Here's how we celebrate a university homecoming in a small Ohio town
Seniors Chad Gundy of Flanagan, Ill., and Kati O’Neill of Wapakoneta, Ohio, were crowned Bluffton University’s Homecoming king and queen at halftime of the annual Homecoming football game on Oct. 15.
Other seniors on the Homecoming court were John Eckenrode of Oregon, Ohio, and Mickie Gonwick of Hicksville, Ohio. Junior attendants were Malik Jackson of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Elaina Alpeter of Galloway, Ohio, while sophomore attendants were Dan Gregg of Ontario, Ohio, and Erika Motiejunas of Mentor, Ohio.
Gundy is double majoring in mathematics and information technology with a minor in computer science. He is a resident advisor in Ropp Hall and is part of Frisbee Club, Sunday Night Worship and Camerata Singers.
O’Neill is majoring in food and nutrition with a minor in public health. She is the Student Alumni Association president, Bluffton University Nutrition Association care package coordinator, a Student Ambassador, sings in Gospel Choir, volunteers at Mennonite Memorial Home, works in the admissions office as the ambassador coordinator and is a member of SERVE and Bluffton University's Sustainability Club.
Eckenrode is majoring in middle childhood education. He played soccer for four years, was an orientation leader and works as a stage manager in the theatre department.
Gonwick is majoring in early childhood education. She is a resident advisor in Ropp Hall and is a part of SERVE, the Sustainability Club and Peace Club.
Jackson is majoring in accounting. He is a member of the football team and is a student leader for Multicultural Affairs.
Alpeter is an intervention specialist and early Childhood education major who works as a ministry assistant on campus. She is vice president of Bluffton Education Organization (BEO) and is a member of Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and Homecoming committee. She is also a student ambassador, custodial supervisor and a Bluffton Elementary School tutor.
Gregg is a business administration major with a concentration in management and human resources. He is a member of the cross country and track and field teams and is involved in International Connection and Investment Club.
Motiejunas is an early childhood education and intervention specialist double major. She is a member of the women’s basketball team.
PHOTO IDS:
• Members of Bluffton University’s football team enter Salzman Stadium on Saturday ahead of the Homecoming game against Hanover. The Beavers defeated the Panthers with a score of 28-18.
• Judy (Mull ’63) Pierman and Diego Rodriguez ’04 hold their awards following the President’s Banquet. Pierman was honored with the Alumni Association’s Lifetime Service Award and Rodriguez was recognized as the Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumni.
• Chad Gundy ’17, a math and information technology double major from Flanagan, Ill., and Kati O’Neill ’17, a food and nutrition major from Wapakoneta, Ohio, were named king and queen.
• Tyson Goings, halfbacks coach, energizes players during Bluffton University’s Homecoming win against Hanover.
• Laura Galley ‘18, a food and nutrition major from Indianapolis, Ind., relaxes with Bluffton University mascot Jenny Beaver in the Kid Zone.
• Baseball alumni take part in an alumni game.
• Bluffton art faculty Phil Sugden, T.R. Steiner, and Andi Baumgartner ’08 stand in front of their artwork during the reception of their show “Silent Treatment."
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
- Pirate volleyball loss vs. Lincolnview
- Village of Bluffton meetings announced, Oct. 1-Nov. 2
- 100 years of being Beavers: 2026 Bluffton University Homecoming, Oct. 2-4
- September 30 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Check out October 2026 BPL Update
- Final call for for Bluffton photos contest
- Pandora-Gilboa HS crowns Homecoming King and Queen
- Bluffton Council recap: Purchase of Marsh Run acres approved
- Senior Center's October membership dinner
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
- Pirate volleyball sweeps Wapakoneta
- Pirate boys golf 4th at NWC tourney; Meyer places 2nd
- Pirate girls soccer shuts out Lima Central Catholic
- Pirate boys soccer shuts out Lima Central Catholic
- Pirate girls tennis blanks Kenton
- Bluffton Fall Festival overflows with family fun
- Stauber exhibit at Massillon Museum through November 1
- Arlington invites generations of alumni to all-school Homecoming
Monday, September 28, 2026
- Beavers sports roundup, September 21-27
- Alan K. Yoder, O.D., 86, owned Family Eye Care Clinic of Bluffton
- I-75 lane restrictions in Hancock County, Sept. 28-Oct. 2
- Travis Michael Swank, 40, was a salesman
- NetVUE panel highlights chaplaincy, vocation and meaningful work
- Bluffton Presbyterian hosts community-wide Socktober drive