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
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 24
- Are you a friend of the Bluffton Public Library?
- Weekend Doctor: What you need to know about flu season
- Courtney Linke joins CNB as VP Business Banking Officer
- Blanchard Valley Health System Announces Updates to Board of Trustees
- Blanchard Valley Health Foundation Announces Changes to Board of Directors
Friday, October 23, 2026
- Village of Bluffton announces late afternoon drill at Bluffton Schools, October 23
- October 23 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Pirate volleyball eliminated in sectionals by Archbold
- Pirate boys soccer knocked off by Bath
- Main St. closure rescheduled; parapet work to take place Oct. 27
- Bluffton student to reflect on diabetes research experience
- Bluffton University receives $8,000 Stinner Summit award for youth agricultural and environmental education
- Elections matter, including midterms
Thursday, October 22, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 22
- ICAPP study: Ohioans strongly oppose data center expansion and tax breaks
- Pirate girls soccer ousts rival Allen East in sectionals
- Strawberry Fields Forever: Fruit polyphenols and brain health
- Last call for Bluffton Cars & Coffee for 2026
- Icon calendar gets a little more elbow room
- Bluffton Board of Education recap: Contracts for coaches and new bus driver
- Bluffton Lions Club update for October 2026
- Bluffton chamber photo competition display and reception announced
- Bluejays and buzzards catch the eye of this Accounting prof
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 21
- Village of Beaverdam requests suggestions for park grant application
- Charles “Chuck” Wendall Collins, 63, owned Eagle Press Repairs
- Dwain L. Leiber, 87, owned Leiber Garage
- Kimberly Dawn Murphy, 55, taught at Findlay City Schools
- Kaleidoscope Farms honoring veterans, thanking current troops, Nov. 8
- Filmmaker to preview documentary exploring life beyond incarceration
- ONU mobile health clinic at Senior Center on Oct. 28