BILMAR2 is a plate frequently seen on a pickup truck at the Dairy Freeze. Next time you see Bill Marschel there, ask him about it.

J. Denny Beaver, Bluffton University's newest version of a solid-stand-by mascot was unveiled on Aug. 30.

Bluffton University's new Beaver mascot

Bluffton University opened the 2010-11 academic year Tuesday by welcoming about 270 new students-and one beaver.

More than a year of planning culminated with the introduction of J. Denny Beaver, Bluffton's new mascot, at the annual opening convocation. Doing much of the work this summer was a student, senior Cody Litwiller, a marketing major from Hopedale, Ill.

Bluffton University arts and events:

September 2010 Events are free and open to the public unless noted otherwise.

Sept. 10 Colloquium: "Exploring the Themes of Imprisonment in Gothic Novels," by Dr. Cynthia Bandish, associate professor of English, 4 p.m., Stutzman Lecture Hall, Centennial Hall

Sept. 14 President's Forum: Dr. James M. Harder, 11 a.m., Founders Hall

Sept. 17 Artist's Reception: Mark Nafziger, ceramics, 4-6 p.m., Grace Albrecht Gallery, Sauder Visual Arts Center

The high temperatures are creeping back into the 90s, according to Guy Verhoff, Pandora weather observer. Here are the high and low temperatures of the past 7 days.

Date High Low

Aug. 24 79 66

Aug. 25 83 62

Aug. 26 76 55

Aug. 27 79 50

Aug. 28 84 54

Aug. 29 92 65

Aug. 30 93 70

Bluffton Cub Scout Pack 256 and Boy Scout Troop 256 invites current and former Cub an Boy Scouts and leaders to attend a centennial celebration of the Boy Scouts of America on Sunday, Sept 5, at First Mennonite Church.

"This will be a centennial celebration, scout reunion, an opportunity to view an expansive display of 'Scout Stuff' from Bluffton scouts over the decades, the Troop's Court of Honor and the Cub Pack's recognition of summer activities," said Dr. Darrell Groman about the event.

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