2025-26 С�Ŵ�ý News

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

С�Ŵ�ý will hold its annual Christmas Forum at 11 a.m. on Dec. 2 in Yoder Recital Hall.

Accreditation Visit

The Education Department at С�Ŵ�ý 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

С�Ŵ�ý, 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

С�Ŵ�ý 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 С�Ŵ�ý, 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 С�Ŵ�ý, will direct Bluffton's fall play, "After the Blast."

Holiday Open House

President Alex Sider and the С�Ŵ�ý 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 С�Ŵ�ý'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

С�Ŵ�ý'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 С�Ŵ�ý'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

С�Ŵ�ý 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

С�Ŵ�ý 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 С�Ŵ�ý Nature Preserve."

The events offered opportunities for С�Ŵ�ý 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

С�Ŵ�ý 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 С�Ŵ�ý'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.

Choral Director Named

С�Ŵ�ý is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathon Blake Turner as the university's new choral director in a part-time staff role.

“After the Blast” blends dystopian intrigue with deep emotional insight, offering a poignant and timely reflection on resilience, connection and the fragile hope for renewal.

2025 Fall Play Cast

С�Ŵ�ý Theatre has announced the cast and production team for its fall play, "After the Blast" by Zoe Kazan.

Faculty Colloquium

Dr. Alex Sider, president and professor of religion at С�Ŵ�ý, will present the Colloquium, "Following Jesus When Things Fall Apart."

Messiah Tradition

С�Ŵ�ý in conjunction with University of Findlay will once again join together for the treasured holiday tradition of Handel's Messiah.

As part of the role, Dr. Mast will also serve as editor of the C. Henry Smith Series in Anabaptist Culture and Thought and deliver one Yoder Scholar Lecture per year on a topic related to biblical, religious or Anabaptist studies.

Yoder Scholar Appointed

С�Ŵ�ý is pleased to announce that Dr. Gerald Mast has been appointed the Harry and Jean Yoder Scholar in Bible and Religion.

С�Ŵ�ý looks forward to the insight and leadership the board of trustees will continue to provide with the addition of these three new members.

New Trustees Elected

С�Ŵ�ý has elected three alumni to its board of trustees: Pete Suter '94, MAOM '02, Malissa Takacs '01 and Matt McQuown '90, MBA '06.

Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3, Shanaman will explore the rhythms of life through a spiritual lens, encouraging listeners to reflect on timing, purpose and faith.

Spiritual Life Forum

Adam Shanaman '22, campus ministries intern at С�Ŵ�ý, will speak on "A Time for Everything" during Bluffton's Spiritual Life Week Forum at 11 a.m. on Oct. 28 in Yoder Recital Hall.

Bluffton’s cross-cultural program encourages students to move beyond tourism and experience life through another community’s perspective. During the forum, students described their time in Chicago, Kentucky and the Czech Republic.

Cross-Cultural Forum Recap

С�Ŵ�ý students recently reflected on lessons learned through their 2025 cross-cultural experiences during the university's annual Cross-Cultural Forum.

Driven by our peace-church tradition and a focus on developing students for life as well as vocation, Bluffton has spent 125 years learning, experiencing and bettering the world together.

2025 Enrollment

С�Ŵ�ý looks to continue to strengthen enrollment alongside new leadership changes and strong strategic guidance.

Holland will offer insights into Thoreau as a 19th-century American Poet-Naturalist whose spiritual solitude fostered a deep connection with all of creation.

Thoreau's Spiritual Ecology Forum

Dr. Scott Holland, professor emeritus of theology and culture at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., will present "Henry David Thoreau's Personal Solitude and Public Solidarity or How to Befriend All Creation" during С�Ŵ�ý's Forum at 11 a.m. on Oct. 21 in Yoder Recital Hall.

Bluffton announces the Be a Beaver Program, enhanced scholarships, and local grants—making high-quality education more affordable for students.

Bluffton Reduces College Costs

Bluffton guarantees full tuition for qualifying students with new aid, bigger scholarships, and local grants--helping students and families plan with confidence.

Helping Students Succeed

С�Ŵ�ý is honored to announce its recognition as a Top Performer for Social Mobility in the latest "U.S. News & World Report."

"We The People"

С�Ŵ�ý hosted its annual Constitution Day Forum with Jean-Marie Kamatali, professor and the Ella A. and Ernest H. Fisher Chair of Law at Ohio Northern University, as the speaker.

First Tuesday Forum

Ellie Sheminski '27, a social work major with minors in criminal justice and Spanish, will present "The Impacts of Peaceful Student Activism" at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, in Musselman Library's Reading Room.

U.S. News Ranking

С�Ŵ�ý has again been named to the top tier of Midwest Regional Colleges in the "U.S. News & World Report" rankings released today.

Focused on person-centered care, OhioGuidestone provides mental health counseling, addiction recovery, family support, and workforce development.

New Corporate Partner

С�Ŵ�ý continues to grow its network of Corporate and Education Partnerships in the Midwest region, now entering a partnership agreement with OhioGuidestone.

Faculty Colloquium

Dr. Walt Paquin, director of social work program and professor of social work at С�Ŵ�ý, will present the Colloquium, "Using New Tools to Assess Neighborhood Quality,"

Students traveled to the Czech Republic, Kentucky and Chicago to explore culture, service and learning in diverse contexts.

Cross-Cultural Forum

С�Ŵ�ý students will reflect on their Spring 2025 cross-cultural experiences during Forum at 11 a.m. on Sept. 30 in Yoder Recital Hall.

“Make fast, low-stake decisions daily. Before you make the big decision, learn how to make small ones. Start hitting the low hurdle and that creates muscle memory,

Indecision Drains. Action Teaches.

Bethny Ricks '06, С�Ŵ�ý Trustee, executive consultant and author of "Face Forward," spoke on the topic of decisive decision making, a skill she describes as essential both personally and professionally.

North holds no regrets, though, stating, “Everything about that trip, the good and the bad, taught me lessons and transformed me into who I am today.”

Paradise to Reality

С�Ŵ�ý kicked off their First Tuesday in the Library series with Coen North '26, Spanish and communications and media double major, who shared his experience of his semester abroad in Yucatán, Mexico.

Skilliter will examine how modern youth sports systems can suppress healthy development in young athletes and explore ways to reclaim their original purpose: joy, growth and connection.

Youth Sports Forum

Evan Skilliter '14, assistant professor of health, fitness, and sport science at С�Ŵ�ý, will present "The Cost of Competition: What's Happened to Youth Sports and Can We Fix It?"

Kamatali will explore how the U.S. Constitution functions both as a binding legal document and a reflection of the people’s evolving values.

Constitution Day Forum

Jean-Marie Kamatali, professor and the Ella A. and Ernest H. Fisher Chair of Law at Ohio Northern University, will speak on "WE THE PEOPLE: The Constitution as a Legal Instrument and a Manifestation of Popular Sovereignty."

Faculty Colloquium

Dr. Gerald J. Mast, professor of communication at С�Ŵ�ý, will present the Colloquium, "Shunning Babylon: Menno Simons' Critique of Christian Empire.

This campaign, rooted in Bluffton’s mission to “prepare students of all backgrounds,” looks to strengthen key areas of campus and lay foundations for future generations of Bluffton Beavers.

Pillars of Purpose

С�Ŵ�ý announced the launch of the Pillars of Purpose, a one-year strategic campaign focused on building stability, trust, hope a

President Sider spoke on the state of С�Ŵ�ý aligning its strategic vision for the next year with four

Bluffton's Path Forward

In his first State of the University address, С�Ŵ�ý President Dr. Alex Sider laid out a clear vision for the university's future, centered on "Pillars of Purpose."

Ricks will share practical tools to help individuals move beyond indecision and into confident action.

Decisive Decisions Forum

Alumni and С�Ŵ�ý Trustee, Bethny Ricks '06, will discuss decisive decision making in her forum Sept. 9.

Coen North '26, the Spanish and communication and media double major, will describe how the period of isolation he experienced with studying abroad strengthened his appreciation for community.

First Tuesday Forum

The Fall 2025 First Tuesday in the Library Forum series will kick off with Coen North '26, discussing "The Power of Positive Environment: My Study Abroad Experience in Mexico."

Bowsher opened with words of gratitude before inviting the audience into a moment of pause and breathe. “This is our evidence of being alive,” she said, before extending a message of congratulations, “You made it.”

"You Made It"

Opening Convocation Forum, Aug. 19, welcomed first year students with a reflection on the accomplishments they've already made - preparing for college and taking their first steps at Bluffton.

Colloquium

Dr. Martina Cucchiara, professor of history at С�Ŵ�ý, will present the Colloquium, "Faith and Feelings: The Emotional Education of Maidservants in 18th Century Germany."

Drawing on personal and professional experiences, panelists will introduce the 2025-26 civic engagement theme, which focuses on how to serve and understand the diverse communities around us.

Panel Discussion

A panel of С�Ŵ�ý faculty, staff, alumni and current students will present "Who is My Neighbor? Knowing, Loving, and Serving Our Neighbors" during Bluffton's Civic Engagement Theme Introduction Forum

The $500,000 grant will support students with financial need who show strong academic promise, with a focus on those pursuing STEM or related fields.

Knowlton Scholarship Grant

С�Ŵ�ý is honored to be the recipient of a $500,000 grant payable over the next five years. The grant is provided by The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation.

Dr. Alex Sider will address new and returning students during the state of the university address, focused on the discussion of Bluffton strategic priorities for the 2025-26 school year

State of the University Forum

Dr. Alex Sider, president of С�Ŵ�ý, will present "Pillars of Purpose: Stability, Hope, Trust, Compassion" during Bluffton's State of the University Forum at 11 a.m. on Aug. 26 in Yoder Recital Hall.

“I grew up in education,” said Hocanson. “And here at Bluffton, I get to train the next generation of teachers and help them be the best they can be for our future leaders. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

Supporting life-long learning

Dr. Cherie Hocanson, assistant professor of education and director of graduate programs for education, is an encourager of lifelong learning and notes the importance of community in the program.

Opening Convocation Forum

Megan Bowsher, MSW, LISW, clinical psychotherapist at Creative Hope Counseling in Bluffton, Ohio, will present the fall 2025 Opening Convocation Forum.

Dr. J. Alexander Sider will be inaugurated as Bluffton's 11th president.

Inauguration

С�Ŵ�ý makes a historic announcement, naming Dr. J. Alexander the 11th president of the institution effective Aug. 1, 2025.

The Spring 2025 Dean's List recognizes students with a GPA of 3.6+ in at least half-time graded courses, with distinction for those achieving 3.75+.

Spring '25 Dean's List

С�Ŵ�ý recognized 217 for their academic excellence during the spring 2025 semester.

Church minutes combined with hymns and popular songs of the decades brought to life the Mennonite women's service, faith and evolving theology.

Sharing through song

Anabaptism at 500 spring events at Bluffton concluded with a heartfelt and humorous performance of "One Hundred Years of Mennonite Women through Story and Song."

J. Denny Beaver celebrated by welcoming new students to Summer Orientation and Registration.

15 years, 15 questions

Having arrived on campus June 23, 2010, J. Denny Beaver is celebrating his 15th birthday! What's it like to be J. Denny? Let him tell you in his own words.

Jayme Jarrett received the James W. White Award from the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrator.

Highest honor awarded

Jayme Jarrett, director of financial aid, was honored for her problem solving, patience and understanding when working with students and their parents.

Celebration highlights

Events affirming Bluffton's commitment to peace traditions rooted in its Mennonite heritage were held last spring, in conjunction with the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement.

Bluffton has been named a College of Distinction since the 2019-20 academic year. Bluffton’s business and education departments are also consistently recognized as leading programs of distinction.

Meaningful impact

Colleges of Distinction recognizes Bluffton for its commitment to experiential education, including collaborative projects, student research and global learning.