Dordt in the News: April 11 - May 3

May 3

CRCNA: Youth event connects Dordt students and middle schoolers

“The 13th annual Minn-I-Kota Youth Network retreat Apr. 21-23 in Iowa brought together students in middle school and volunteers from Dordt University.”

April 28

Sioux City Journal: Dordt’s annual Ag Day aims to promote and educate about agriculture

“The annual event is run by the school’s Ag Club to promote the university’s agriculture program and to educate members of the public about farming and agriculture.”

SiouxlandProud (KCAU): Students celebrate Ag Day at Dordt University

“Dordt University students, as well as Sioux Center residents, came together for Ag Day. The annual event showcased farm machinery and animals for kids to enjoy.”

April 27

The Washington Post: The government is rescuing rural colleges that would otherwise close

“Another Iowa school, Dordt University, received a $30 million USDA loan for a new student commons and recital hall. Dordt has an estimated $43.4 million annual economic impact on its surrounding area of northwest Iowa, according to a study conducted for the university during the 2019-20 academic year by Emsi Burning Glass, now called Lightcast. About 40 percent of its students come from more than 400 miles away, said Brandon Huisman, vice president for enrollment and marketing, and 14 percent of them stay after graduating at a time when the rural population is declining.

“‘We’re a net importer of talent,’ he said.

“Rural universities are also often cultural oases, Huisman said. Dordt is home to the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra. ‘That’s not something people think about when they think about rural America. It enriches not only our campus but our community.’”

The Hechinger Report: The shuttering of a rural university reveals a surprising source of its financing

“Another Iowa school, Dordt University, received a $30 million USDA loan for a new student commons and recital hall that Brandon Huisman, vice president for enrollment and marketing, said will likely be under construction by summer.”

Only in Your State: This Iowa town is one of the most peaceful places to live in the country

“The small private college of Dordt University is one of the centerpieces of the town, and it is known for its unique architecture and environment.”

LocalSportsJournal.com: Bourdo takes over head coaching duties for men’s soccer at Dordt University

“Former Western Michigan Christian soccer standout Eric Bourdo IV has been named the men’s soccer coach at Dordt University.”

April 21

KELO: Dordt University receives more than $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation

“According to a release from Dordt, the $1,199,997 grant will be given to STEM students through scholarships over the next five years. STEM programs include the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.”

KCAU: Dordt receives more than $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation

This broadcast spot is in reference to the approximately $1.2 million Noyce Program grant that Dordt received which will be distributed primarily through scholarships for students who are science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education majors.

KIWA: Dordt University receives a nearly $1.2 million STEM grant

“Dr. Valorie Zonnefeld, professor of mathematics and the principal investigator for the grant says that the scholarships are $14,500 per year, and both juniors and seniors are eligible. She says there is a two-year requirement to teach in a high-needs school for each year that the scholarship is received.”

Northwest Iowa Review: Sioux Center Chamber gives "Spirit of Community" awards

"The second Spirit of Community Award of the evening went to three men who made up the American State Bank Sports Complex vision and planning team. They were Howard Wilson, who is vice president for University Operations at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Dordt’s athletic director Ross Douma and Sioux Center’s city manager Scott Wynja."

April 20

BroadwayWorld.com: Nominees revealed for the 2023 Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Awards

Senior Lindsay Kuiper was named to the 2023 Finalist for Sound Design list. She ended up receiving a Recognition of Original Composition award at the national ceremony.

April 19

CRCNA: Enfolding emerging adults in the church

First CRC in Denver has a fellows-like program that a recent Dordt graduate (Myriam Kalmbach '22) is quoted in.

April 17

The Farming Families: Meet the Schouten family

“The Sioux Center couple feels blessed by a long marriage, their six grandchildren, their 19 grandchildren, and a fruitful career at Dordt University where they have helped prepare hundreds of students to go into God’s kingdom and be His citizens to make a difference in the world.”

April 11

Christianity Today: Youth pastors ditch gross-out games and help student ministry grow up

Although this article doesn’t directly reference Dordt University, it does prominently feature Dordt graduate Jeremy Engbers, who works as a youth pastor at Olympia Christian Reformed Church in Washington.