There's a #FightOnTheForum! Buena Vista University Wrestling

What does #EducationForService look like? In this case, a #BVU science class learning to do ecological assessments and research while sharing resources and working with a nearby non-profit, Whiterock Conservancy 🌳🤝🍃

😲 Jade Schaap has broken #BVU's program record for career kills. She now has 1,829. Jade currently ranks in the top 25 nationally in both total kills and kills per set. Way to go, Jade! 💛💙 #GoBeavers!

We want to sincerely thank our panel for sharing your voices while participating in this important conversation, as well as our audience members for your attendance and great questions during last night's discussion on social injustice and racial inequality.

President Joshua Merchant has released a statement on behalf of the University in response to concerns regarding the act of kneeling during the national anthem. Campus Community, This past week, BVU has come under scrutiny and has experienced tension on campus, following several football players and cheerleaders who chose to kneel during the national anthem. Emotions, opinions and tensions are high – and legitimately so. It is understandable that each individual has deeply rooted beliefs and experiences that shape our opinions and actions. Our campus has been a microcosm for what is currently happening in our nation and it is our responsibility as a university to deepen the conversation for the better. The very nature of a protest is to cause disruption, yet it is the choices that are made after that disruption that are of significant importance and have the potential to shape the future in positive ways. To our students who protested… you were not only noticed, but you were heard. Throughout the past week I have met with our athletes, as well as numerous students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to listen and talk. I found the conversations to be thought provoking yet enlightening. Yes, we did not always agree, but we respectfully listened to one another’s thoughts and perspectives. With each conversation, I digested comments, suggestions, and opinions. Reaching a clear path forward is not easy, however working in collaboration with the campus community has brought some clarity. I do believe we have found an alternative solution to move forward. Thank you for your patience as we underwent this important process… one of talking, sharing and reflecting. The process was constructive and I stand behind the solution. Moving forward, BVU student athletes and cheerleaders will stand for the national anthem as a unified team. However, student athletes and cheerleaders will be allowed to kneel before the anthem if they choose. As we all stand to honor our national anthem, I have promised to physically stand by their side as a demonstration of support for their desire to impact social change and I commend them for their courage. BVU, nor our student athletes, meant any disrespect for the national anthem or the flag. Many of you found the action upsetting, therefore, please accept my sincere apology. A key component to our solution, and in the spirit of Education for Service, I will provide financial support to advance the topic of social change. Over the next few weeks we will be working directly with students, faculty and staff to plan several campus gatherings that will create an open discourse that is meaningful and purposeful. Our events will be mediated so all voices can be heard and the environment is one in which it is comfortable to share perspectives. Details are forthcoming. Let me reaffirm BVU’s commitment to honoring our national anthem and flag, as well as respecting the Constitution of the United States. As I stated to the campus community last week, “BVU respects our military members and our veterans. BVU also respects the rights of our students, employees, alumni, fans and friends to demonstrate their civil liberties in ways that are peaceful and lawful. As an institution of higher learning, BVU believes in open discourse. Through our conversations, BVU seeks to better understand our opinions and the opinions of those whose differ from our own. I simply ask that our community members respect one another through language and action.” Thank you for your patience and support of Buena Vista University. Dr. Joshua D. Merchant President Buena Vista University

🍎👩‍🏫🍎 Woah! BVU Grad Michelle (Allan) Helt SL'02 is the 2018 Nebraska Teacher of the Year!!! Helt is in her 16th year of teaching at Cardinal Elementary School in South Sioux City. Huge congratulations, Michelle! #GoBeavers

🎶 The BVU Concert Band and Buena Vista University Choir - the best way to close out a beautiful Homecoming weekend!!! Thank you to all students, alumni, parents and friends for your help in making this a special weekend! 💙💛

Meet your 2017 #BVU Homecoming King and Queen! Congratulations to Kyle Wiebers and Hailey Dollen! 👑💙💛 #GoBeavers

🚣🚣🚣 Boat float 2017-2018!!!🚣🚣🚣

☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ President Merchant and #BVU alum Meteorologist Jeriann Ritter SL'99 at WHO TV Channel 13 News predict a #Buenaful week!!!! Huge thanks to #BVU alum Kelly Maricle SL'01 for the photo!!!

😲📷 Stunning! Huge congrats to #BVU senior Emily Kenny! Emily's photo has been named a finalist in the international “Shoot the Wild” photography contest!

😍😍😍 Wow!!! These #Beavers know how to live. 🌅 🌅 🌅 #BVU #UniversityCove #StormLake