Bluffton University

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During Bluffton University’s spring Cross-Cultural Forum, students shared about their semester-long experiences in Washington, D.C., Guatemala and Greece. The Feb. 14, 2023, event was held in Yoder Recital Hall.

At Bluffton, the goal of cross-cultural experiences is to offer a journey of personal discovery into the richness and challenges of other cultures and communities. Immersed in new environments, participants experience diverse lifestyles, make new friendships and learn respect for other heritages all while meeting personal challenges which build character.

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Rae Carson, an author of books for teens, will share, “Overcoming Obstacles on the Path to Publication,” during Bluffton’s English Festival Forum at 11:00 a.m. on March 14 in Yoder Recital Hall. The award-winning, New York Times bestselling author will get detailed and personal about the challenge she faced while pursuing her dream of becoming a novelist.

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Events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted; all events are listed on the Icon's Community Calendar

March 2 Music Event: Faculty recital by pianist Dr. Da Eun Choi, 7:30 p.m., Yoder Recital Hall

March 13 Art Event: Senior exhibition “Shared Experience” art exhibit opens, 8 a.m., Grace Albrecht Gallery, Sauder Visual Art Center

March 14 Forum: “Overcoming Obstacles on the Path to Publication,” English Festival Forum by Rae Carson, NYT bestselling author, 11 a.m., Yoder Recital Hall

March 17 Colloquium: “From the Studio to Santiago: Finding Creative Renewal Through AI Imaging, RC Modeling and the Footpath of the Camino,” by Andreas Baumgartner, associate professor of art, 4 p.m., Centennial Hall’s Stutzman Lecture Hall

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Dr. Jane Wood, president of Bluffton University, is one of 15 college presidents selected for The Council of Independent Colleges’ Presidential Renewal Program.

The year-long program includes webinars and seminars designed to help college presidents sustain their leadership momentum through extensive reading, engaged discussions and the sharing of personal narratives.

“Members of the Bluffton University Board of Trustees are very pleased and thankful that President Wood was selected for this wonderful opportunity,” said Cheryl Hacker ’81, board chair. “We are grateful for President Wood’s leadership over the past five years. We know this kind of leadership takes a relentless drive. The board will look forward to hearing about the insights she will gain from CIC’s program.”

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Keeler and Neal honors among annual meeting actions

The Bluffton University Board of Trustees met in February for their annual winter meeting. Among several actions taken, the board approved a new construction project and a grant for students, recognized retiring faculty and welcomed a new board member.

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A $150,000-plus gift from former student-athletes, fans and friends of Bluffton University ensures the naming rights to a new softball press box facility will recognize a female Bluffton Athletics Hall of Fame inductee. Construction for the Coach Kim Fischer Press Box will start in May 2023. The project, with a total cost of $300,000, also includes new restroom facilities and cement bases for spectator seating.

“We are grateful for the generosity of former students, players, and friends who have decided to honor Coach Fischer in this way,” said James Grandey, athletic director. “It is obvious that Kim has had a profound impact as a coach. The softball press box will be a great addition to our softball field.”

The 5,500 square foot, two-story building will feature two fully accessible, unisex restrooms on the ground floor with press facilities on the second floor which will enhance streaming abilities and media coverage. This is the first athletic building named after a woman on Bluffton’s campus and the only facility to be exclusively used for women’s sports. It will improve the game-day experience for both players and fans. The upgrades will allow Bluffton to host high school games which increases Bluffton’s support of the local community.

CONTINUES WITH REUNION PHOTO

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