Donors can text to give to new Bluffton building
With your help, it's going to happen very, very soon.
Judson Laipply '98-of online "Evolution of Dance" fame-and fellow alumni Ginny Buckingham '10, Tyson Goings '01, Daryl Dowdy '90 and Lou Stokes '73 recently descended upon Bluffton University's Founders Hall for a video shoot promoting the final push for funds for the new Health and Fitness Education Center on campus.
In a slightly exaggerated manner, the video shows varsity and intramural athletes, fans and musicians sharing space in Founders Hall. Along with being the home for varsity basketball and volleyball, Founders serves as the venue for academic presentations, large music performances and the May Day musical. View the video at www.bluffton.edu/reach/txt/
Once completed, the new center will house academic space, a weight and fitness center for all students, the arena for varsity basketball and volleyball, practice facilities and a sports medicine center.
"With more than $29.3 million in gifts and pledges, including gifts of more than $300,000 to the Health and Fitness Education Center project in April, we are closing in on all our campaign goals," said Dr. Hans Houshower, Bluffton's vice president for advancement. "Your text gift or any gift can truly make a difference at this time."
The video also launched a text-to-give campaign to support the construction. Anyone with a cell phone can send a $10 donation to Bluffton by texting BLUFFTON to 52000. Gifts are paid through monthly cell phone bills. Messaging and data rates may apply.
Julia Szabo, director of alumni relations and annual giving, said, "Many people use their cell phones now for everything-checking email, viewing video clips and making charitable gifts via text messaging. Bluffton can now reach alumni where the alumni conduct their lives."
Stories Posted This Week
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Monday, October 26, 2026
- Beavers sports roundup, October 19-25
- Ada Icon headlines, October 26
- November 13 fish fry at Emmanuel UCC
- Citizens National Bank customer appreciation day, October 30
- Bluffton University offers free agricultural and environmental field trips
- Trinity Trunk or Treat, October 31
- October 26 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Public invited to Bluffton Lions program with President Sider
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
- 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