Dordt Launches $90 Million Capital Campaign

Dordt University is publicly launching “Planting for the Future,” the largest capital campaign in the institution’s history with a goal of fundraising $90 million dollars by year-end 2023.

“Our world needs a place like Dordt University to equip our students, alumni, and community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all areas of life,” says President Erik Hoekstra. “Dordt has a long history of people giving sacrificially, which enabled Dordt to be established back in 1955, and has allowed us to arrive where we are today. With this campaign, we want to continue to make Dordt a place that can develop effective kingdom citizens who can serve in a world in need of wisdom.”

The campaign includes three areas of focus: leading in innovative programs, living and learning in Christian community, and increasing access.

The first area, innovative programs, includes raising $29 million in funds to support new on-campus agriculture and nursing spaces. These two majors are among Dordt’s five largest majors, and their new facilities help support academic excellence. Additionally, these funds will strengthen Dordt’s research institute, academic centers, and faculty.

The second element of the campaign focuses on the campus community, which supports the expansion and remodel of the B.J. Haan Auditorium, renovations to the De Witt Gymnasium, the building of the indoor turf facility, and a new dining commons. The fundraising goal for these spaces is $36 million.

“The campaign is readying us academically, as well as in our campus infrastructure, to continue to grow,” says Hoekstra. “This is important as, since 2012, Dordt has grown by more than 25 percent.”

The third and final piece, consists of $25 million designated to increasing access to a Dordt education through student scholarship support, and planned giving, to secure Dordt’s future by growing the endowment.

“We want to have more students experience the kind of life changing education that happens at Dordt, making a Dordt education within their reach,” says Hoekstra.

To date, the initial phase of the campaign has led to $70 million in cash and pledge gifts.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with the response of the donor community so far,” says John Baas, vice president of advancement. “Many have given more than we dared expect from them.”

Donors can choose to designate their gifts to a specific area within the campaign or allow the university to designate it on their behalf.

“A large number of our lead gifts—some of several million dollars—were given to be used where they are needed most,” says Baas. “This shows the high level of trust that our donors have in Dordt and its leadership.”

The campaign will go on the road starting in fall 2022, with events taking place around the country for Defender Nation to participate in.

“I am excited to talk with members of Defender Nation and reflect on our strong history and discuss plans for our future,” says Hoekstra. “When we all come together, we can do amazing things for the kingdom.”

To learn more about the campaign or support with a gift, visit Dordt.edu/planting-the-future. For questions regarding the campaign contact Janna.Hulstein@dordt.edu.

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Dordt, located in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, Forbes.com, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review. To learn more, visit dordt.edu.