Bluffton gets half million in scholarship funds

BLUFFTON — Bluffton University has received a $500,000 Knowlton Scholarship grant to benefit students interested in STEM and related fields. The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation is awarding $100,000 annually to the university for the next five years. The funds will be an addition to two $4,000 annual Austin E. Knowlton Memorial Scholarships the university already awards. "This is an incredible opportunity for our students' pursuing majors in STEM and more," Claire Kleman, interim vice president for advancement and enrollment management, said in a release. "We're grateful to The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation for its investment in the future of Bluffton and in the lives of students who will make a difference in their communities and professions." The Foundation's primary mission is to promote higher education in the U.S. through direct grants and contributions to qualified colleges and universities. The foundation has previously supported Bluffton University by providing the naming gift for the institutions Austin E. Knowlton Science Center and issued grants to create an endowment fund to provide scholarships for students. Austin E. Knowlton designed and built more than 600 buildings, including more than 160 college and university buildings across Ohio. The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation continues to carry on his interests in providing support for higher education. The $500,000 grant will support students with financial needs who show academic promise, with a focus on pursuing STEM or related fields. Preference will be given to returning Knowlton Scholars in good academic standing, followed by first-year students from Ohio and nearby states such as Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan. Preference will also be shown to returning Bluffton University students from Ohio. Incoming students in fall 2025-26 are also eligible to take part in these scholarship funds.