CLICK gallery to view photos at your own pace / PHOTOS from Bluffton University
View video stream of ceremonies

May 6 MEDIA RELEASE__Bluffton University graduated its 125th class during the Saturday, May 3, Commencement ceremony. The 125th graduating class consisted of 189 bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Drawing inspiration from poet William Stafford, Commencement speaker Dr. Perry Bush, emeritus professor of history at Bluffton University, challenged the Class of 2025 to “follow the authentic line”—a path of truth, service and reconciliation—in a world marked by division and distrust.

Referencing Bluffton’s mission statement and the enduring motto “The Truth Makes Free,” the address called on graduates to embrace not only their vocational training but also their responsibilities as citizens and moral leaders. Dr. Bush reminded students that their education prepared them to critically evaluate information, uphold ethical reasoning, and seek understanding across differences—skills vital in an era shaped by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising polarization.

“You are one of the first Covid generations to graduate from college,” said Dr. Bush. “You have already learned resilience. Now carry that forward—with authenticity, humility and hope.”

The speaker also reflected on Bluffton’s educational values and legacy.

“This motto, ‘the truth makes free,’ isn’t just an empty, forgotten statement,” said Dr. Bush. “It profoundly shapes what we do here and the kind of education you’ve received.”

The speech traced Bluffton’s historical commitment to intellectual freedom and spiritual inquiry, dating back to 1913, and urged graduates to live out those values in their personal and professional lives.

The address closed with Stafford’s poetic invitation to follow “a line that holds together something more than the world,” leaving graduates with a final charge: “Speak truth. Serve others. And in a divided world—be authentic.”

About Bluffton graduates
12 states and four countries were represented in the graduating class. Dr. Gayle Trollinger, interim vice president of academic affairs, shared that 25 first generation students and 24 students with alumni parents, siblings or cousins were among the graduates. 

The Master of Social Work (MSW) graduated its first cohort of the collaborative MSW program. Eight graduated from the Bluffton based program and four graduated from the Goshen based program. This online MSW, conducted in partnership with Goshen College, offers a holistic approach to the field of social work.

In addition, Master of Arts in Education (MAEd), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Nutrition and Dietetic (MND) graduate degrees were presented. Bachelor of Science in Nursing and bachelor of art degrees were also conferred.

Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2025 on this accomplishment.