Academic Awards celebration for Bluffton University students
Bluffton University recognized many of its top students for their academic achievements at the annual Academic Awards and Honors Forum on April 22.
Nine seniors were recognized as C. Henry Smith Scholars.
- Emily Dienstberger
- Bishop Florence
- Tacoma Lawson
- Josie McCullough
- Meredith Myers
- Mara Ruhlen
- Emma Schutz
- Michael Stuff
- Macey Thomas
One senior was recognized for completion of the Honors Program.
- Bishop Florence
Thirty seniors were honored as distinguished scholars in their respective academic areas.
- Andrea Burden, Distinguished Performer in Theatre
- Lauren Case, Distinguished Scholar in Primary (P-5) Education
- Kyla Columber, Distinguished Scholar in Biology
- Emily Dienstberger, Distinguished Scholar in Intervention Specialist
- Basil Gates, Distinguished Scholar in Art and Writing
- Basil Gates, Distinguished Scholar in Writing
- Emmie Griffith, Distinguished Scholar in Nursing
- Levi Hohenbrink, Distinguished Scholar in Marketing
- Jenna Juarez, Distinguished Scholar in Communication and Media
- Grant Klinger, Distinguished Scholar in Medical Laboratory Science
- Adelynn Kradlak, Distinguished Scholar in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
- Tacoma Lawson, Distinguished Scholar in Criminal Justice
- Evelyn Masters, Distinguished Scholar in Psychology
- Meredith Myers, Distinguished Scholar in Graphic Design
- Kinsey Myers, Distinguished Scholar in Sport and Recreation Leadership
- Emma Mueller, Distinguished Scholar in English
- Madelyn Renner, Distinguished Scholar in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Colby Schlabach, Distinguished Scholar in Economics
- Colby Schlabach, Distinguished Scholar in Mathematics
- Zach Slone, Distinguished Scholar in Studio Art
- Katrina Stone, Distinguished Scholar in Information Technology
- JT Taviano, Distinguished Scholar in Chemistry
- Macey Thomas, Distinguished Scholar in History
- Hailey Thorn, Distinguished Scholar in Pre-Physical Therapy
- Dawson Troyer, Distinguished Scholar in Sport Management
- Allie Waggener, Distinguished Scholar in Business Administration
- Josh Webster, Distinguished Scholar in Exercise Science
- Josh Webster, Distinguished Scholar in Strength and Conditioning
- Gabrielle Woolley, Distinguished Scholar in Art Education
- Grace Wooley, Distinguished Scholar in Social Work
- Nathan Young, Distinguished Scholar in Accounting
Other awards went to:
- Mya Vernon of Toledo, Ohio; Coen North of Denver, Colo.; and Micah Dodson of Wooster, Ohio, C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Awards
- Kayla Nartker; John D. Unruh Jr. Award for exceptional research paper written for humanities, “The Subtle Protest: The Women’s Movement at Bluffton College in the 1960s”
- Leonardo Campos; John D. Unruh Jr. Award for exceptional research paper written for humanities, “Study on the Perception of College Students about the Effects of AI upon their Rationality”
- Jennifer Specht; Esta Lugibill Dye Award for Excellence in Chemistry by a Woman
- Aislinn McGowan, Aubrey Hudson, Mya Vernon, Meredith Myers; Art Show Juror’s Awards of Distinction
- Emily Jones; Gregg Luginbuhl Award for Best of Show
- Aubrey Hudson; Gregg Luginbuhl Award for Ceramics
- Colby Schlabach; Sattler-Keiper Award for Mathematical Research
- Kayleigh Michael and Allyson Zvara; Dr. Elizabeth Hostetler Outstanding Educator Award
- Sydney Trevino; Criminal Justice Merit Award
Concluding the program was the recognition of 98 academic all-conference student-athletes; and 38 new members of Bluffton’s Pi Delta Society, an honor for graduating seniors with a grade point average of at least 3.75 during their college careers.
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