Sioux Center, Iowa — A Sioux County-based Christian institution of higher learning has mounted its largest capital campaign ever.
According to officials at Dordt University, the school 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.
Dordt President Erik Hoekstra says, “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. 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.”
Dordt officials tell us that 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.
Hoekstra says that will make Dordt ready academically and grow campus infrastructure. He says that’s important because Dordt has grown by more than 25 percent in the last 10 years.
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.
To date, the initial phase of the campaign has led to $70 million in cash and pledge gifts.
John Baas, Director of Advancement says they’ve been overwhelmed with the response of the donor community so far. He says, “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.
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.
