MEDIA RELEASE__Rev. Phil Yoder challenged Bluffton University students, faculty and staff to reconsider the role of belonging in their lives during the Spiritual Life Week Forum. Yoder reflected that while belonging is deeply desired and ingrained in us, it can come at a cost to others.
Opening with a familiar campus experience, the Yoder invited listeners to recall moments of uncertainty and isolation: “Have you ever walked into the dining hall, looked around, had no idea where to sit?” He suggested that beneath that experience lies a deeper question: “Do I belong here?”
MEDIA RELEASE__Chris Scott, head track and field coach at Bluffton University, will present the Civic Engagement Day Forum, “Competition with My Neighbor: The Good and the Bad,” at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 7, in Yoder Recital Hall.
Scott will explore how competition shapes relationships before, during and after the game, and how love of neighbor can inform athletic engagement.
The March 17 Forum included a tribute to Loretta (Hilty ‘61) Baumgartner and was sponsored by members of the class of 1961.
MEDIA RELEASE__As a recent Bluffton University Forum speaker, alumn Malissa Takacs ’01 challenged students to consider how purpose, relationships and service shape both career paths and lifelong impact.
MEDIA RELEASE__Rev. Michael Danner, associate executive director for church vitality with Mennonite Church USA, will present a Forum titled “Sports as a Spiritual Discipline” at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, in Yoder Recital Hall.
Drawing on his experience as a denominational leader and high school track coach, Danner will discuss how sports participation can serve as a practice of faith and discipleship.
Bargain Hunter columnist speaks on living in a conservative bubble
MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University hosted Melissa Herrera, writer and author, as the featured speaker for the 2026 English Festival Forum. Herrera, who grew up in the Holmes County Mennonite community, shared her journey as a columnist, author, and storyteller, offering insights into writing beyond familiar perspectives.
Herrera, whose weekly column ran for 15 years in the Bargain Hunter, reflected on the challenges of engaging with an audience that often held differing views.
MEDIA RELEASE__Dr. Anayeli Lopez, assistant professor of social work, will present a faculty colloquium titled “Practicing Inclusion in Challenging Times: Culturally Responsive and Justice-Centered Approaches with Immigrant Communities” at 4 p.m. Friday, March 27.
The colloquium will explore strategies for culturally responsive and justice-centered practice with immigrant communities amid social and political challenges.
