through multiple internships.

Football intern

Grace Fillinger's '23 ultimate goal is becoming an athletic director, but after her internship she developed an interest in recruiting and could see herself as a recruiter after graduation.

US Marshal intern

We want to see the world as a peaceful place, but some individuals have bad tendencies. It’s good to know there are good people who can handle these situations.”

More than observing

Carson Kindred gained practical knowledge, including therapy and rehabilitation experience, from an internship with the Findlay High School strength and conditioning football coach.

Support for the future

I felt like I was another athletic trainer. Every time we traveled to another school where there was a graduate program, [I was] introduced to their trainers as a prospective student."

Cardiac health

Sydney Zinkon gained hands-on experience as an intern in the cardiac pulmonary rehabilitation unit working with patients who had asthma or lasting issues due to COVID 19.

Remote internships

International student Sarah Rivera Rios '23 from Honduras gained academic credit while supporting small businesses and women leadership. She gained social media marketing experience through two remote internships.

Future in coaching

Something unexpected Sammi Urban learned during the internship was the amount of time each college coach invests in their program from scheduling, budgeting, and everything in between.

It can now be told

Perhaps one of the most tightly guarded secrets at Bluffton is the identities of J. Denny and Jenny Beaver. Who were in the mascot suits in 2022-23?

Rolling in the dough

It’s one thing to see it in class, but it’s another thing to actually see it in an actual workplace setting, it all makes sense when put together.”

A foot in the door

Rachel Hellman '23, got her foot in the door at The Met during her Learning in Community class when she met the owner, Robert Nelson.

Reducing the stigma

I have always been interested in the human mind. When I originally came in undecided, I took Introduction to Psychology and became even more interested in it.”

A taste of reality

Internships on and off-campus provide additional understanding for Eli Grieser, a business administration/marketing double major.

Paid internship to job offer

A paid marketing internship with Toledo software company Double A Solutions may lead to a full-time job for Dec. 22 graduate Theri Phetlhu.

Broadcast news

Olivia (Lou) Westcott '23, a convergent media major, interned with WLIO-TV in Lima, Ohio to confirm her interests of pursuing a career in broadcast news.

God's hands and feet

A summer internship introduced senior marketing major Ella Zaborowski to opportunities in nonprofit organizations.

Digital animation

Sara Poiry '23, has the end goal of working at Disney and recognizes that the more experience they get, the better chance they have at succeeding.

Runs in the family

Caleb Mikesell's family is full of teachers. Many are also Bluffton graduates. In fact, Caleb will be a fifth-generation teacher and a fourth generation Bluffton graduate.

Kan Du internship

I realized my passion was helping people. I think that art is a medium that is not used enough for helping people be able to express themselves and open up."

Trained for CPR

"I've been certified for the past two years. I just reacted really quickly, without a thought if this was my place or not; I just did it."

Communication skills

"Not everyone understands math. As a future educator, I need to be able to explain things in different ways for different people. Some students need more from you than others."

Using numbers

During summer 2022, Michael Stammen worked 40 hours a week for a paid business internship at SumiRiko Ohio; a position he has continued part-time this fall.

Criminal justice

“I hadn’t really thought about working with juveniles when I decided to pursue criminal justice, but the reading and mentoring program broadened my horizons.”

Alaskan wilderness

Laura Irwin ’23, a music education major, spent 30 days in the Alaskan wilderness with no technology or electricity. Instead, she relied on skills learned and connections formed.

Job shadowing

A $1,500 Summer Discovery Grant allowed biology major Shelby Stammen to shadow dentists in the Lima area. Shadowing experience is a requirement to apply to dental schools.

Hometown intern

Maalik Tucker '23, a management major, let his roots run deep when he returned to his hometown for an internship with the Fostoria High School athletic department this summer.

A medical scribe

You get to see a lot of things. You help to organize and create patient charts, so it speeds up the doctors' work. It ends up benefiting both of us."

Drawn to heart care

Lilly Cameron '23, a nursing major, is gaining valuable experience as a clinical technician at Cleveland Clinic's main campus in a cardiovascular intensive care unit.

Functional nutrition

"I learned [during my internship] that as a dietitian you have to be really involved in the community. There is a lot of outreach and engagement."

PR and marketing skills

“Planning is good, but never plan for it to happen as planned. You have to be on your toes because plans will change.” - Ohio State Fair intern

Path confirmed

Nash Morgan '22, a criminal justice and psychology major, spent the summer preparing for a career in law. Morgan completed internships with a common pleas court and a village police department.

Klinger gains experience

This summer, Grant Klinger '25, a medical laboratory science major from Bluffton, Ohio, confirmed his career goals and gained hands-on experience in his field.

Chung Aims to Teach

Alexa Chung '25, a Delphos, Ohio, native, is heading toward her own future in the classroom as a middle childhood education major at Bluffton University.

Professional experience

Genoa Arling '23, a social work and psychology student at Bluffton University, says it's a cliché answer, but she chose her majors because "I just want to help people."

Heiing Finds a Fit

Bluffton University's Noah Heiing '24, a communication and media major from Delphos, Ohio, wants high school students to understand it's okay if they don't have life figured out at 18.

A New, Better Path

Payton Stephens '23, a writing and communication and media double major from Lebanon, Ohio, came to Bluffton with the goal of seeing her name in print.

Foster MSO President

Karl Foster '24, a sport and recreation leadership major from Detroit, Mich., chose Bluffton University because "from my first visit, it felt like home."

Henry Internship

Peyton Henry '23, a marketing and business administration double major from Leipsic, Ohio, is learning through experience as a human resources intern at Wannemacher Total Logistics.

Lisan Gains Experience

Californian Joshua Lisan never expected to live in Ohio, but the decision is leading him to the career of his dreams. He spent the 2021-22 academic year completing a dietetic internship with Bluffton University.

Research at Berkeley

Ermias Assefa '22, a mathematics major and computer science minor from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, will complete research at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory this summer.

Experiences in Archives

Since her first year at Bluffton University, Hannah Stevanus '23 has been working in the library archives as an opportunity to develop experience for her major in history.

Headed to medical school

Ben Heck, a 2022 pre-med, chemistry and physics graduate, is the latest recipient of the Dr. John Kraft Award at Bluffton University

Hunter McCafferty

Bluffton University student Hunter McCafferty '23, a primary P-5 education major and coaching minor from Bremen, Ohio, juggled his studies while also being involved on campus.

Statewide honor

I feel honored for all of the opportunities Bluffton has given me. I feel if I wouldn't have come here, I wouldn't have experienced all these great things"

Using TESOL skills

Anneliese Horner, TESOL major, will establish an English club and work as an assistant English teacher in Palestine for 11 months following graduation.

Semester abroad

It was challenging at times... But I decided the more comfortable I become at being uncomfortable, the more I'll get to experience in life."

Dayton Dragons Intern

Madison Baker '22, a marketing and sport management double major, developed new skills as a paid, sport management summer intern for the semi-professional Dayton Dragons baseball.

Finding untold stories

Even though we weren't as successful as some other colleges in getting [Japanese American] students here [during WWII], I thought it was amazing that the college never stopped trying."

Spring break service

Nine Bluffton students spent mornings during spring break converting an underutilized kitchen in Camden, N.J., into a coffee shop. In the afternoon, they mentored children.

Shares her School Spirit

Kelly Armentrout '24, an exercise science major and double minor in coaching and wellness. She finds herself bringing the school spirit she developed in high school to her university activities.

Plenty of competition

To be honest, Zachariah Boch '24, a business administration and sport management double major from Lancaster, Ohio, wasn't planning to come to Bluffton University.

Multicultural grad assistant

I feel like people are being more vocal about issues on campus, and the university is willing to have those hard conversation with the student body. It's very, very good."

Discovering her passion

A service experience at a Mississippi homeless shelter led former communication major Risa Fukaya ’22, an international student from Zushi, Japan, to a social work major.

New campus pastor

Chalsi (Eastman) Campbell, graduated from Bluffton in 2012 as a religion major with a focus on youth ministry. Now, she's back to support students as the campus pastor.

Voice over artist

After a semester studying at Nashville's Contemporary Music Center, senior music major Alex Rose is recording their first paid voice over role while finishing up classes.

Finding her passion

I have a lot of support here at Bluffton. I am very lucky that I found people who support me, my ideas and what I want for my future."

Passing it on

When senior Austin Hernandez thinks back to a pivotal time in life, he recalls running track in high school. His goal is to become a coach, to encourage his students as he was encouraged.

What recruiters want

The internship was really helpful to learn what coaches look for in a recruit. It's more than just skills, a recruit must show he or she is hardworking and loves the game."

Confidence through internship

Luisa Rivera '22, a business administration and marketing double major from Yoro, Honduras, with a concentration in international business put her extra studies to good use during a fall 2021 internship.

Worth the audition

Music Performing Scholar scholarship helps Kayden Cardell prepare for a career in the classroom

Dream internship

It's really huge to have internship experience on your resume, and the people I worked with [at Marathon] genuinely wanted to help me learn."

NASW representative

The National Association of Social Workers is a membership that when you get involved, it offers resources and helps you stay up to date with social issues around the world,"

Julia Gibson

Julia Gibson, a double major in accounting and business administration, immersed herself in a learning experience at Speedway Corporate Headquarters.

Nathaniel DeWeese

Bluffton student finds his passion through internship experience with State Auto Insurance.

Nathan DeWeese

Grace Branson

Grace Branson explores criminal law during summer internship experience.

Hope Nixon

Hope Nixon '22, a nutrition and dietetics major from Johnstown, Ohio, spent 10 weeks with Purdue University's Department of Nutrition Science this summer.

NSF-funded research

It was quite fascinating because I come from Africa. Solar power is an efficient way to produce electricity. It would be very good if I was able to bring this research back home."

Caitlyn Renner

Meet Caitlyn Renner, a speech-language pathology and audiology major from Cairo, Ohio.

Carina DiMarco

Meet Carina DiMarco, Intervention Specialist and P-5 Education major from Hartville, Ohio, and President's Ambassador.

Leslie Diaz

Meet Leslie Diaz, graphic design and marketing double major from Chiclayo, Peru, and President's Ambassador.

Jeremy Locklear

Meet Jeremy Locklear, food and nutrition major from Lincoln Park, Mich., and President's Ambassador.

Marissa Hall

Meet Marissa Hall, English major from Avon Lake, Ohio, and President's Ambassador.

Jordan Jennings

Meet Jordan Jennings, speech-language pathology and audiology major from Portsmouth, Ohio, and President's Ambassador.

Jenía Freewalt

Meet Jenía Freewalt, art education major from Delphos, Ohio, and President's Ambassador.

Riley Garmatter

Meet Riley Garmatter, Primary P-5 and Intervention Specialist double major from Rawson, Ohio, and President's Ambassador.

Stacey Chirewa

Meet Stacey Chirewa, accounting and business administration double major from Harare, Zimbabwe, and President's Ambassador.

Evan Burden

Meet Evan Burden, music education major from Sidney, Ohio, and President's Ambassador.

Amy Marshall

Meet Amy Marshall, social work and psychology double major from Pickerington, Ohio, and President's Ambassador.

MacKenzie Martin

Meet MacKenzie Martin, speech language pathology and audiology major from Hartville, Ohio, and President's Ambassador.

Sarah Rivera Rios

Meet Sarah Rivera Rios, a Business Administration/Marketing major and President's Ambassador from Comayagua, Honduras.

Cassie Mladek

Meet Cassie Mladek, a elementary education major and President's Ambassador from Coshocton, Ohio.

Danielle King

Meet Danielle King, a pre-physical therapy major and President's Ambassador from Tedrow, Ohio.

Noah Heiing

Meet Noah Heiing , a Primary Education/Intervention Specialist major and President's Ambassador from Delphos, Ohio .

Haley Byrnes

Meet Haley Byrnes, a Exercise Science major and President's Ambassador from Worthington, Ohio.

Avery Carter

Meet Avery Carter, a nutrition and dietetics major and President's Ambassador from Bryan, Ohio.

Emily Clawson

Meet Emily Clawson, a Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology major and President's Ambassador from Troy, Ohio.

Payton Stephens

Meet Payton Stephens, a writing major and President's Ambassador from Lebanon, Ohio.

Darius Boeke

Meet Darius Boeke, a mathematics major with AYA licensure and President's Ambassador from Sidney, Ohio.

Grace Zickafoose

Meet Grace Liechty Zickafoose, a mathematics major/education minor and President's Ambassador from Lima, Ohio.

Nathan DeWeese

Meet Nathan DeWeese, a mathematics/business administration major and President's Ambassador from Columbus, Ohio.

Alejandra Valenzuela

Meet Alejandra Valenzuela, a psychology/social work major and President's Ambassador from Honduras.

Hands-on experience

Through the Bluffton Bread Company I am learning different food service skills. This opportunity is unique because it allows students lead the direction and development of the company."

The next step

Jake Latkofsky '21, a pre-physical therapy major and infielder, was recently accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Mount Saint Joseph University.

The Big Reveal

After months of secrecy, it can now be shared that Clay Meyer, Cassie Mladek and Olivia "Lou" Westcott served as J. Denny and Jenny Beaver in 2020-21.

Impressive internship

The professors here push you to get out there and chase your dreams. I really think I can accomplish my goals if I work hard and stayed focused."

The right fit

Gabe Denecker '21 started at Bluffton undecided about his major. However, after four years and a hands-on internship experience, Denecker found the right fit in communication.

Experiential learning

"You're in school for four years, but after that you need to get a job. The professors here really prepare you for that. They are willing to help you find internships."

Building relationships

When Dezman Brown '21, a business administration major, isn't on the court for Beavers basketball, he's often there anyway as a head coordinator for intramurals.

Pursuing advocacy

Kayla Ferguson '22 came to Bluffton to study psychology, but as her academic advisor got to know her better, it became clear Ferguson was passionate about advocacy.

Relaxing on stage

"It's a nice escape from the struggles of everyday life because you can pretend to be somebody else for a few hours each night," said Bible and theology major Adam Shanaman.

BAS mentor

A second-year communication student, Travon Mason has not yet determined his career ambitions. In the meantime, he's helping first-year students find their footing in college as a Becoming a Scholar mentor.

Prepared to teach

"Teaching English is a big responsibility. I'm not only teaching students proper literacy skills, but at the high-school level, I'm teaching them how to view texts from different perspectives."

Storyteller

Now in his final year at Bluffton, the first baseman, hall director and history/AYA student is completing a departmental honors project on German immigrants in his hometown during WWI.

More than a legacy

With a family legacy like Caitlyn Renner's, of course she would be a Beaver. "Bluffton was like a home away from home, and when I got here, it was even better than I expected."

Helping people

When I started out in residence life, I thought of it like working at a social work agency, helping people connect to resources. It was a step toward my future career."

Nursing major confirmed

Reid Whitney '23, a nursing major, was initially drawn to Bluffton to continue his athletics career. However, the more he learned about the nursing program, the clearer his choice of major became.

Reigning champion

I’m going to keep doing this sport as long as I can. When I’m done, I still want to be around it. Strength and conditioning is the perfect major to help me continue.”

A 'second family'

From the difficulties of everyday college life, to personal tragedy, to the COVID-19 pandemic, Alana Holsapple '21 found a "second family" to help her through it all at Bluffton.

Knowlton Scholar

Being a science major and keeping up with labs means I'm busier doing academics, but I love every second of it. I love football. I love school. I love Bluffton."

Sergio Alvarez

When Sergio Alvarez first stepped foot on campus he was just dropping his cousin off. Days later he too was enrolled at Bluffton. "I felt like I was in the right place."

Vocation confirmation

Right now, I’m taking Woodwind Methods. Never in my life did I think I would play a woodwind instrument. I’ve also taken String Methods, Voice Methods… It’s a very in-depth experience.”

Campus Relationships

"Coming to a place where you actually get to know everybody is nice", said Gill. "At Bluffton, I knew I would be able to build relationships with my professors."

Serving others

“I’m a big believer in giving back to the community. We have goals for MSO to do more community work. We’re a family. I want everybody to see that.”

Trusted mentors

For Bri Baker '21, a mathematics major from Defiance, Ohio, little nudges from trusted mentors have "really made an impact on my life."

Service to humankind

"Mostly, I would like to have a career that takes me in a direction where I am spreading a reflection of love and empathy to others." - Natilee Grover '21

4 years, 4 internships

An accounting and business administration double major, Abbie Parkins is getting as much hands-on experience as possible before she graduates. Entering her senior year, she is completing her fourth internship.

Criminal Justice and Psychology

Mikey Fimiani '21, a criminal justice and psychology double major from Willoughby, Ohio, was masked up and ready to make a difference. Fimiani spent the summer living and learning at the Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture.

Vocal health

Gospel music has its roots in just about every American musical style, so as I'm thinking about how to prepare gospel singers, this research will also help me better prepare jazz singers and musical theatre singers."

Pre-physical therapy

Katie McClure's professional goal is to become a physical therapist. It's a field she has a lot of experience in, not yet as a practitioner but instead as a patient.