Bluffton University news
'Messiah' soloists
Erin Alcorn, soprano; Andrew Lipian, countertenor; Brian Skoog, tenor; and Jeremiah Sanders, baritone, will perform the solos for Bluffton's 130th and 131st performances of Handel's "Messiah."
26 Pebbles
"26 Pebbles" tells the true story of the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting, honoring the 26 victims and exploring how the community coped with grief, hope, and healing.
Demolish Berky
The vacant Berky Hall will be demolished in spring 2025. Funding is being provided by a grant from Allen County Land Bank.
Spiritual Life Week
"Put on the Armor of God" was the theme of fall Spiritual Life Week. Rev. Matthew Yoder, pastor of Grace Mennonite Church, worked with students to explore Ephesians 6:10-18.
Musical collaboration
Bluffton University, University of Findlay, College First Church of God choir and Findlay Civic Choir are combining forces to perform Handel's "Messiah" under the direction of Dr. SeaHwa Jung.
Best MBA Program
Bluffton University has been recognized by research.com for having a best Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program in the U.S.
Docudrama cast list
"26 Pebbles," a docudrama about the community response to the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, will be performed in November. Cast members are beginning rehearsals.
Opening minds
Cross-cultural experiences allow Bluffton students to experience ways to approach different cultures with open minds. Students shared learnings from international and domestic trips during Forum.
Maintaining mission
Bluffton University will again be called Bluffton College upon completion of the proposed merger with University of Findlay. The timeline is uncertain. The earliest this could happen is 2026.
Bluffton stories
Samantha Shrider '12 visited with faculty, staff and alumni to record their stories for an oral history project to celebrate Bluffton University's 125-year anniversary.
New phys ed major
The new health and physical education major will help address the issue of under qualified teachers teaching health and physical education courses.
Presidents' address
Bluffton and Findlay presidents collaborated to present the State of the University Forum in the context of the proposed merger with University of Findlay.
Best College
The U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges" guidebook has ranked Bluffton in the top tier of Midwest regional colleges for 27 consecutive years.
Enduring legacy
Dr. Robert Postic, professor of political science at University of Findlay, shared "The Enduring Legacy of the U.S. Constitution," during the Constitution Day Forum.
2024 Enrollment
Despite 2024 FAFSA issues, Bluffton first year class enrollment is up from last year. Total enrollment, including graduate and undergraduate, is 641.
Bluffton's 125th year
Founded in 1899, Bluffton will mark its 125th year during Homecoming and Alumni Weekend on Oct. 4-6.
Remember your faith
A football coach, campus pastor and an alumnus walk onto stage. Personal stories of faith and memory were shared to introduce the 2024-25 Civic Engagement Theme.
Becoming Rooted
The 125th class of new Bluffton University students were encouraged to embrace the new, practice curiosity and kindness while "Becoming Rooted" in their new environment.
Coach Kaighin named
Sean Kaighin, the new men's soccer head coach, previously coached at Marietta and served as boys youth director of coaching at the Greater Toledo Futbol Club.
College of Distinction
For the fifth year in a row Bluffton has been recognized for excellence in undergraduate education considering factors such as student engagement, teaching excellence and community involvement.
National recognition
The National Strength & Conditioning Association has again approved Bluffton's strength and conditioning program. Bluffton students are eligible to take the CSCS credentialing exam.
Celebrate success
Commencement speaker Glen Guyton, Mennonite Church USA executive director, encouraged 147 Bluffton graduates to celebrate how far they have come before stressing about the future.
Student scholars
Outstanding students were recognized for academic achievements, including those completing departmental honors projects, at the annual Academic Awards and Honors Forum.
President's Ambassadors
President's Ambassadors to serve during the 2024-25 academic year have been selected. These students will assist in recruiting prospective students, greeting campus guests, and engaging alumni and donors.
Faculty research
Faculty development of computational simulations supporting climate study, literature research and installation of a permaculture garden will be supported by research grants.
Celebrating success
"Success is a Choice" was the message given at the 2024 Athletics Award forum. Awards were presented to standout senior student-athletes and a dedicated supporter of Bluffton athletics.
Play in MLB stadium
Bluffton University baseball will travel north, all the way to Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, to take on the Alma College Scots on Wednesday, April 24.
Speaking peace
Jenna Juarez advocated for including meaningful daily activities for elders in her winning speech during the C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest.
Spring Fling Concert
Bluffton University's music groups will come together for a spring concert featuring fun and familiar tunes at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 21, in Yoder Recital Hall.
Oratorical Contest
Students selected to participate in the annual C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest will prepare an oration that applies a peace-church perspective to an issue of contemporary concern.
Kim Fischer Dedication
The Kim Fischer Press Box at Bluffton University Softball Field, to be dedicated on Saturday, April 6, honors the legacy of Kim Fischer, Bluffton's winningest female coach.
French Concert
Dr. Bo Young Kang will be conducting Bluffton University's Masterworks performance of French composer Maurice Duruflé's "Requiem" at 2:30 p.m. on April 14 in Yoder Recital Hall.
Civic Engagement '24
Dr. J. Walter Paquin, professor of social work, will present the annual Civic Engagement Forum explaining the importance of making choices that enhance emotional well-being.
Athletics Awards
Bluffton University will recognize its top student-athletes at the annual Athletics Awards Forum, featuring a presentation by author and former basketball coach Jamy Bechler.
Nature: the main event
A climate activist and Pueblo descendant, Sarah Augustine, co-founder of the Coalition for Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery, presented "So We and Our Children May Live."