MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University will welcome students, families, alumni and community members to campus Saturday, Nov. 7, for Fall Community Day, a day of food, activities, athletics and opportunities to connect with the Bluffton community. 

The fall community day themed “Purple Out,” will begin with Beaver Tail-Gating and food trucks from 10 a.m. to noon in the Emery Sears Athletic Complex parking lot. The university will also host a community food drive, hosted by the Bluffton University SAAC student organization during the morning, providing an opportunity for attendees to support Thanksgiving meals for the Bluffton Food Pantry.

At 11 a.m., Bluffton will dedicate “Industry and Accomplishment,” a refurbished piece of campus art that will be relocated close to its original home near Mosiman Hall. The dedication ceremony, which will take place outside of Mosiman Hall, comes during this year’s celebration of 100 years of being Beavers on Bluffton University’s campus. 

The day will culminate with Beaver football facing Ohio Northern University at noon in Salzman Stadium. Athletics tickets are half price for Community Day, and children age 12 and under receive free admission. Tickets can be purchased at www.bluffton.edu/tickets 

“Community Day is a chance for us to open our campus and invite people to experience what makes Bluffton special,” said James Grandey, athletic director and head baseball coach. “Whether you come for the football game, grab lunch from a food truck, participate in the food drive or simply spend time on campus, we hope people feel welcomed and connected to the university.” 

Community Day also offers prospective students and their families an opportunity to experience Bluffton beyond a traditional campus visit. Visitors can explore campus, experience the atmosphere of Beaver athletics and see the relationships and community that are part of daily life at Bluffton. 

“Some of the best ways to understand Bluffton are to experience it firsthand and meet the people who make this community what it is,” said Claire Kleman, vice president for enrollment and communication. “We encourage prospective students and families to make a day of it, explore campus, enjoy the activities and get a feel for what being a Beaver is all about.” 

Fall Community Day is free to attend, with the exception of football tickets and priority parking. Priority parking is available for $10 in Emery Sears Athletic Complex parking lot 1, first-come, first-served.  

For a complete schedule and additional information, visit www.bluffton.edu/news/community-day.aspx.