Campus News - С�Ŵ�ý

С�Ŵ�ý news

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.