Bluffton University

Nestled in the serene reach of northwest Ohio, lies a revered educational institution, christened as Bluffton University. But the journey of unveiling its present identity began in 1899, when it was established as Central Mennonite College. The institution, on a sprawling 65-acre campus, took its initial steps as an academy and junior college.

The first turning point came in 1913, under the visionary leadership of President Samuel Mosiman. It was during his tenure, stretching from 1910 to 1935, that the institution adopted a new name, 'Bluffton College', backed by support from five Mennonite groups. It awarded its first batch of baccalaureate degrees two years later, taking a step further in its academic journey.

However, the path of progress was not devoid of challenges. The 1930s saw a significant rise in enrollment which plummeted by 1936 when the college grappled with the adversities of the Great Depression. Further, accusations of propagating theological liberalism from some sections of its Mennonite community added to the struggles. Despite successful fundraising attempts, the aftermath of the 1929 stock market crash reflected in the difficulty of donors to fulfill their pledges, shooting down hopes of accreditation from the North Central Association.

Strains of progress managed to hold on though. The Musselman Library, an impeccable centre for learning, was completed in 1930. Its dignified presence stood alongside College Hall and Science Hall, collectively portraying the academic strength of the institution. After the brief presidency of Arthur Rosenberger, Lloyd Ramseyer took over as the president in 1938 and served until 1965. His tenure was marked by remarkable growth and expansion.

The years following Ramseyer's presidency saw the college expanding physically with new buildings, including Founders Hall, Mosiman Hall, Marbeck Center, and the mighty Riley Court among others. The building boom was a testament to the unfaltering progress of the college. However, the growth trajectory took a hit in the 1970s with a drop in enrollment and a daunting financial debt.

Arriving in the 1980s, the adversity continued to loom large with enrollment staying below 600 for most of the period. It was only in the 1990s, under presidents Elmer Neufeld and the first female president at Bluffton, Lee F. Snyder, did the institution experience another growth phase.

The college embraced a new identity as Bluffton University in 2004, now having three graduate programs. The years saw an expansion in physical structures with new buildings like Ramseyer Hall, Neufeld Hall, Sauder Visual Arts Center, Centennial Hall, Austin E. Knowlton Science Center, and more. What began as a small initiative, Bluffton now stands tall as a beacon of knowledge.

Originally founded as Central Mennonite College by the General Conference Mennonite Church, Bluffton today is open to non-Mennonites as well. This open-door policy reflects likewise in its diverse student body, where members of the Mennonite denomination form only a minority now. The ethos of the university remains grounded in its core values of non-violence, social justice, and voluntary service inherited from its Anabaptist roots.

Unfortunately, in 2007, a tragic incident where a bus carrying the Bluffton baseball team crashed on the Interstate 75 in Atlanta, Georgia, resulted in the loss of several lives. The event left a deep wound on the heart of the university. A memorial titled the "Circle of Remembrance" near the baseball field stands as a silent testament to the fond memories of the lives lost.

Today, Bluffton University proudly flaunts its rich legacy and continues to inspire students across the globe. With over a century of history, it holds a promise for a future of opportunities in education – a promise that it strives to fulfill every day, every moment.