More than 18 percent of Dordt alumni made a gift to Dordt in the 2023-24 academic year.
According to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the percentage of alumni making a financial gift of any size to their alma mater—whether a public or private institution— has dropped to 5.6 percent.
Dordt University alumni, on the other hand, are giving back at a rate of over three times the national average: 18.89 percent of Dordt alumni made a gift to Dordt in the 2023-24 academic year.
“Contrary to national trends, Dordt alumni view their college experience as much more than simply an education,” says Karen Van Schouwen, director of annual giving. “We ask Dordt alumni why they choose to give, and they’ve repeatedly referred to faculty and staff that not only instructed them but mentored them along the way.”
Van Schouwen says that alumni also talk about the spiritual growth and formation that took place while they were at Dordt, as well as the deep friendships that were formed and continue to this day.
Dordt alumni are giving back at a rate of over three times the national average: 18.89 percent of Dordt alumni made a gift to Dordt in the 2023-24 academic year.
“Alumni give back to provide others with access to a Dordt education, and that shows that alumni have experienced a quality Christ-centered education that they believe in,” adds Alicia Bowar, director of alumni and parent relations. “Our alumni also know that it isn’t necessarily how much you give, but that you’re giving what you’re able. Dordt alumni give to churches, schools, and other non-profits, so it is humbling to know that our alumni put Dordt among their top priorities as a mission worth supporting.”
Bowar says that a strong alumni giving rate like 18.89 percent should be encouraging for high school students and their parents as they consider Dordt for a college education. “When alumni, staff, and faculty are committed to our mission and believe that Dordt is a place worth investing in, it signals to donors that Dordt truly is equipping students ‘to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life’ as well.”
Van Schouwen sees Dordt’s impressive alumni giving rate as an indicator of two things. “One, that Dordt alumni view their resources in light of the Gospel and have chosen to live and give generously and sacrificially. And two, that Dordt alumni view their time at Dordt and their education as so much more than a transactional degree; rather, they see their time at Dordt as a life-giving, life-changing experience.”
To learn more about ways to give to Dordt, visit "Ways to Give."
About Dordt University
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.
As part of the third annual Dordt Honor Band and Orchestra Weekend, the Dordt University Music Department will present an ensembles concert on Saturday, February 17 at 1 p.m. in the B.J. Haan Auditorium.
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