Listen Here
**Senior Communication students at Bluffton University are contributing content to Pulse Media over the coming weeks as part of the first steps to a productive merger between BU and the University of Findlay. The Bluffton University student newspaper is called The Witmarsum but is on hiatus this fall.
By Emma Schutz (Bluffton University) and Pulse Staff
schema@bluffton.edu
A primary goal of the merger between the University of Findlay and Bluffton University is to enhance opportunities for students on both campuses, according to the original announcements by both universities in March. Even though the merger will not be complete for some time, there are already collaborations underway across campuses, as highlighted on the findlaybluffton.com website under “News.”
There will be course sharing in Spring 2025, and students will be encouraged to participate in activities and clubs on both campuses.
Associate Vice President for Learning and Innovation at UF Dr. Chris Denecker says that recently Bluffton students attended University of Findlay’s Thursday Night Revive and Bluffton’s Nature Preserve site of work by Findlay students in one of UF Instructor of Teaching in Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Management Justin Richardson’s courses.
“Each campus has unique resources that will appeal to students,” Denecker said.
Jonathan Andreas, Ph.D., professor of economics at Bluffton University said four BU aAcounting majors will take Accounting Seminar online with Findlay.
The announcement of the merger between Bluffton University and the University of Findlay has prompted a variety of reactions among faculty and staff. Both universities are known for qualities that make them unique. Bluffton University is deeply rooted in its Mennonite faith-based values, while the University of Findlay, a Church of God school, is recognized for its strong programs in health professions as well as equestrian studies and animal sciences programs. Administrators at both schools say students will benefit from the expanded opportunities and resources available to them. At the core of this merger and transition are the faculty and staff of both institutions.
University of Findlay Biology Professor Chris White says he received an email the day of the announcement of the merger. Classes were cancelled, and it created an atmosphere of suspense and concern. After the announcement, there seemed to be more questions than answers. Overall, Professor White is still unsure about how the merger will affect his biology department.
Denecker is currently one of the project leaders for the merger as well as the Director for the Center for Teaching and Program Excellence at the University of Findlay. The merger announcement held special meaning for her.
“I am an alum of Bluffton University, So I had mixed emotions. It is difficult to see your alma mater change,” Denecker said. “Ultimately, I am happy because university of Findlay is committed to maintaining the wonderful heritage and culture of Bluffton. Both UF and Bluffton are special to me in that they have shaped me personally and professionally. Both are faith-based institutions that truly care about their students.”
The Universities are only 25 minutes apart so their communities will provide opportunities to both student bodies.
“We are always looking at where the jobs are and how we can help prepare students to fill local, regional, and state workforce needs,” Denecker said. “There continues to be a need for educators, health care professionals, those with business degrees, among others. These are majors found on both campuses.”
Overall, the mood remains optimistic that the merger not only enhances academic offerings, but also enriches student experiences.
“We see many benefits for students through this merger and are excited to develop these opportunities in the days and months ahead,” Denecker said.
Dr. Ray McCandless, Chief Project Officer, ITS at UF and one of the transition leaders with Denecker provided a list of the collaborative efforts so far.
- The UF Dean of the College of Sciences received a $2,000 grant from the Council of Independent Colleges to bring science faculty together on both campuses. The goal is to discuss pedagogy and to build relationships.
- Bioblitz was an event held across the two campuses in July
- participants logged over 900 observations and listed 368 species in iNaturalist, a non-profit social network where naturalists and scientists can map, share, and monitor biodiversity.
- Visited the Rieck Center for Habitat Studies and the BU Nature Preserve
- Dr. Sarah Fedirka served as a Bluffton Convocation speaker
- Dr. Robert Postic was the Constitution Day speaker at BU
- Students in digital media classes from Findlay and Bluffton along with ONU students created visual representations to get out the vote for the election in November
- Justin Richardson, University of Findlay instructor of teaching in environmental, safety, and occupational health management, partnered with Dr. Jacob Buchanan, assistant professor of environmental science at Bluffton University, to set up a service-learning activity for students in Richardson’s ESOH 140 course on sustainability. Buchanan, who manages the Bluffton Nature Preserve, gave students a tour and helped them identify species. The group also visited several locations within the Nature Preserve where Bluffton University is working on habitat restoration.
- Amy Rogan a full-time faculty member in the Communications department at UF also teaches as an adjunct at Bluffton. She brought her Bluffton students to Findlay to interact with staff in UF’s Career and Professional Development Office. Students participated in mock interviews.
- BU students joined UF College of Business students for presentations by Owens Illinois guest speakers
- Pastor Matt Ginter served as a chapel speaker at BU
- Paul Neufeld-Weaver of Bluffton will lead UF’s cross-cultural trip, taking UF students and employees to Cusco, Peru in December 2024.
- Two Education Department members from Bluffton are teaching as part-time faculty for Findlay this semester
- The mascot video: https://youtu.be/iwjJs9darwI
- On Thursday, Oct. 24, approximately 100 employees from University of Findlay and Bluffton University participated in the first merger meet-up, held on Bluffton campus.
- Bluffton employees were invited to participate in Findlay’s Excel@Teaching, an annual in-house conference that promotes dialogue about teaching and learning. The conference was November 20, 2024.
- University of Findlay employees were invited to attend the annual “Christmas at the Houshower House” lighting ceremony on Bluffton’s campus, November 24.
