By Paula Pyzik Scott

The October 2 inauguration of Bluffton University President Alex Sider was an opportunity to witness the pomp and circumstance of such rare events. The speeches and ceremonies at Yoder Hall were solemn, celebratory and personal. The event was shaped by both the individual honored and the institution he will lead.

The afternoon event was steeped in tradition. Delegates and faculty were dressed in caps and gowns designating their degrees, alma maters, and areas of expertise. Classical music accompanied the program, with LuAnn Stuckey ‘77 performing on a grand piano and an alumni choir performing songs including The Bluffton Song and The Lord Bless You and Keep You. The choir performed under the direction of Chad Stearns ‘00.

Rev. Dr. Jim Amstutz ‘76, a Bluffton University trustee, shared the opening scripture and prayer, Hebrews 12:1-3. The selection includes “Let us run with perseverance, the race that is up before us, looking to Jesus.”

J.D. Yoder, Dean of the College of Engineering at Ohio Northern University, introduced Dr. Sider following the singing of Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow, calling it a tough act to follow. Yoder has been a friend of Sider’s since meeting him some 20 years ago, when Sider came to Bluffton University as a Professor of Religion. Yoder spoke of his friend’s dedication to teaching and to students, service on a “dizzying array of committees” and roles at the university spanning Director of Peace and Conflict Studies to Vice President. “To have the willingness, interest and ability to serve in all those roles, truly sets Alex apart.”

Cheryl Hacker, Chair of the Board of Trustees, officially installed Sider as President of Bluffton University. She announced, “It is my privilege and pleasure, on behalf of the Bluffton University Board of Trustees, to install you as the 11th President of Bluffton University. A medallion, which I place on your shoulders, will serve as a symbol of your leadership and care of Bluffton and of our confidence and trust in you. Congratulations and blessings.” Sider kneeled to accept a newly crafted chain and medallion of office. The audience responded with a long, loud round of applause.

President Sider then addressed the trustees, university delegates, special guests, family, alumni, community members, staff, faculty and students. He began by drawing a mental picture of the University’s first president, Noah Hershey, addressing just five faculty and 19 students when the school was created 124 years ago. 

Assessing the University of today, Sider described challenges facing higher education, including ”demographic headwinds, questions of affordability, shifting interests of students, pressures of political polarization, and a volatile policy environment.”

Sider emphasized that Bluffton University must “build on its own particular strengths as set forth in our mission.” He spoke of preparing students “for civic life in a time when principled leadership is desperately needed. Leadership that can discern wisely, decide ethically and engage in differences with empathy. Bluffton’s distinctive approach, rooted in peach church values and the breadth of liberal arts, equips students for this responsibility.”

Taking place on a mild autumn day, the ceremony was followed by refreshments served on the lawn outside the auditorium. Sider strolled and chatted with individuals and groups. Those in attendance included former presidents Dr. Benjamin, Dr. Lee Snyder, Dr. James Harder as well as some 40 delegates from other institutions of higher learning and representatives from local schools, economic organizations and government entities.

BLUFFTON UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS

Dr. Noah C. Hirschy, 1900-08

Dr. Samuel K. Mosiman, 1910-35

The Rev. Dr. A.S. Rosenberger, 1935-38

Dr. Lloyd L Ramseyer, 1938-65

Dr. Robert S. Kreider, 1965-72

Dr. Benjamin Sprunger, 1972-77

Dr. Elmer Neufeld, 1978-96

Dr. Lee F. Snyder, 1996-2006

Dr. James M. Harder, 2006-2018

Dr. Jane M Wood, 2018-2025

Dr. J. Alexander Sider, 2025-