Lists of distinguished scholars and major award recipients
MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University recognized student achievement, scholarship and academic excellence during the annual Academic Awards and Honors Forum held April 21, 2026, in Yoder Recital Hall. The Forum celebrated students who have demonstrated intellectual curiosity, perseverance and a commitment to learning across disciplines.
Faculty chairs presented Distinguished Scholar awards to students selected by their departments for excellence in their academic fields.
APRIL 22 MEDIA RELEASE__David Rich, Brownsburg, Ind., has been awarded Bluffton University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, valued at more than $156,000 over four years.
A graduate of Brownsburg High School, Rich is active in extracurricular activities including club soccer.
Rich attends Connection Pointe and is the son of Jason Rich and Donna Block.
MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University recognized outstanding student-athletes, campus supporters and welcomed a featured speaker during its annual Athletics Awards Forum on Tuesday, April 14.
The Forum included recognition of major athletic award recipients and a keynote presentation from Brian Polian, vice president for athletics and national engagement at John Carroll University.
MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University has been awarded a $60,000 grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) through the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) to support programming that prepares students for leadership in communities of faith.
The two-year grant, titled Fostering Leadership for Communities of Faith, will be used from May 1, 2026, through April 30, 2028, to develop and strengthen initiatives that help students explore and pursue leadership roles in faith-based settings.
MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University will recognize student academic achievement during the Academic Awards Forum at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, in Yoder Recital Hall.
The Forum will honor students for outstanding academic performance, scholarly excellence and contributions to the intellectual life of the university. Awards will be presented across multiple disciplines, recognizing sustained achievement as well as exceptional accomplishments during the academic year.
DATE CORRECTED / MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University will host its annual Civic Engagement Day on April 8, bringing together students, faculty and staff to explore the importance of active citizenship, community involvement and social responsibility. The event will take place across campus and feature a variety of presentations, discussions and interactive experiences centered on civic life.
