Dordt University has named V.J. Hachaba ('18) as the 2024 Horizon Award recipient, recognizing his community-focused and entrepreneurial spirit through his work as a pediatric nurse and dedicated youth soccer coach.
Vernon “V.J.” Hachaba (’18) has been named the 2024 Horizon Award recipient at Dordt University. This award identifies alumni who are community-minded and entrepreneurial—those who are using their knowledge, gifts, and talents to participate in God's redemptive work in the world.
Hachaba currently works at Children’s Minnesota as a pediatric nurse in the limited stay unit administering medical and pre/post-surgical care. In 2022, Hachaba was honored for serving “patients and families with excellence in clinical care and compassion” when he received a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.
Hachaba believes his Christian nursing education at Dordt prepared him well for his current role. “In nursing you are caring for the whole person, including their spiritual, mental, emotional, and social needs. When I took nursing classes at Dordt, I remember thinking, ‘Wow, I get to be part of something big by serving in the nursing field. I get to make a difference in the lives of those I work with.’”
The ability and desire to make people feel valued is evident in Hachaba’s professional life and beyond, especially as he coaches a youth girls’ soccer team. “Not only is it important for me to give back to the community, it also gives me a different perspective on nursing. The children I work with at the hospital are very sick, so it’s motivating for me to see the kids I coach running around and acting like normal kids should. It helps me remember that this is where kids belong, not in a hospital.”
In challenging moments, Hachaba relies on God who has prepared him to be where he is. “Every morning as I drive to work, I pray for my patients. I don’t know who I’m going to care for when I walk into the hospital, but God knows.”
Being named the Horizon Award recipient was surprising to Hachaba. “I am honored to have been considered and selected for this award,” he says. “This is such a great encouragement not only for me but also for those who have played a role in preparing me for God’s call to serve others in all aspects of my life.”
Hachaba will be recognized at the Defender Nation Dinner at Defender Days, held on October 25.
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. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
Dave Rozenboom ('85) has been named the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, recognizing his exceptional career in banking, commitment to serving the community, and embodiment of Dordt's Reformed worldview.
On September 20, acclaimed musician Hannah Hickman will share her expertise with Dordt University students through masterclasses and a recital.
Related Events