Sioux Center, Iowa — Dordt University has established a new center focused on entrepreneurship and innovation. The K and K Dooyema Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation will provide students and alumni with best business practices and guidance rooted in a reformed Christian context, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship and innovation in non-profit, for-profit, and family business organizations.
The center will be a resource to multiple academic departments, including agriculture, business, accounting, and economics. It will provide students with opportunities to gain internship experiences and to engage in mentorships. Students will also be able to engage in consulting projects with regional, national, and international businesses as well as with farms and non-profit organizations.
The center has been established through a generous gift by successful entrepreneurs Kim and Kathy Dooyema, who met at Dordt in the 1970’s. Kathy, a cosmetologist, founded her own hair studio. Kim became a CPA in 1977, working in investments and in the medical device industry. He also pursued work in agribusiness, which later included business and school startups in Africa.
As entrepreneurs whose parents taught them the value of hard work, perseverance, generosity, and Christian faith, the Dooyemas are excited about the center.
