Bluffton University

Dr. Cynthia Bandish, associate professor of English at Bluffton University, will present her sabbatical research, "Exploring the Themes of Imprisonment in Gothic Novels," at a Bluffton Colloquium Friday, Sept. 10. The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 4 p.m. in Stutzman Lecture Hall in Centennial Hall.

Bandish studied many gothic novels during her sabbatical last fall, focusing on books written in the 1790s but set in the Middle Ages. She delved into the way these novels indirectly reflect events that were taking place during the French Revolution.

Several years ago, Christopher Haw decided to heed Mahatma Gandhi's advice and, on Tuesday, he urged Bluffton University students to do likewise.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world," Haw, quoting the Indian leader, told students at Bluffton's opening convocation in Founders Hall. The university welcomed about 270 new first-year and transfer students during the annual ceremony.

Bluffton University's new Beaver mascot

Bluffton University opened the 2010-11 academic year Tuesday by welcoming about 270 new students-and one beaver.

More than a year of planning culminated with the introduction of J. Denny Beaver, Bluffton's new mascot, at the annual opening convocation. Doing much of the work this summer was a student, senior Cody Litwiller, a marketing major from Hopedale, Ill.

Bluffton University arts and events:

September 2010 Events are free and open to the public unless noted otherwise.

Sept. 10 Colloquium: "Exploring the Themes of Imprisonment in Gothic Novels," by Dr. Cynthia Bandish, associate professor of English, 4 p.m., Stutzman Lecture Hall, Centennial Hall

Sept. 14 President's Forum: Dr. James M. Harder, 11 a.m., Founders Hall

Sept. 17 Artist's Reception: Mark Nafziger, ceramics, 4-6 p.m., Grace Albrecht Gallery, Sauder Visual Arts Center

A group of 12 Buddhist monks from Gaden Shartse Monastery in Tibet will be on the Bluffton University campus Tuesday, Sept. 7. The monks will give a sand painting demonstration from 9:30-11 a.m. in the drawing studio of Sauder Fine Arts Building, then visit the Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center until 11:30 a.m. Both events are free and open to the public.

Rehearsals for the Bluffton community gospel choir begin Thursday, Sept. 2, in the Gilliom Room of Bluffton University's Mosiman Hall. The newly formed group, which is open to community members as well as university faculty, staff and students, will practice from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings.
Dr. Crystal Sellers, an assistant professor of music at Bluffton, is directing the choir, which will make its public debut Nov. 13 at a Celebration of Gospel concert in Yoder Recital Hall on campus.

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