May Day occurs at Bluffton University every year over graduation weekend, typically the first weekend in May. This year’s May Day is Saturday, May 4. The ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. when Jayden Groppi and Taylor Aurand will be formally crowned the 2019 May Day king and queen.
Seniors Groppi and Aurand were nominated by fellow students and selected by popular vote as the 2019 May Day king and queen.
According to Claire Clay, alumni relations manager and marketing coordinator at Bluffton University, there are certain qualities the May Day king and queen should possess.
Clay said the May Day king and queen should be “a positive representative of the senior class, a responsible leader, a good representative of Bluffton University’s values and a good speaker since they will have to give a speech at the May Day Ceremony.”
Jayden Groppi
Major: Business administration major with a concentration in human resources, Youth ministries minor
Hometown: Parma, Ohio
Involvement: Pastoral assistant, co-host of Smart Money, Applied College Skills student mentor and custodian
What’s one of your favorite memories from your time at Bluffton University?
“Favorite memories would be looking back on all of my Thursdays spent with Randy [Keeler, associate dean of academic affairs] talking about life. My cross cultural to Colombia was a pretty lit experience, but I’m jealous of everyone going on the Israel trip.”
What do you plan to do upon graduation?
“I’m currently still looking for my place after graduation. God seems to love to wait until last second for paths to open. I’m looking into recruiting coordinator, administrative assistant and HR generalist positions, while keeping the options open for taking a gap year and staying with an intentional Christian community with internship opportunities.”
Why do you think you were elected May Day king?
“I’m not really sure how I won May Day king. I’m kind of loud, so I’m sure a lot of people have heard me. Maybe people thought I was funny at the Lip Sync Battle, but I guess the world may never know. Anytime you’re voted by your classmates to do anything is a blessing, so it’s pretty cool to be a part of a cool tradition like May Day.”
Taylor Aurand
Major: Nutrition and dietetics
Hometown: Grew up in Memphis, Mich., but now lives in Traverse City, Mich., during the summers
Involvement: Member of cross country and track teams, Student Alumni Association president, Bluffton University Nutrition Association (BUNA) member and Guatemala semester participant
What’s one of your favorite memories from your time at Bluffton University?
“My favorite memories are being on the track and cross country teams, being a part of the Harvest Dinner and Valentine’s Day Dinner production and having professors support me throughout college.”
What do you plan to do upon graduation?
“The plan after graduation is not set, but completing a Dietetics internship, becoming a registered dietitian is the goal or working at a nursing home as a dietary manager. I also have the long term goal to serve in the Peace Corps.”
Why do you think you were elected May Day queen?
“I hope I was elected because I am friendly with fellow students and an open person. I try my hardest to be involved in campus activities also. I am very happy to have been named May Day queen and represent my class after watching several May Days over the years. Seeing how much the alumni appreciate it makes me so excited to be a part of an important day.”
Brief History of May Day at Bluffton University
According to the 1950 May Day program in the university archives, the first time May Day was celebrated was May 24, 1910, when the university was called Central Mennonite College. The program from the archives explains how May Day used to be held a few weeks after the semester ended, rather than in conjunction with graduation weekend. According to the Bluffton University website, “At Bluffton, the May Day celebration represents the end of a school year for students, the beginning of a new chapter for seniors and the remembrance of times past for alumni. The tradition weaves together past, present and future around the Maypole in a never-ending circle.”
1935 May Day queen Evelyn Pifer. Courtesy Bluffton University Archives 
2010 May Day court. Photo courtesy Bluffton University Public Relations. 
2018 May Day king and queen. Photo courtesy Bluffton University Public Relations. 
1970 May Day Court. Photo courtesy Bluffton University Archives.
