Campus News - �鶹Ů��

�鶹Ů�� news

Student Senate Forum

Candidates for �鶹Ů��'s Student Senate president will participate in a Presidential Debate Forum.

Faculty Colloquium

Dr. Jonathan Andreas, Howard Raid Professor of Economics, will present a faculty colloquium titled "Creating a Prosperous Culture."

Cross Cultural Forum

�鶹Ů�� students Emily Jones '26, Logan Daughtery '27, Jordan Garmatter '26 and Cami Hazelton '26 will present a Cross-Cultural Experience Forum.

Throughout the forum, members of the newly reinstated �鶹Ů�� Choir joined Turner in song, reinforcing the message that justice is not only something to be discussed but something to be embodied.

MLK Jr. Forum Recap

In remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., �鶹Ů�� hosted its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Forum presentation, featuring Jonathon Blake Turner, director of choral activities at �鶹Ů��.

First Tuesday Forum

Micah Dodson '27, a social work major at �鶹Ů��, will present "Unlocking the Truth in Appalachia" during First Tuesday in the Library

Dr. Jonathan Moyer, associate professor at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies and director of the Frederick S. Pardee Center for International Futures at the University of Denver, will present the Keeney Peace Lecture.

Panelists representing academic, administrative and athletic roles at the university spoke openly about their own paths through college.

Why College Panel Recap

�鶹Ů�� hosted a "Why College?" forum featuring reflections from a panel of first-generation college graduates who shared candid insights about the challenges, growth and long-term value of earning a bachelor's degree.

For 125 years, �鶹Ů�� faculty and staff have dedicated themselves to helping students find their talents, their passions and, ultimately, their way.

Fall 2025 Dean's List

�鶹Ů�� has announced its Dean's List for the fall 2025 semester.

MLK Jr. Day Forum

Jonathon Blake Turner, director of choral activities at �鶹Ů��, will present the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Forum, "Justice in the Key of Faith: The Sound of the Sanctuary and the Streets."

Faculty Colloquium

Dr. Paul Neufeld Weaver, professor of education and Spanish, will present a faculty colloquium titled "Reflecting on a Bluffton Education: Experiences of African Alumni of �鶹Ů��."

Why College Forum

A panel of �鶹Ů�� faculty and staff who were first-generation college students will present a Forum titled "Why College?" on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

�鶹Ů��’s commitment to academic quality and value has been affirmed through national recognition with Best Colleges rankings, including honors related to affordability and strong career outcomes, further underscoring the university’s focus on student success and return on investment.

Affordability Expanded

�鶹Ů�� is strengthening its commitment to access and affordability by expanding key financial aid initiatives designed to make a high-quality Bluffton education attainable for more students and families.

�鶹Ů�� addressed 99% of the audit metrics, with no courses found to be out of compliance with Ohio law.

Science of Reading Standards

�鶹Ů�� has been recognized by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) for strong alignment with the state's Science of Reading standards.

Hosted by The Ohio State University’s Agroecosystem Management Program (AMP), this year’s Summit invited participants to explore the theme “Finding Common Ground: Connecting Farms, Food, and Community in the Western Lake Erie Watershed.”

19th Annual Stinner Summit

�鶹Ů�� was honored to welcome farmers, food system professionals, environmental partners and community members from across Ohio as the 19th Annual Stinner Summit.

Bluffton’s longstanding overall excellence was also affirmed through its inclusion on Research.com’s Best Colleges list, further validating the University’s broad commitment to student success and academic achievement.

Best Colleges Ranking

�鶹Ů�� is pleased to announce that it has been honored with multiple distinguished awards for education, speech-language/CSD programing and Best College rankings.

Christmas Forum Recap

Ushering in the holiday season, director of choral activities Jonathon Blake Turner and members of Bluffton's choral society warmed the hearts and spirits of attendees with a program of Christmas carols.

This celebratory gathering brings the campus community together to reflect on the season of Advent and prepare for the Christmas holiday through music, readings and reflection.

Christmas Forum

�鶹Ů�� will hold its annual Christmas Forum at 11 a.m. on Dec. 2 in Yoder Recital Hall.

Accreditation Visit

The Education Department at �鶹Ů�� is hosting an accreditation visit by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) on April 13, 2026.

Rippel studied in the molecular biology lab where she explored the relationship between excess growth hormone and cell senescence.

First Tuesday Forum Recap

The November edition of the "First Tuesday in the Library" forum series was presented by Alexis Rippel '27, who shared her summer research conducted in the DISIRE Summer Undergraduate Program at Ohio University.

luffton’s natural restoration projects have continued to encourage collaboration between the campus and the surrounding community, inviting students, faculty, staff and local residents to engage directly with the outdoors.

Enbridge Watershed Grant

�鶹Ů��, in partnership with the Blanchard River Watershed Partnership, has received an Enbridge Watershed Grant from the Western Reserve Land Conservancy to establish a one-acre native prairie along Little Riley Creek beside the Sommer Center.

To live into this idea, Frey Martin offered three practices: curiosity, patience and service.

Service Forum Recap

Alumnus Eric Frey Martin '08, director of constituent engagement for Mennonite Mission Network, spoke on the Nov. 5, presentation, "Moving at the Speed of Love: Finding Purpose in Mission and Service."

The addition complements Bluffton’s existing pre-professional programs and reflects the university’s growth in health-related disciplines.

New Pre-OT Major

�鶹Ů�� has announced the launch of a Pre-OT major, expanding its offerings in the health sciences to prepare students for careers dedicated to helping individuals live independently and meaningfully.

Faculty Colloquium

Laurel Neufeld Weaver, assistant professor of social work and MSW field education co-director at �鶹Ů��, will present the Colloquium, "Activating Resilience: Creating the Trauma-Informed Classroom."

After an environmental disaster forces survivors deep underground, nature must be simulated and fertility is tightly regulated. Anna and Oliver want a baby, but Anna can’t pass the Mental Health Exam. Will training their new robot helper satisfy Anna’s craving for meaning and purpose?

After the Blast

Dr. Melissa Friesen, communication and fine arts department chair and Mary Nord and Joseph Ignat endowed chair in theatre at �鶹Ů��, will direct Bluffton's fall play, "After the Blast."

Holiday Open House

President Alex Sider and the �鶹Ů�� Cabinet invite alumni, donors, friends and members of the Bluffton community to campus for a Holiday Open House

Hostetler will introduce the process and vision behind his new documentary, which explores nonviolent and community-based peacebuilding practices that challenge traditional responses to violence.

Unexpected Peace Forum

D. Michael Hostetler, award-winning producer, director and communications consultant from Kitchener, Ontario, will present "Making the Documentary Film Unexpected Peace" during �鶹Ů��'s Forum at 11 a.m. on Nov. 18 in Yoder Recital Hall.

Shanaman reminded the audience that “there is a time to be content and a time to not be content,” urging Bluffton students to embody both peace and purpose as they live out their faith.

Spiritual Life Week Forum Recap

�鶹Ů��'s Spiritual Life Week Forum welcomed Adam Shanaman '22, campus ministries intern, to share a message exploring faith, contentment and action.

Yoder will examine how working for systemic change and justice, particularly on behalf of Indigenous communities, can be a powerful expression of love and advocacy rooted in faith.

Indigenous Justice Forum

Deborah Yoder '23, communications manager for the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, will present "Loving Our Indigenous Neighbors" during �鶹Ů��'s Forum at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 in Yoder Recital Hall.

“The updated program name better represents the breadth of learning and experience our students gain—from foundational coursework in speech and hearing science to hands-on clinical practice,” said Dr. Gayle Trollinger, vice president of academic affairs.

Communication Sciences

�鶹Ů�� will update its SLPA program to be named Communication Sciences and Disorders, reflecting national standards and enhancing pathways for students seeking graduate study and meaningful careers in communication and hearing health.

Named in honor of longtime coach and mentor Carlin Carpenter and his wife Sharon, the scoreboard initiative celebrates the Carpenters’ decades of dedication to Bluffton students, athletics and the wider university community.

Carlin and Sharon Carpenter Scoreboard

�鶹Ů�� is pleased to announce that the Carlin and Sharon Carpenter Scoreboard Initiative has been fully funded through generous gifts from committed donors.

Faculty Colloquium

Dr. Jacob Buchanan, assistant professor of environmental science, will present the Colloquium, “One Year of Public Programming at the �鶹Ů�� Nature Preserve."

The events offered opportunities for �鶹Ů�� to build stronger connections with the Village of Bluffton, while nurturing curiosity about the environment. Partnerships like this help strengthen Bluffton’s ties to the surrounding community and build relationships that benefit both local students and the university.

Nature and Community

�鶹Ů�� recently welcomed second and seventh-grade students from Bluffton elementary and middle school for two days of hands-on outdoor education experiences.

Martin will explore Jesus’ call to love God and our neighbors at a pace that honors relationships, encourages service, and resists the pressure of speed and efficiency.

Mennonite Mission Forum

Eric Frey Martin, director of constituent engagement at Mennonite Mission Network, will present "Moving at the Speed of Love: Finding Purpose in Mission and Service" during �鶹Ů��'s Forum at 11 a.m. on Nov. 4 in Yoder Recital Hall.

First Tuesday in the Library

Alexis Rippel '27, an honors student majoring in biology and chemistry, will share her research findings during a Forum titled "Exploring Diabetes Research: My Project within Ohio University's DISIRE Program" at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, in Musselman Library's Reading Room.

First Tuesday Forum Recap

The "First Tuesday in the Library" Forum series continued Oct. 7 with Ellie Shemenski '27, a social work major.