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**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.
Questions about Endowments in the midst of a merger answered
By Emma Schutz (Bluffton University) and Pulse Staff
schema@bluffton.edu
As The University of Findlay and Bluffton University continue to pursue a merger, questions continue to come up from students, alumni, faculty, staff, and donors.
Claire Kleman, Interim Vice President for Advancement and Enrollment Management at Bluffton University says that some donors are concerned about gifts given specifically to Bluffton and what happens to those after the merger is complete.
“All endowed gifts or estate gifts to Bluffton University are set up with legal documentation that outlines what the funds can be used for,” Kleman said in an email. “The University of Findlay will legally have to honor the wishes of those donors post-merger.”
Kleman’s role at the BU involves overseeing the process of bringing revenue to the school. Charitable gifts, donations, fundraisers and scholarships all go through her office.
“Future gifts could be restricted for use on the Bluffton campus if the donor writes it into their documentation AND the gift amount meets Bluffton’s minimum for restriction or investment into the endowment ($25,000),” Kleman said.
Alex Sider, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean at Bluffton University, sees the merger as positive because it will expand the learning environment for students in those certain majors. For example, Health Sciences may shift to Findlay campus, where there is already a strong program for students.
Perla Reyes, a freshman at Bluffton University from Pandora , Ohio sees the merger as a positive thing. She likes the idea of an expanded learning environment that is offered by having more classes at UF.
“I am excited to meet new people and make new friends,” Reyes said.
“It will expand upon both missions at both schools,” Kleman said. “Our mission at Bluffton is to prepare students of all backgrounds for life and vocations.”
Kleman says some people are vocal and nervous about the merger. Others are supportive of the future of Bluffton University. But the proposed merger will combine the strengths of both schools and will give students’ academic opportunities and increased resources to lead them into the future. As the landscape for higher education becomes more competitive, the goal is to establish an institution that allows for the long-term success of its students, faculty and staff. Finding ways to navigate issues such as endowments is part of the process.
“The Bluffton campus needs funds to operate, just like every other college campus,” Kleman said. “Those funds are directly impacting Bluffton students, faculty and staff. It’s in the best interest of UF to continue to support Bluffton donors in making a gift that benefits the Bluffton campus, even post-merger.”
Each university has held a unique, strong presence in Northwest Ohio for well over the past century. Bluffton University is a private institution founded in 1899 and is associated with the Mennonite Church. Located in Bluffton, Ohio, the campus reports a current enrollment of 641, including both graduate and undergraduate students. It offers more than 90 majors, minors and programs for undergraduate students. Graduate programs are offered in business administration, dietetics, education and social work.
Originally expected to be complete by Fall 2025, the merger will be delayed due to government rules and regulations regarding mergers.
The informational website for the merger states in the FAQ section about endowments, “Until legal approval is granted, University of Findlay and Bluffton University will continue to operate as independent institutions; each will manage its own endowment. Endowments will continue to be governed by the criteria documents that guided their creation. Endowed funds created specifically for either University of Findlay or Bluffton University will continue for those purposes. No changes can be made in the use of any endowed fund without permission from the donor. If permission cannot be obtained (due to donor death) then other legal steps are required to make changes.”
“The point of this merger is to be stronger together,” Kleman said. “Neither of us is stronger if we don’t continue to enrich each campus with the financial gifts from our most loyal alumni and friends.”
