Photo courtesy of Bluffton University Public Relations
President James Harder will conclude his 12th year as Bluffton’s president on June 30. During this time, Harder has accomplished many things, including: completing the “Extend Our Reach” campaign, which helped to fund the Sommer Center, as well as student grants and scholarships, making significant improvements to not only residence halls but also to various athletic facilities, adding the first on-campus apartments, and creating the Circle of Remembrance, a memorial for the 2007 Bluffton baseball members that tragically passed away. Fourteen academic programs also have been added during his tenure as president.
His personal, most important accomplishment, though? The connection he has built with students, faculty and the community of Bluffton University.
“Clearly my favorite memory is always about watching students do what they do,” said Harder. “Bluffton has such a wide range of wonderful students, and together they do incredible things.
“If I think back 12 years, it’s about being part of so many performances, in the audience, beside the courts, on the field, drama and music, research presentations–just seeing Bluffton students be Bluffton students and I’ll never forget that.”
While Bluffton has been an amazing experience for President Harder, there will definitely be a few things that he will miss.
“I think I’ll miss being part of a community that makes a difference in the world,” said Harder. “I mean we have wonderful faculty and staff who work hard every day to produce graduates who are prepared, and in my role as president, I get to visit a lot of our alums, all around the country.”
“I see the things that they’re doing with their careers and to know that they started at Bluffton is a very good feeling,” continued Harder. “Getting to see the impact that the college has on so many lives while they’re here and multiple through the work of our alumni. I will really miss that opportunity to witness that happening.”
Outside of being president, Harder has a few things that he is excited for after his presidency.
“I’m looking forward to having a bit more time for my own interest,” said Harder. “I’m looking for some part-time projects to keep me busy for awhile–[opportunities] to do more travel, to have a lighter schedule. In June, Karen and I are becoming grandparents for the first time, so looking forward as well to that fun part of life.”
Bluffton University has provided Harder with some of the most memorable moments of his life. To ensure incoming president Jane Wood, who assumes the role July 1, and the students of Bluffton get the most out of their experiences, he has some words of advice.
“Take in as many student performances as you can in all areas,” said Harder. “Don’t miss the student and faculty research presentations because they’re phenomenal. Enjoy the campus beauty, keep it going.”
“I think Bluffton has a history of people who’ve cared about creating a wonderful campus environment and we want to keep that going. I would say eat in the commons; know what the students are eating and enjoy the opportunity to be part of that culture. I would say pray for the campus community as it seeks to learn and again make a difference in the world. And, I guess finally I would say be prepared to add a lot of purple to your wardrobe!”
