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
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
- Previews of Bluffton Senior Center trips for 2026
- English Lutheran Church to provide Community Meal, August 21
- Welcome back to Bluffton Beavers
- Pirate football reloads for run at NWC crown
- Pirate volleyball swept by Shawnee
- Pirate girls golf loss to Fort Loramie
- Pirate girls tennis edged by Spartans
- Made In Ada Wilson Football Festival kicks of season August 23
Monday, August 18, 2025
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Friday, August 15, 2025
- Barbara R. Fett worked at Pandora Family Physicians
- Nelson Koogler owned Koogler Refuse Service
- Doty's Auto Repair issues "a heart-felt thank you"
- Around the World in Eighty Days: Preparing for travel abroad
- State of the University address to highlight Bluffton's strategic priorities
- Opening convocation to explore embracing imperfection
- Pirate girls tennis loss to Bath