Edward Diller '69 named board chair
Video introduction to Bluffton College Foundation

February 14 marked the official launch of Bluffton College Foundation, a newly established 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting the long-term success and development of Bluffton University. 

"We are thrilled to announce the creation of Bluffton College Foundation, led by Edward Diller, 1969 alumnus and previous 20-year Bluffton board member, with 10 years as Chairman," said Cheryl Hacker, chairperson of the Bluffton University Board of Trustees. “We envision Bluffton College Foundation becoming a cornerstone of our institution’s future, and with Ed at the helm, we are confident this charitable organization will ensure the Bluffton campus remains vibrant and engaging.”

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Bluffton College Foundation’s goal is to invest in educational excellence, infrastructure and innovative initiatives that will ensure Bluffton’s legacy is maintained on the Bluffton campus to continue to prepare future generations of servant leaders. The Foundation will focus its financial impact on experiential elements within our Mennonite heritage which make Bluffton distinctive. These initiatives include, but are not limited to, The Bluffton Blueprint, music performances and the arts, campus operations and improvements, and an Anabaptist Thought Center. In addition, the Foundation will keep the Bluffton campus in the Village of Bluffton which ensures a better economic future for the Village and region.

The new organization will be managed by Foundation Board of Trustees made up of Bluffton alumni and Mennonite-affiliated friends and donors. 

“Starting a foundation to support the Bluffton campus has been a goal of mine since I became president of Bluffton University six years ago, and with the pending merger with University of Findlay, it is the perfect time to do so,” said Dr. Jane Wood, president of Bluffton University. “I applaud the Bluffton University Board of Trustees for their thoughtful leadership and creation of this new foundation, and I thank Mr. Diller for agreeing to lead the new organization.”

The Bluffton University advancement office will provide staffing support and day-to-day operations to the Foundation. To fully fund the Foundation, Bluffton is launching “Distinctively Bluffton: The Campaign for Bluffton College Foundation.” The goal is to raise $12.5 million in unrestricted dollars to build a robust endowment that will sustain Bluffton University’s mission-driven initiatives in perpetuity. 

“The Bluffton University advancement office is pleased to support Bluffton College Foundation with the launch of Distinctively Bluffton,” said Claire Kleman, interim vice president of advancement at Bluffton University. “This is a transformative moment for the institution, and the support we have already received is a testament to the extraordinary impact the Bluffton community can have when we come together to invest in education. With $5 million already secured in initial contributions, we are well on our way toward achieving our $12.5 million goal, and we are excited about the positive impact these funds will have on our students, faculty and future leaders.”

Once fully funded, the endowed gifts will be invested and approximately five percent of the earnings each year will be used to support the Bluffton campus.   

Bluffton College Foundation is officially accepting donations to help achieve its $12.5 million goal. For more information about how to get involved, make a gift, or learn more about the Foundation’s initiatives, please visit www.bluffton.edu/foundation or contact Claire Kleman at [email protected].