The Voice - Winter/Spring 2020

THE

OF DORDT UNIVERSITY

Engineering majors improve a wheelchair.

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Campus Ministries and Gen Z students focus on faith formation.

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WINTER SPRING

2020

FROM THE PRESIDENT

THE

WINTER/SPRING 2020 VOLUME 65 | ISSUE 2

MITIGATING MOTTO MIGRATION Dordt University is as committed as ever to equipping students to work toward Christ-centered renewal.

In Christi Glorium—”All for the Glory of Christ”—was the original motto of Harvard University. Chosen by the board in 1650, this motto served for the first nearly 200 years until it was changed in 1836 to Veritas Christo et Ecclesiae, or “Truth for Christ and the Church.” By 1880, Harvard jettisoned Christ and the church in the seal, and since that point, it’s simply been Veritas.

Dordt’s motto, Soli Deo Gloria— “To God Alone be the Glory”—is very similar to that original motto which held sway in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for more than 180 years. So, as we continue our 65th year as Dordt and our first year under the name “Dordt University,” the Harvard story should inspire humility— and cause us to redouble our resolve.

We have not been at this for very long.

While Dordt’s new logo has the cross of Christ at the center and the university seal incorporates the cross and open Bible, they are not enough to keep us on the path they take us. These symbols represent our commitment to scripturally-oriented higher education

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OF DORDT UNIVERSITY

The Voice, an outreach of Dordt University, is sent to you as alumni and friends of Christian higher education. The Voice is published three times each year to share information about the programs, activities, and people at Dordt. www.dordt.edu (712) 722-6000 Send address corrections and correspondence to voice@dordt.edu or VOICE, Dordt University, 700 7th Street NE, Sioux Center, Iowa 51250-1606

Contributors

today, but I suspect that Harvard changing its motto and seal was a lagging indicator of a worldview shift that had already occurred in the classrooms and campus community prior to 1880. We will need to continually recommit to living Soli Deo Gloria.

Sarah Moss ('10), editor sarah.moss@dordt.edu

As you read this issue of The Voice of Dordt University, I hope you see the relevance and centrality of the Christian story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration woven in the stories within these pages. I’m eager for you to sense the curricular coordinates of religious orientation, creational structure, creational development, and contemporary response upon which we seek to ground our students’ learning and living. I’m convinced that Christ’s words from Revelation 21, “Behold, I am making all things new,” are at the center of how we work to develop our students into effective kingdom citizens as they move out from here to serve for Christ. I want you to see it, too.

Olivia de Vin ('20), photographer

Please pray for Dordt, especially as we say, “To God Alone Be the Glory.” Hold us accountable to Soli Deo Gloria. We remain committed to our motto, trusting God to work through Dordt to “bring Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.”

DR. ERIK HOEKSTRA, PRESIDENT

Jamin Ver Velde ('99), designer and creative director Sally Jongsma, contributing editor Kate Henreckson, contributing writer Lydia Marcus ('17), contributing writer Mike Byker ('92), contributing writer Adri Van Groningen ('18), photographer Retasya Badudu ('20), photographer Bethany Van Voorst, photographer Brandon Huisman ('10), vice president for enrollment and marketing brandon.huisman@dordt.edu

Our Mission As an institution of higher education committed to a Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, alumni, and the broader community to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.

On the Cover Sophomores Juliana Tien and Ellie Rynders have made their West Hall dorm room quite cozy. Complete with records as wall hangings and twinkle lights strung underneath the bunk, their dorm room is a nice place to study or to just hang out. Photo by Olivia de Vin ('20).

To do our part in helping limit the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Dordt University chose to extend spring break by one week and move classes online until Monday, April 13. As a result, campus is quiet during what is usually a busy time of year.

“As those who know Jesus Christ as the one who holds the future, this is an opportunity to care for one another through a time of uncertainty as the news changes rapidly,” says President Erik Hoekstra.

IN THIS ISSUE 4

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Students and faculty tackle tough topics in the Science and Faith Club.

Criminal justice students get an inside look at what it's like to work in law enforcement.

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24

Three sets of sisters were on this year's volleyball lineup.

Two senior engineering design teams are upgrading a wheelchair that's already having a global impact.

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Students organize hymn sings on campus.

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Dordt Dining Services purchases locally grown food as often as possible.

New professors bring momentum and passion to the arts programs.

Leonard Gooz (’02) describes how he became vice president for customer experience and innovation at Hilton.

kim through this issue of The Voice of Dordt University, and you’ll see examples of Dordt students who want to have a voice on and off-campus. Katie Bogle is putting her Spanish and social work majors into practice by researching barriers to affordable childcare for Hispanic families in Sioux Center.

Jake Thorsteinson is one of several students who started hymn sings, while Joseph Bartels used his worship arts major to try something new with chapel worship.

Chloe Hansum brought back the Science and Faith Club because she believes it’s important to talk about science and apply our faith. There are others, too.

FROM THE EDITOR

BETHANY VAN VOORST

A QUIET CAMPUS FOR COVID-19

MAKING A DIFFERENCE S

“Gen Z wants to produce something of value, not just consume,” says Sam Ashmore ('14), discipleship coordinator, in the article “Gen Z, Faith Formation, and Campus Ministries.” In some ways, that’s true of Defender Nation in general.

No matter what generation you’re from, Dordt University is a great place to be if you want to create something. Students form clubs, conduct important research, help shape on-campus worship, and more.

And then, our graduates go out into communities and make a difference, as Alex Vasquez (’18) does with Young Life Sioux County. They lead in their workplaces, as Leonard Gooz (’02) does at Hilton.

Wherever they are and whatever they’re doing, Dordt students and alumni find ways to seek Christcentered renewal—to make a difference and live out their faith.

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Alex Vasquez ('18) brings Young Life to Sioux County.

SARAH MOSS ('10), EDITOR

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Most college students are asleep at 6:55 a.m., but six students are bucking that trend on a Friday morning.

and Faith Club. They have had a panel discussion and film screening about climate action; she and other students also attended a leadership conference on the subject. And, later this spring, Hansum and the Science and Faith Club will bring April Cordero Maskiewicz, a biology professor at Point Loma University and a respected voice on climate action, to campus.

SARAH MOSS ('10)

NEWS

SCIENCE AND FAITH CLUB They, along with a biology professor, have claimed some couches outside of the faculty offices on the second floor of the Science and Technology Center.

Chloe Hansum, a junior biology and environmental science major, sets a box of donuts from Casey’s Bakery on the coffee table.

“Help yourself!” she says cheerily. She settles into a blue chair, grabs her laptop, and pulls up a National Geographic article about living tree bridges in India.

This is Donuts and Discussion, an event held by the Science and Faith Club.

Everyone is wide awake as Hansum dives into the discussion.

“The living bridges are rubber trees whose roots intertwine to make steellike structures and bridges. The author talks about how creation impacts culture and how the native people have a relationship with creation. I guess we can start with a quote: ‘Creation moves us.’ Why do you think creation moves us?

And how does God fit into that?”

SARAH MOSS ('10)

Dr. Jeff Ploegstra ('99), a biology professor, mentions how, when we’re in the wild places, nature can praise God independently of humanity—”nature doesn’t exist strictly for us, and that causes us to push outside of our sense of self-importance.” A student mentions how often Dordt professors and students

Hansum is considering the possibility of attending graduate school, perhaps to study marine biology.

And that is the purpose of the Science and Faith Club—to provide students with a space where they might learn and grow together on topics related to science and faith.

“Students are usually busy with homework and classes, so it often feels like there isn’t enough time to talk about these issues. But, with the Science and Faith Club, we want to create a space to talk about science and apply our faith,” says Hansum.

talk about nature and creation—“here at Dordt, we try to emphasize what it means to connect with God through nature, and that’s something I never experienced growing up.”

All the while, Hansum nods, Read about how the encouraging Science and Faith Club others to speak fostered civil discourse on up and share their science and faith through thoughts.

COLOSSIANS FORUM

Originally begun by Lydia Marcus (’17) and Biology Professor Dr. Robbin Eppinga several years ago, the Science and Faith Club was inactive until Hansum the Colossians Forum: and another student dordt.edu/colossians.

This year, Hansum brought it back last year. and her co-leader, Now, the Science and Victoria Kollbaum, Faith Club has about 60 have chosen to focus members, 20 of whom regularly attend most of their Science and Faith Club the club’s events. Gathering in the early events, including Donuts and Discussion, morning hours of a Friday morning for on topics related to creation care. While Donuts and Discussion—to talk about studying abroad on the Creation Care land bridges in India and creation care— Program in New Zealand last semester, shows just how dedicated these students Hansum witnessed firsthand how are to science and faith. environmental degradation has done irreparable damage.

“I appreciate how Dordt professors stress that science and faith are connected together and that God is sovereign over all, including science,” says Hansum.

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“There is a perceived conflict of science and faith, but I think we can be strong Christians and have sound science,” says Hansum. “These two things are connected deeply.”

“While studying abroad on the Creation Care program, I saw a glacier that had melted. I saw coral that had been bleached,” she recalls. “Climate change is a huge problem we need to talk about, because God loves creation.”

Donuts and Discussion is just one of the many events held by the Science

“Often faculty and staff are given credit for making Dordt such a vibrant learning environment, but it’s the students, too,” says Eppinga. “Great things can happen when passionate students like Chloe are given a little direction and some donut money.”

SARAH MOSS (’10)

NEWS

FROM IOWA TO ITALY In the "Dante and the Italian Renaissance" course, students spent 12 weeks studying on-campus and one week in January exploring Florence, Italy.

Between August and November, Dr. Walker Cosgrove, history professor, and Dr. Joshua Matthews, English professor, walked their class through the texts of writers like Petrarch and Alberti. They also looked at paintings, frescoes, architecture, and sculpture from the Renaissance. Then, Cosgrove and Matthews led students through the masterpiece that is Dante’s Divine Comedy.

JANNEKE DEBOER ('20)

It’s unique to have a course co-taught by a history professor and an English professor. But what’s even more unique about the “Dante and the Italian Renaissance” course is that it culminates in a trip to Florence, Italy, known as the “cradle of the Renaissance,” where students experience firsthand what they learn in the classroom.

“As I read through the students’ reflections on the trip, I was surprised by how glowing they were. The students loved Florence,” says Matthews.

Florence. The group stayed in a hotel connected to a convent. As a class, they spent five days in Florence, exploring the museums, churches, and historical monuments.

“For Dante, theology, aesthetics, and politics are all combined,” says Matthews, “and we live them out every day. For students to see that on paper, but then to go to these real buildings where there is history, aesthetics, and theology all in the same place, is an incredible experience."

“The Renaissance was a Florentine phenomenon,” says Cosgrove. “Florence has Michelangelo’s David statue, the frescoes of Massachio’s Trinity on the walls of the Duomo. The earliest images of Dante’s Divine Comedy are even on those walls.”

"Dante asks the basic questions of life,” Matthews adds. “Who am I? Why do I exist? What do I do with my life? Who is God? What happens to me when I die? These are questions students are asking—although maybe not out loud.”

Walking through the streets of Florence engages the five senses, says Matthews.

And, during free time, the students took every advantage to go sightseeing and explore.

“I heard students say, ‘I remember this in class, and now we’re here,’” says Cosgrove. “The number of students drawing connections between what we studied and what they saw made me feel like we must have done something right.”

“The trip to Florence was a wonderful opportunity to experience history in an entirely different way,” says AJ Funk, a senior theology major. “Exploring the different museums was surreal.

It was one thing to learn about it in class, but it was nothing compared to the contextualization that seeing the paintings in person offered.”

“Experiencing Florence gave me a new appreciation for the literature we read,” says Erika Buiter, a senior English major.

“Professor Cosgrove and Professor Matthews did a great job of educating us as we explored the city.”

“We plan this trip a year ahead of time, encourage students to sign up, handle travel arrangements, and then start a new semester when we return,” says Matthews. “It’s certainly more work than a normal class, but in the end, it’s a labor of love.”

KATE HENRECKSON

JANNEKE DEBOER ('20)

During Christmas break, the students, Cosgrove, and Matthews flew to

“I wrote a research paper on the Duomo—a famous church—for the course, and I enjoyed being able to climb

to the top of it in Florence,” says Trenton Ribbens, a senior engineering major.

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NEWS

OLIVIA DE VIN ('20)

“It is fulfilling to coach my athletes to be strong Christians who compete fiercely and thrive academically,” says Coach Chad Hanson.

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL SCORES TRIPLE-DOUBLE Three sets of sisters were in the Defenders lineup for 2019-20 season.

When Dordt’s volleyball team opened pre-season practice in the fall, three of the incoming freshmen were greeted by older sisters who are already at Dordt and play volleyball. Ally and Brenna Krommendyk, Erica and Emma Bousema, and Allison “Alli” and Corrina “Jo” Timmermans make up a significant part of the Defender team.

Having siblings on the team is nothing new for Dordt’s volleyball coach, Chad Hanson, who has been leading the program since 2010. Recruiting a younger sibling may seem natural or easy from the outside, but Hanson treats each new recruit as an individual player.

“When I recruit a younger sister to our program, one of my first goals is to let them know we want them here because of who they are and what they can bring to Dordt. We also want them here because we know we can help them grow and become stronger in every area of their life. I tell them that this is not their sister’s school; rather, this is their

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fun to see her meet and interact with my teammates.”

Ally Krommendyk

Brenna Krommendyk

Erica Bousema

Emma Bousema

Allison Timmermans

Corrina Timmermans

school, and my hope is they will see it the same way,” says Hanson.

Ally Krommendyk, the only senior in the group, explained the role she played in recruiting Brenna.

“I tried to stay neutral and encourage her to pick the school she felt was the best fit for her. I was honest and gave her advice as to what to look for and what to be cautious about,” says Ally. “It was

Brenna was attracted to Dordt volleyball not only through Ally’s encouragement but by what she was able to observe closely with a sister in the program.

“I saw how much fun Ally had in the program, and how it seemed to enrich her college experience. I did not particularly want to follow my sister through high school and then college, to be honest, but I came to be familiar with the volleyball program, and I knew I would enjoy it, too,” says Brenna.

For Emma Bousema, being able to play volleyball with her sister proved to be a strong pull.

“She is one of my best friends, and we have so many memories together,” says Bousema. “Being able to have those memories while playing a sport we love is a blessing. We encourage each other and always have each other’s back both in volleyball and life.”

NEWS

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Interestingly, Erica Bousema only recently transitioned from being the “little” sister to the “big” sister when a third Bousema sister, Kenzie, graduated from Dordt in 2019.

“Growing up together, putting in hour after hour of practice, it is the best feeling that we are on the same team at the college level,” says Erica. “She always knows what I need to hear and knows when to say nothing, and I think that comes with growing up in the same house for 19 years.”

For the Timmermans, 2019 was a little different. A sophomore at the time, Alli transferred to Dordt for the spring semester and made the decision a couple months after Jo had committed to the program as a high school senior. Both faced injuries; Alli missed the year after tearing a muscle in her abdomen, and Jo also missed significant time with an ankle sprain midway through the year.

“We provided each other with moral support and encouragement. I wanted to see Jo back out on the court as soon as possible, and I wish I could have played with her this season. We also helped remind each other to stay on track to recovery,” says Alli. “I really enjoy being on the same team with my sister; it provides us with an opportunity to grow together, athletically, as teammates and as people.”

Hanson is quick to point out that the relationships the sisters and the entire team develop are important and a part of overarching goals Hanson has for his team.

“Seeing sisters’ special bond in their interactions with one another, the direct manner in which they can speak to each other, and the ways that they protect each other are all prime examples of a committed and faithful love that Christ asked us to live out each day,” says Hanson.

MIKE BYKER ('92)

Anna Cole of Wheaton College, Daniel Montoya of Azusa Pacific University, and Katie Bogle of Dordt University were named the recipients of the 2020 Hatfield Prize.

BOGLE RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS PRIZE K

atie Bogle, a junior double-majoring in Spanish and social work, is one of three college students from across the nation who has been awarded the Hatfield Prize from the Center for Public Justice (CPJ), a Christian civic education and public policy research organization based in Washington, D.C.

“One of the key things we can do in Christian higher education is to help students understand the powerful role they can play in exploring, educating, and articulating a way forward in regard to the problems facing our world,” says Foreman. “I’m excited for Katie to be able to conduct this important research.”

Bogle will research barriers to affordable childcare for Hispanic families in Sioux Center, Iowa. The research will explore the unique cultural, economic, and geographic factors that contribute to families’ childcare decisions and recommend how diverse childcare settings can honor these preferences.

Based upon findings, the report will make recommendations for government programs as well as faithbased and other childcare providers.

“Childcare is something that millions of families need but not all are able to access or afford,” says Katie Thompson, program director of CPJ. “Katie’s research will illuminate this issue on a local level, highlighting the experience of Hispanic families in Sioux Center, and her policy report will make a substantial contribution to scholarship on this timely issue.”

“The lack of quality and affordable childcare is a growing concern in the United States,” says Bogle. “I hope that through this research, those involved in this issue will recognize their part in solving this problem and, ultimately, that it will contribute to all children and families across the United States having access to quality, safe childcare.”

Dr. Abby (Jansen, '02) Foreman, professor of social work, is advising Bogle in her research.

The Hatfield Prize is awarded annually to three student-faculty pairs from schools in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Recipients conduct research on social policies that impact vulnerable children, families, and communities, and explore the impact of these policies in their local communities. This semesterlong research project culminates in three policy reports that make recommendations for both government and civil society institutions for policies that promote flourishing communities.

EDITED BY SARAH MOSS ('10)

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NEWS

LIFTING UP HEARTS THROUGH HYMN SINGS J

JAMIN VER VELDE ('99)

ake Thorsteinson is a pre-med student with a passion for playing the organ.

“My joke is that I do the organs on the inside of the body and on the outside,” he laughs.

After years of piano lessons, he started playing the organ during his junior year of high school when someone gave his family an electric organ. He enjoys the structure of the organ—its blended harmonies and its volume. It’s also a familiar instrument for him; until recently, his home church in Edmonton, Alberta, only played the organ during worship services.

“I received a scholarship to play organ at Dordt, and that helped to seal the deal for me as to where I’d go to school,” he says. “Playing the organ is a great stress reliever for me, and it’s a huge passion.

I can connect with God through it, especially through hymns.”

As a freshman, Thorsteinson was surprised to find that the Casavant organ in the B.J. Haan Auditorium was only played during practices or concerts, not during chapel. He enjoyed the oncampus contemporary worship style, but he also missed the organ. He talked with other organ students about the possibility of starting a hymn sing—a time when students could gather around the organ and sing hymns together.

Now a sophomore, Thorsteinson pitched his hymn sing idea to Dr. Carrie (Spronk, '06) Groenewold, Dordt’s new organ and

“We wanted to use the gifts we’ve been given to try and give back to God in worship,” says Jake Thorsteinson.

keyboard professor. She loved the idea and encouraged him to make something happen. He talked with three other organ students about setting up a lowkey event in the organ loft. They met a couple of weeks beforehand to pick out hymns and to practice.

They expected a handful of their friends to show up for the first event on October 1. Instead, 50 students packed the organ loft.

“We were blown away,” says Thorsteinson.

Now, hymn sings are a monthly occurrence. At the Christmas hymn sing, more than 100 students gathered in the dimly-lit B.J. Haan Auditorium to sing traditional Christmas carols.

Thorsteinson says he would love it if hymn sings happened once a week, but once a month is enough for now.

“There is a lot of prep work that goes into the hymn sings,” he says. “You have to learn the songs from scratch and get up to speed, and then you have to pick your verses and registration. I have mad respect for church organists that have to figure this all out every week.”

Thorsteinson believes that diversity in worship is important and that contemporary worship music has its place. He also appreciates hymns because, having grown up with them, they bring him a certain comfort and nostalgia.

“I also think it’s important to guard the words you’re singing. Hymns are time-tested and theologically sound.

Especially when we sing the Psalms—my mom once told me, ‘The reason why it’s important to sing Psalms is because we’re literally singing God’s words back to him.’ It not only connects the Christian faith across generations but it’s also God’s inspired word. That’s really powerful.”

Thorsteinson is glad to see the Casavant organ being used to its full potential. He is also thankful Groenewold encouraged him to pursue his dream to organize hymn sings at Dordt.

“I praise God for this opportunity.

Organizing hymn sings is such a cool experience, and Dordt’s the only place, in my mind, where this could have come together.”

SARAH MOSS (’10) JAMIN VER VELDE ('99)

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NEWS

JAMIN VER VELDE ('99)

MORE LOCALLYGROWN FOOD ON MENU F

ields and farmland surround Dordt University, and Dordt’s food service provider is committed to taking full advantage of that privilege.

In the past four years, Dordt Dining Services, led by Head Chef Nick Lawrence, has purchased locally grown food as often as possible.

“When we buy from local farmers, we know where our food is coming from,” says Lawrence, who has been passionate about eating locally grown food since culinary school. “When I purchase cattle from the Agriculture Stewardship Center at Dordt, I know who raised them. I can find out what they were fed, and, if I want, I can go see the cattle. You are making a connection with the food and the people growing it. This is something that I think is missing in today’s world— people don’t know where their food is coming from anymore.”

The Cornucopia grows seasonal vegetables and herbs, including butterhead lettuce, kohlrabi, garlic, cucumbers, carrots, and potatoes.

squash is not available off a truck—but I grow it. So, I delivered it.”

about five gallons of honey from these bees to Dordt Dining each month.

Next growing season, Wesselius and Lawrence began discussions about how Dordt Dining could buy more produce from the Cornucopia. “I enjoy growing vegetables, and I enjoy bantering with people like Nick, who cook the vegetables,” says Wesselius. “One of the

“I appreciate working with Nick and Dordt Dining. If there’s a problem, we work together to solve it,” says Bajema.

“Buying locally allows you to establish these kinds of relationships; it allows you to care for the people you work with while supporting the local economy.”

One of the reasons I farm is for the relationships.

We farmers are growing relationships with God's creation and with people.

In the summer and fall of 2019, Dordt Dining bought 7,681 pounds of Dordt Agriculture Stewardship Center beef and 5,090 pounds of potatoes, 850 — John Wesselius, farmer pounds of carrots, and 450 pounds of zucchini—among other reasons I farm is for the relationships. We things—from local farms. Much of this farmers are growing relationships with produce comes from the Cornucopia, God’s creation and with people. Is there a small organic vegetable, poultry, and a happier thing to do in life than to invest pork farm run by the Wesselius family in in these relationships?”

Sioux Center.

Lawrence has also been working for “Our relationship with Dordt Dining the past two years with Dr. Duane has grown incrementally,” says Bajema ('71), professor emeritus of John Wesselius (‘85), who runs the agriculture, to provide Dordt students Cornucopia. “When they first took over with honey. Bajema maintains beehives the food service at Dordt, they phoned on his acreage and at the Agriculture me, looking for kabocha sunshine Stewardship Center, and he delivers squash for a special dinner. That type of

Buying locally sometimes takes more investment than buying food from big retailers. Because locally grown food is often of higher quality than imported food, it also tends to cost more. And, local farmers are restricted by Sioux County’s climate, so some foods simply cannot be grown locally. However, Dordt Dining, the local farmers, and students agree that the result is worth the investment.

“Local food is delicious! Once you become accustomed to the flavors of local produce, it’s hard to want to eat anything else,” says Gretchen (Rops, ’17) Kooyenga, who works at the Cornucopia—a job she first began as a Dordt student. “Most people aren’t going to eat completely locally grown diets, but any steps to incorporate local food is important and makes a difference to the consumer, the farmer, and creation.”

LYDIA MARCUS (’17)

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NEWS

JAMIN VER VELDE ('99)

One of Dordt’s simulation labs is geared toward obstetrics—it even has a mannequin that can give birth.

AN INSIDE LOOK AT NURSING With changes to their curriculum and facilities, Dordt’s nursing program provides students with more hands-on learning opportunities in a safe environment. monitors the computer screen. The nursing students’ interactions with the patient are recorded, and two doors down from the hospital room, four other nursing students watch their fellow

“How are you feeling?”

“I—I can’t catch my breath,” says the patient in a shaky voice.

Crouching down to eye level and putting her hand on the patient’s shoulder, the nursing student says calmly, “Can you breathe with me? We’re going to breathe in and out. Ready?”

Together, the patient and the nurse breathe in, and out. In, and out.

After examining the patient’s chart, another nurse says, “I’m going to go get some medication to help you to breathe better.” He walks toward the door.

When students go to clinicals, we can’t guarantee they’ll have a patient with an illness related to a concept they’re studying in class, but in lab, we can.

— Dr. Debbie Bomgaars, nursing professor

“OK,” murmurs the patient. “Thank you.”

Above the patient’s bed is a mirror, and behind that mirror stand two nursing professors. One speaks through the patient—a mannequin—while the other

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students’ interactions. Later, the two professors and six students will sit down in the debriefing room to talk through what went well and what might be improved.

This space, known as the simulation lab, is just one of the ways Dordt’s nursing

program is giving students opportunities to learn better—to make mistakes and gain confidence in a safe environment.

At least twice a semester, students spend time in the simulation, or “sim,” labs. The sim lab mannequins can talk, breathe, and blink; students give them shots, IV medication, and more.

“Students get to learn about theoretical nursing concepts in the classroom, practice the concepts in the skills lab, and apply the concepts in a very realistic setting in the sim lab,” says Melanie (Van De Berg, '95) Wynja, instructor of nursing.

“It’s a little intimidating to be filmed and watched by your peers through the cameras, but it’s very beneficial to practice your skills and critique yourself after and walk through it with your classmates,” says Gideon Brandsma, a junior nursing major from Abbotsford, British Columbia. “Everyone has a different perspective and can provide insights on what went well or what could be improved.”

SIM LAB

“When students go to clinicals, we can’t guarantee they’ll have a patient with an illness related to a concept they’re studying in class, but in lab, we can,” says Dr. Debbie Bomgaars, professor of nursing. “In the lab, students get to learn and apply skills in a safer, easier environment than when they’re in front of a human being.”

Dordt nursing majors also begin their clinicals during the spring semester of their sophomore year. Bomgaars says the nursing faculty have purposely structured clinicals to expose students to a variety of hospital environments.

“They start in community health and then move to a nursing home setting.

From there, they go to small hospitals, medium-sized hospitals, and then finish in large hospitals. It helps students build confidence in their abilities,” says Wynja.

Caitlin Mundorf, a junior nursing major

nursing space.

“Traditionally, students learn diagnoses, such as hypertension, and particular nursing skills or assessments they need to make for those diagnoses,” says Dr. Kate Vander Veen, professor of nursing.

“When nurses walk into a patient’s room, they are aware of what the diagnosis is, but they’re looking at the patient and assessing how alert the patient is, whether the patient can move about in bed, whether the patient is stressed, and more.”

So, the nursing faculty focus on training students to look at the patient as a whole person.

“Instead of focusing on specific diagnoses, we focus on the bigger picture. This frees us from a particular regimen and encourages us to pay close attention to what the patient needs,” says Brandsma.

JAMIN VER VELDE ('99)

Faculty in Dordt’s nursing program hope these changes help increase student confidence and give them the practice they need to succeed as nurses.

“We want our students to become distinctively Christian, holistic nurses,” says Wynja. “The resources we now have provide students with experiences that will, once they begin work as nurses, help them to provide safe patient outcomes.”

“The simulations and scenarios our students do directly relate to their clinical experience,” says Melanie Wynja.

Professors of Mathematics Dr. Melissa Lindsey and Dr. Mike Janssen are writing an open source textbook for use in an upper-level modern algebra course. The book emphasizes exploration and active learning to help make abstract ideas. The book, which was piloted at Dordt in fall 2018 and at Morningside College in fall 2019, now has an edited version available at book. mkjanssen.org.

NEWS

Students also get to practice in the from Ballwin, Missouri, spent one clinical nursing skills lab—located in what was rotation at Floyd Valley Healthcare in Le once the New World Theatre. From Mars, Iowa. Together, she and a small sophomore year on, nursing students group of students made the 20-minute spend two hours a week in the skills lab, drive to and from campus. Working on a engaged with eight “patients” that are general floor was a good experience for also mannequins.

Mundorf. She was able to At the beginning of apply what she’d learned the semester, each in the classroom about patient is given community health and a diagnosis, a mental health to her dayTo see the simulation health issue, to-day interactions with lab in action, check out: and a chart. patients. dordt.edu/zylstra-center.

As students make “I learned how to their way through communicate with my concepts, the patients who are dealing patient acquires a with mental illness—to understand why new complication. Students can then they may be acting a certain way or assess and intervene in their care. exhibiting subtle cues,” she says.

They also learn the practicalities of the nursing profession—from learning Dordt’s nursing faculty have restructured where to stand to how to open packages their curriculum to better align with properly. the opportunities provided by the new

FACULTY NOTES

In October, Business Professor Dr. Sacha Walicord gave the convocation speech “Science versus Faith: A Dishonest Dilemma” at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. He also taught a seminar on pastoral theology and homiletics at the seminary. Over Thanksgiving, Walicord taught a course on Reformed worship at the Reformed Seminary in Riga, Latvia.

Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Dr. Calvin Jongsma’s textbook Introduction to Discrete Mathematics via Logic and Proof has been published by Springer in their prestigious “Undergraduate Text in Mathematics” series.

Education Professor Dr. Kathleen Van Tol was interviewed for a Fox News article titled “Recognizing Signs of Autism: How Late Diagnosis Could Delay Crucial Intervention.”

Theology Professor Dr. Justin Bailey wrote an article titled “Pagans, Puritans, and Putting Christ Back in Christmas,” which was featured in the December 2019 issue of The Banner.

Health and Human Performance Professor Dr. Craig Stiemsma (’88) was interviewed for a U.S. News and World Report article titled “How to Get into Physical Therapy Schools.”

SARAH MOSS (’10)

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NEWS

I N A L L T H I N G S E X P L O R E S T H E C O N C R E T E I M P L I C AT I O N S O F C H R I S T ’ S P R E S E N C E I N A L L F A C E T S O F L I F E

FIVE QUESTIONS FOR CHRISTIANS TO ASK ABOUT ONLINE COURSES “Are online courses a good way to learn?”

I hear this question often, and from a variety of people. Lately, though, the question has shifted. Now, many Christians ask, “What should a Christian look for in an online course or program?”

As more people consider online learning, many Christians wonder how to choose quality courses and programs that help them to grow not only in their academic, technical, or professional knowledge, but also in their faith development and their ability to live as Christ followers.

This is an important question. As Christ’s followers, we should choose education that deepens our knowledge and helps us to serve Christ more effectively. Yet, many Christians feel uncertain about how to find excellent online learning experiences. This is understandable.

After all, many of us are relatively new to online education. Additionally, the quality of online coursework can vary from one place to the next, just as it does in traditional or face-to-face education.

When we add in the challenge of finding excellent education that is also seriously Christian, one may wonder where to start.

So, we’re back to the question: “What should I as a Christian look for in an online course or program?” To help answer this question, I am sharing five fundamental questions to ask—along with characteristics to watch for—as you research your options. As someone whose daily work focuses on the development of Christ-centered online education, I’ve found that the questions that matter most are enduring questions

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON:

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that have long been at the heart of teaching and learning.

and nation are gathered together to worship the King?

WHY—WHAT’S THE GOAL?

WHAT IS “GOOD,” AND HOW DO WE KNOW?

As you consider your options, look at promotional materials, advertised goals and outcomes, and the definitions of “success” implied through the learning objectives, readings, and assignments.

Talk to professors. What reasons for completing the course or degree are given to motivate students? Is the emphasis mostly on personal achievement, a bigger paycheck, and career advancement? Or, are there deeper motivations that are continually apparent, such as better knowing our Lord, serving our neighbors, and caring for God’s creation?

WHO MATTERS? Ask about the learning activities and the requirements for class participation. Is it all about you working for your individual gain, or are you asked to care about your classmates and learn from and with them? Will you be held responsible to contribute to discussions and projects in ways that help others, and to be your brothers’ and sisters’ keeper in their learning? Look again at the syllabus and program materials with another eye to whose voices and concerns matter.

In addition to learning from the usual experts in the field, will you encounter thoughtful Christian perspectives on these topics through readings, guest speakers, and assignments? How will your learning enable you to help those in need, and how will you connect with and learn from those you hope to serve?

Will the texts you read, hear, or watch and the people who you meet through your online learning bring you and your classmates closer to the vision in Revelation where every tongue, tribe,

Truly Christ-centered education starts with God’s creational design for his world and his people. It mourns sin and helps us to see how every area of life is broken and calling out for Christ’s healing and renewal. This should be true in Christ-centered online learning as well. Review course descriptions and talk with faculty to learn what issues you will be asked to think about. Will you be guided to consider God’s will for creation and culture through study of the Bible?

Will you be asked to carefully analyze the world around you to understand the ways in which it follows or strays from God’s will? How will you be prompted to notice how humans make idols out of ideas, products, and activities? In addition to previewing content, notice how the course or program defines what is “good” for learning. Ask to see the online learning environment— perhaps through a prepared video or by requesting to join a video call where you can see some screen shares of actual courses. Do you see God-honoring excellence in creative teaching methods, delightful course activities, beautiful design of the learning environment, and high expectations for learning?

HOW WILL YOU BE CHALLENGED AND CHANGED? Christ-centered education requires much more than the “delivery” of facts and training in skills. Christ followers are called to be transformed (Romans 12:2).

Christ-centered education, whether in person or online, should inspire and equip learners to think and live differently. Preview course materials and assignments and ask questions of

In All Things is a journal for critical reflection on faith, culture, art, and every ordinary-yet-graced square inch of God’s creation. We want to expand our imagination for what the Christian life—and life of the mind—can accomplish. In pursuit of this end, we will engage in conversation with diverse voices across a wide range of traditions, places, and times.

instructors. Talk with current and former. How will you be equipped to take a closer, more critical look at your habits, possessions, activities, and values? How will you be taught to better understand some of the leading ideas, arguments, and movements of our day—responding to them in ways that attract others to the light and love of Christ? How will you be inspired to use what you learn so that you can be the hands and feet of Jesus in your work, home, church, and community?

HOW WILL YOU BE CARED FOR?

Professor Emeritus of Philosophy Dr. John Kok served as editor for the (now translated) three-volume work of Abraham Kuyper titled Pro Rege: Living Under Christ’s Kingship.

These volumes published by Lexham Press, totaling almost 1,500 pages, appeared in 2016, 2017, and 2019. A Spanish translation of Kok’s Patterns of the Western Mind (1998) was published by Dordt Press in 2019 under the title Los Patrones de la Mente Occidental: Una Perspectiva Cristiana Reformada.

Jesus calls us to love with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Notice that he connects our minds with every part of our being. Learners are whole people, and this should be reflected in online learning, too. As you interact with staff and faculty to learn more about the online options you are considering, are you treated with respect and kindness? Are you encouraged to think about God’s calling for your life and how to use the talents he gives you? Are there readily available academic support services to help you, and do faculty prioritize relational learning through personalized feedback, online office hours, phone calls, video meetings, and email exchanges with students?

If you were to become very ill or experience an event that interrupted your education, what policies would protect you academically and financially, and how would you be supported when you were ready to return? Do the course schedules and homework expectations encourage you not only to learn and build relationships with your instructors and classmates, but also to thrive and be fully present in the rest of your life as a family member, friend, neighbor, and active member of your church?

Health and Human Performance Professor Nate Wolf was named GPAC Men’s Cross Country Coach of the Year for the 2019 season. Wolf coached the team to their second consecutive GPAC title and the program’s second straight NAIA National Championship Meet appearance.

Ultimately, in online education, the centrality of Christ should be evident in every aspect of the experience, including the stated and implied purpose for learning, curriculum that reflects Christ’s rule as Lord over all, teaching that shows the care of Jesus, and learning activities that call students to love classmates, community, and creation. As we are reminded in Dordt’s founders’ vision, education should be “permeated with the spirit and teaching of Christianity.” That’s true online, too.

Vice President for Online and Graduate Education Dr. Leah Zuidema was quoted in a U.S. News and World Report article titled “How to Win a Fulbright Scholarship.”

We should choose education that deepens our knowledge and helps us to serve Christ more effectively. Yet, many Christians feel uncertain about how to find excellent online learning experiences.

This is understandable.

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CAMPUS KUDOS

Dordt’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program is now accepting applications for the fall 2020 semester. The MSW program offers a Christ-centered social work education with courses that are 100 percent online. For more information, visit dordt.edu/msw.

Dordt University received three silver awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District VI. The awards included magazine publishing improvement for The Voice of Dordt University, institution-wide branding effort for Dordt University, and a Dordt University commercial spot.

According to Dordt’s Career Development Center, 99 percent of Dordt’s class of 2019 found employment or were accepted into graduate school within six months of graduation. “Most students choose to attend college to get a good job and begin a career,” says Amy Westra, associate director of career development. “The consistently high career outcome rate at Dordt University may help alleviate some concerns about finding a job and entering the workforce.” Learn more at dordt.edu/ news/49882.

Dordt University is one of three finalists for a Salesforce.org Summit Award. The Excellence in Innovation Award recognizes a college or university that is using Salesforce, a computing service specializing in customer relationship management, to fuel innovation in recruiting, student success, advancement, marketing, community, and engagement.

In October, Admissions Counselor Cody Kaemingk (’15) and Digital Content Strategist Jordan Harmelink (’16) presented “Dordt University: A Salesforce Story” at the Salesforce upper Midwest group meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

DR. LEAH ZUIDEMA VICE PRESIDENT FOR ONLINE AND GRADUATE EDUCATION

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NEWS

RETAYSA BADUDU ('20)

“We are blessed that, at a small private university such as Dordt, we have the ability and financial support to have the robust music program that we have,” says Dr. Onsby Rose.

DOUBLING DOWN ON THE ARTS New professors bring momentum and passion to their programs.

While other institutions are downsizing their arts programs, Dordt University is choosing to double down on the arts.

Now, thanks in part to the excitement and passion of new faculty, the arts are flourishing at Dordt. Let us introduce you to our newest arts faculty, so you can see for yourself why Dordt’s arts scene is thriving.

DR. CARRIE GROENEWOLD Dr. Carrie (Spronk, ’06) Groenewold fills four roles at Dordt University. She is associate professor of church music and organ studies, the director of the keyboard

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department, and the university’s organist.

She also holds the Joan Ringerwole Chair of Church Music and Organ Studies, a new endowed chair in the music department.

Groenewold has always felt called to teach.

“It’s a dream for me to be back at Dordt, because I actually started playing the organ during Dordt Discovery Days,” says Groenewold. She continued studying organ and piano at Dordt during high school and majored in Organ Performance and Church Music as a Dordt student. “I’m coming full circle, and it’s an opportunity I never thought could happen in my life.”

Groenewold’s favorite part of her new position is interacting with students,

whom she finds to be genuine, motivated, and hardworking. Sometimes, Groenewold explains, there can be a spirit of competitiveness at the performance level. But Dordt students are more driven by deep-seated desires to glorify God. “It’s a calling to develop the gifts that we’ve been given,” says Groenewold.

“There’s genuine support for each other here, which is so vital to developing great musicians and creating an environment where students can thrive.”

Groenewold directs Bella Voce, teaches two courses, and gives organ lessons.

Allison Wordes, a senior taking lessons with Groenewold, says, “She shares her passion of music with us at every opportunity. The Dordt music

Theatre, to me, is an empathy gymnasium, and it asks for our whole selves to be part of and present in it.

It provides a place for growth and flourishing, and we get to nurture students in this special place and time.

ZACH DIRKSEN ('20)

“We have a rich tradition at Dordt—graduates from the organ program have been at the forefront of research, scholarship, and performance around the world, and I’m excited to continue that,” says Groenewold. “Dordt is a fertile ground for studying church — Laurel Koerner, theatre professor music and worship. Educating students in these fields will happening at Dordt. We have strong have lifelong implications for traditions as well as fresh opportunities.” wherever they find themselves serving, benefit the worship of congregations, Koerner especially enjoys the new and bring glory to God. I am thrilled to theatre space, which keeps department be involved in this important task.” members in closer proximity to each other. She also finds it invigorating to be LAUREL KOERNER part of a collaborative team who cares Laurel (Alons, ’06) deeply about their students and about Koerner’s interest in one another. theatre developed as “We genuinely like spending time a theatre major at together. There’s no possessiveness or Dordt. So, when a competitiveness, and I think that can be position in Dordt’s rare in higher education.” theatre department came open, Koerner “I have loved having Laurel as a was excited to return professor!” says Ally Visser, a senior. to teach at her alma “She allows students to lead where mater. the discussion goes and answers any questions they have. I wish I wasn’t a “I have participated in theatre at other senior so that I could take more classes institutions, and it became evident with her.” to me that there is something special

“Laurel’s teaching is outstanding, and her emphasis on collaboration is stretching us,” says Dr. Teresa Ter Haar, professor and chair of the department.

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department is blessed to have someone with her enthusiasm and skill.”

“I’m excited by seeing what students discover about themselves through theatre,” Koerner says.

“Theatre, to me, is an empathy gymnasium, and it asks for our whole selves to be part of and present in it. It provides a place for growth and flourishing, and we get to nurture students in this special place and time, to equip them for whatever may come.”

DAVID PLATTER David Platter first heard about Dordt in 2005, when he crossed paths with two Dordt students on the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities’ Middle Eastern Studies Program.

“They were fun to be with and genuinely helped all of us in that group to grow,” recalls Platter.

Those students left enough of an impression on Platter that, when he learned about an art position at Dordt, he didn’t hesitate to apply.

Since making the move to Sioux Center, Platter has found that the Dordt community really is as enriching as he was led to believe.

“Our students appreciate the opportunity to learn and grow,” he says. “They are engaged, take their work seriously, and have genuine pride in it.”

Platter especially enjoys collaborating with engineering and pre-architecture students in studio art courses. Dordt is uniquely situated for such crossdisciplinary opportunities—it is small enough that faculty from different disciplines can easily interact with one another.

Laurel Koerner’s first mainstage production at Dordt was “Everything is Wonderful,” which explores the meaning of forgiveness amidst unthinkable tragedies in an Amish family.

“Ultimately, I am teaching expression

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NEWS

JAMIN VER VELDE (’99)

through material, time, and space.

The fundamentals of sculpture have remained relatively constant, but digital technologies open up possibilities for creative exploration and innovation in otherwise laborious materials and processes. The options offered by 3-D scanning and printing are transforming the ways we express ourselves and design the world around us. Students need to play with this and explore what these technologies are capable of.”

“David brings an excellent mix of talent and experience,” says Matthew Drissell, associate professor of art. “He is an expert sculptor, is able to take students in ambitious new directions in three dimensions, and brings a solid understanding of art curriculum.”

DR. ONSBY ROSE Dr. Onsby Rose worked for 11 years as a trombonist, conductor, and combat-trained Marine for the U.S. Marine Corps Bands.

He served as a freight conductor for Norfolk Southern and Canadian Pacific Railroads before becoming a director of bands for a middle and high school in Tennessee. He conducted The Ohio State University marching band while completing his Ph.D. Now, he serves as associate professor of music at Dordt, where he conducts the Wind Symphony, the Campus-Community Band, the Chamber Orchestra, and Jazz Band. He also guides the instrumental and music education programs.

Rose appreciates the high level of musicmaking at Dordt University.

“Dordt’s ensembles can hold their own with any undergraduate ensemble from the largest universities in the country,” says Rose. “This is an incredible representation of what God is doing at Dordt.”

Rose loves that, along with creating great music, he gets to teach future music teachers.

“Music education can only continue if we teach the skills needed to be successful,” he says. “Even those not majoring in music will have their lives enhanced by learning a deeper appreciation of the

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Vaughn Donahue teaches design theory, motion graphics, publication design, and more.

wonderful gift that music is. Seeing my students use their skills and knowledge to go on to do great things is the true reward for any teacher.”

“Onsby Rose has been a strong addition to our department,” says Ryan Smit, director of choral activities. “He is highly motivated and energetic. His connections to many composers and wind band directors across the country and world will also enhance and broaden our students’ music experience.”

VAUGHN DONAHUE Before he came to Dordt, Vaughn Donahue spent 10 years as an entrepreneur, doing design work locally and around the nation. Now an instructor of graphic design, Donahue feels that his professional experience benefits his students because, as he says, he has “seen it all.”

“I teach the principles and techniques of good design, but I’m also able to talk about how these things work in the professional world,” says Donahue. “We discuss how to interact with clients and how to price our work. We talk about when to pursue a design job or when it becomes appropriate to conclude a professional relationship. It’s been a joy to help them navigate all the questions the students have.”

Donahue enjoys the wide range of possibilities available to him and his students as artists. Dordt’s campus is, in many ways, their canvas, and they can positively affect the visuals around campus by displaying their work in hallways or in the gallery.

“Having on-campus design opportunities transforms classroom work from hypothetical design into real, tangible experience for my students,” says Donahue. “I’m grateful to the greater campus community for their willingness to take part in the education of art students. These kinds of experiences are invaluable.”

Students find Donahue to be a great professor.

“Vaughn Donahue is hands down my favorite professor,” says Olivia de Vin, a senior graphic design major. “He keeps class fun while still maintaining a professional atmosphere in the classroom.”

Donahue believes art is critical for both a university and for society, exposing people to the creative process and truths about life as Kingdom citizens.

“Art challenges people to think differently or at least reflect on why they think the way they do,” Donahue says. “By engaging issues of ethics, society, and faith, art can hold up a unique mirror to our world. And it is paramount for Christians to be part of that.”

KATE HENRECKSON

F E AT U R E S

SARAH MOSS ('10)

The state-of-the-art training system is referred to as Firearm Training Simulator, or “FATS” for short.

DOING FIELD WORK A criminal justice professor wants to make sure his students gain experience outside of the classroom.

“These visits are just a drop in the bucket in terms of what jobs and opportunities are out there,” he says. “But I hope these field experiences help generate questions, give experience, and pique their interest in law enforcement or in criminal justice work.”

It’s a tough time to work in law enforcement and criminal justice. Jon Moeller, a Dordt University criminal justice instructor and an FBI agent, is aware of that.

what they’re going to experience in the field,” he says.

“Perception of law enforcement is poor, and there are fewer people who want to go into criminal justice and law enforcement as career paths,” says Moeller.

“They get to experience what it’s like to work in law enforcement or corrections from the folks who are doing it every day. They see the complexities that have to be dealt with on a daily basis.”

FIREARMS TRAINING SIMULATOR

But, in some ways, that’s what motivates Moeller to teach.

This year, Moeller’s students have put their learning to use in activities ranging from participating in a firearms training simulation to walking through a fully functional penitentiary.

Moeller steers a Dordt van full of students down a long gravel road past the Sioux City airport. A tall barbed wire fence parallels the road and ends at a gateway with a sign that reads, “Warning: Controlled Area.”

“It’s about pouring into the next generation so that they’re prepared for

One way Moeller does this is by ensuring that students get out of the classroom.

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F E AT U R E S

“Let’s go,” says Moeller, pointing to a trailer. It looks empty, but when he opens the door, light streams out onto the pavement.

nervous as they take a seat around the conference table.

“The simulator has scenarios, but it also has distractions,” says Sergeant Jansen.

“Depending on how you react, I can prompt the simulator to respond with an action. Situations can either escalate or deescalate, and you have to respond.”

Sergeant Jansen explains how the Sergeant Chris Jansen of Woodbury training handgun works. It’s not a real County Sheriff’s Office rises from a gun—it’s powered by carbon dioxide conference table to greet the students and has a laser pointer. Each student and Moeller. He’s in charge of the will have to wear the holster and make firearm training immediate simulator decisions on that brought whether to the students reach for the and Moeller gun, based to Sioux City on on how the a Thursday night. scenario The simulator plays out. takes up half the But, before double-wide any student trailer, with three can step in screens that — Jon Moeller, criminal justice instructor front of the stretch from floor simulator, to ceiling. Every Moeller asks the students to pull out week, police officers use the simulator to their notebooks and review some key practice their decision-making skills by definitions—reasonable force, duty to running through realistic scenarios. retreat, castle doctrine, 21-foot rule. He Tonight, the students will each try it out. does this to remind the students what appropriate actions could be taken Earlier in the week Moeller had explained within the bounds of the law. that scenarios could be simple or complex, but always unique.

The students aren’t here to recite definitions, though. Moeller and Jansen “You will learn the complexities of escort Tyler De Hoogh, a sophomore split-second legal and life psychology major, into the simulation decisions in a stressful room for the first scenario. Jansen sits environment,” he wrote down behind a computer, and Moeller in an email. “These leans against the back wall. Gun in scenarios are not holster, De geared to be impossible Hoogh waits. but are some of the most realistic On the screen environments to appears a man learn in—and remain standing on a safe.” tennis court. In a split second, the man brandishes Eight students are a long knife and starts running criminal justice toward De Hoogh at full speed. De majors; one is a Hoogh tries to pull the gun from the psychology major, holster, but the screen is already black. while another is studying actuarial “He got you—that’s why the screen science. Some are here went black,” says Sergeant Jansen. De for class credit as part Hoogh looks up, surprised. of Criminal Justice They run the simulation again—same 101, while others are scenario, but this time with a different here for the experience. result, as De Hoogh retrieves the gun in They all seem a little short order.

These scenarios are not geared to be impossible but are some of the most realistic environments to learn in—and remain safe.

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SARAH MOSS ('10)

After he parks the van, 10 students hop out. There are two double-wide trailers and several bullet-riddled cars and trucks nearby. Aside from one glowing streetlight, the place is dark.

Jon Moeller and Sergeant Chris Jansen helped students navigate and learn from the training scenarios.

“How long was he standing there before he started running at you?” asks Jansen.

“A second and a half?”

A report appears on the screen—how many shots fired, when the subject appears, when the subject first started running, initial use of force.

“So he was standing there for almost two seconds—1.932 seconds,” says the sergeant.

“How far did he make it?” asks Moeller.

“Did he make it a foot?”

“Two feet,” says Jansen. “Now, look at where you’re standing. The shot you took—is he going to fall right there?”

De Hoogh shakes his head.

“No, he’s going to keep running at you,” says Jansen. “If someone has a knife and is running at you, you need to create distance—back up. You’re allowed to move around. Now, grab a chair.”

Once every student has run through this simulation, Sergeant Jansen calls for the group’s attention.

“Did anyone tell him to drop the knife— give a verbal command? No. Next time, give verbal cues,” he says. The students nod.

The man turns around, angrily waving a long piece of metal in the air. “What do you want? I dare you to come closer.”

Once the room is again full of students, the sergeant and Moeller pepper the students with questions.

“Sir, I’m going to have to ask you to drop your weapon,” says Sawtelle. He reaches for the holster, and the man puts his hands in the air. The piece of metal falls to the ground.

“What was he doing?” asks Moeller.

“Hey, hey, hey, alright,” says the man.

“Take it easy.”

“It looks like he was trying to break into a car.”

“What kind of car?”

Students throw out various answers: a white mini-van, a white cross-over.

“Put your hands above your head—can you get down on your knees for me?

Thank you.”

“Was there anyone else in the screen?” asks Jansen.

“I want you to write down what you saw and what you heard,” instructs Moeller after the screen fades to black. He tells

“I couldn’t see, but that’s because I tunnel-visioned on the one person,” says Nate Arvizu, a freshman criminal justice major.

F E AT U R E S

“Sir, what are you doing?” says Nathan Sawtelle, a senior criminal justice major.

“Sir, I’m going to have to ask you to stop doing that.”

this to every student who goes through the scenario. And even though the storyline is the same—a man standing beside a car with a long piece of metal— every student reacts differently. Some coax the man to drop his weapon, while others fire the gun. Each of them jots down notes.

The next simulation opens on a parking lot. A man is fumbling with the door handle of a small car.

“What color was the handle on the screwdriver?”

“Orange?”

“Look at your paragraph,” says Moeller.

“How many of you described the car?

If you fired your weapon, did you write down how many times you fired your weapon? Did anyone put down what he was wearing? Did anyone ask him if it was his car?”

As a group, they run through the scenario again. The students take note: The car was a white Volvo, the man was wearing gloves, there were no bystanders, the screwdriver’s handle was red.

“Officers need to pay attention and be able to articulate what they see,” says Jansen. “This is especially important in report writing, as you need to write out exactly what happened. You have to make the people reading it feel like they’re there with you—be detailed.”

They run through a few more

SARAH MOSS ('10)

“How you talk to people in the scenario matters," says Jansen. "I can create scenarios based on what you do or don't say."

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F E AT U R E S

SARAH MOSS ('10)

scenarios—a possible break-in, a burglary, a kidnapping, a bombing. Each time, the sergeant and Moeller walk the students through what happened, pushing them to deescalate the situation whenever possible and to pay close attention to what’s happening.

Days later, after the students have had time to process, they repeatedly mention how much they appreciated being able to participate in the simulation.

“For how nervous I was going into the simulation, I was very glad that I could experience a small part of the training that officers go through and what kind of qualities or personality traits they must have in order to protect and serve our community well,” says Sydney Stiemsma, a junior psychology major.

“The simulation helped me to see the rules and laws we are learning in class come to life,” says Levi Jungling, a junior psychology major. “It definitely got my stress levels up and gave me a sense of how quickly things can go south in the world of law enforcement and how little time police have to react.”

“Not even some police officers in the academy have had the opportunity to do a training like this. Having a professor who has connections to give us this opportunity was a blessing,” says Abby Smith, a senior criminal justice major. “I am incredibly thankful to the sergeant who took time out of his evening to work with us.”

PENITENTIARY TOUR

SARAH MOSS ('10)

Ninety percent of the cases that go through the court system do not result in prison sentences, says Moeller. What are the best ways to handle those that do require prison time? What are the challenges that face the American correctional system, and how should

A homemade tattoo gun, created by an inmate, was confiscated and now sits on display in the penitentiary office.

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Summers has worked with the South Dakota Department of Corrections for 30 years.

these be approached from a biblical perspective?

On Tuesdays and Thursdays during the spring semester, Moeller teaches a corrections course, where he helps students to see that there’s much more to corrections than law and order.

“What types of sentences work or don’t?

What happens when the correctional system takes on the cost of mental illness or the health care of those serving life sentences? What does isolation do to a human being?” says Moeller. “We talk about a lot of different things.”

Talking is different than experiencing, which is why Moeller has arranged for his corrections class to take a tour of the South Dakota State Penitentiary on a chilly Thursday afternoon in January.

South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls is said to hold South Dakota’s most deadly and dangerous criminals. From a work release center to a maximumsecurity area, the penitentiary houses about 1,300 inmates. Moeller and his seven students get to tour it all, thanks to Lieutenant Hunter Summers of the South Dakota Department of Corrections.

The students and Moeller meet Summers and his team in their office. All around is evidence that the students aren’t at Dordt anymore. A bulletin board is decorated with confiscated weapons

made from pens, string, rope, locks, and scissors. A colorful poster highlights gang tattoos with the reminder that “knowledge is key.” A whiteboard has prisoner mugshots charted out based on their possible gang affiliations.

It’s not long before the students and Moeller are walking past tall metal fences layered in barbed wire on their way to the Jameson Annex and the maximumsecurity prison.

“It’s the safest unit in the prison because everyone is locked down 23 hours a day,” says Summers.

To enter the building, the students must hand over their driver’s licenses and don visitor badges. Once they’re inside, they watch as inmates in orange jumpsuits and shackles shuffle by, chaperoned by officers jangling keys and handcuffs.

Summers explains that this building is home to disciplinary segregation, the mental health ward, the dentist, the infirmary, and death row.

“Death row inmates can’t have physical contact with anyone,” he says. “When they come out, this place gets locked down. Right now, we have one person on death row.”

They head down a quiet hallway past barred windows. Summers points out the different rooms—there’s the chaplain’s office, a worship center, a

Soon the group is outside the administration and orientation area—it’s a large room with rows of bunkbeds and dozens of prisoners. This is temporary housing for men until they get assigned and classified to a unit, a process that can take up to four weeks.

the opportunity to walk through the penitentiary.

“The one thing that has been repeated to me over and over in my courses at Dordt is that class only helps so much,” says Sawtelle.

And that’s exactly why Moeller decided to take the students to visit the penitentiary.

"Trips like these help students to learn and grow rather than just reading out

F E AT U R E S

small arts and crafts room. Two criminal justice majors, Trey Schiebout, a junior, and Nate Monillas, a sophomore, peer into the gym, trying to imagine working out on the ancient metal contraption that is the one weight-lifting machine.

of a book or watching a video,” says Moeller. “They get to go out into the field and see what it’s like—to see it for themselves and to talk with people like Summers. Again, it’s about pouring into the next generation—showing them what working in corrections or law enforcement is like and what they’ll experience in the field.”

SARAH MOSS (’10)

SARAH MOSS ('10)

Arvizu points to an inmate who’s holding up piece of paper that says, “Don’t feed the animals.” Summers reprimands the inmate for that, ordering him to slide the paper under the door.

As they walk away, Arvizu asks, “Will that inmate get in more trouble?”

One of Summers’ colleagues laughs. The inmate won’t be punished, but he’ll have to learn to not be so bold with the prison officers.

The group leaves the Jameson Annex and heads to The Hill, the oldest building on the property. Once they’re inside, Summer points out the five tiers with 30 cells each. Two, maybe three inmates are in each cell. There’s only one chow room—a cafeteria—so each tier gets released one at a time.

Officers escort the inmates out for count, which happens four to five times a day.

Olivia Moret, a senior business major, steps out of the way so a smiling inmate can walk past her.

Summers walks the group outside to the rec area, which is where inmates who aren’t in school or working spend their time. About 200 inmates work on carpentry, book binding, braille, and more, making somewhere between 25 cents an hour or $135 a month, depending on the position. In one shop Hope Haven, a life skills ministry program, has inmates help with wheelchair assembly.

An inmate and a dog stop by the group.

The dog, named Chase, is a paroled pup trained by an inmate and available for adoption through the Sioux Falls Humane Society. He jumps up on Sawtelle, who scratches the dog behind its ears.

Sawtelle isn’t interested in working in corrections, but he appreciated

The South Dakota State Penitentiary is located in northern Sioux Falls and occupies approximately 30 acres. It was originally constructed in 1881.

21

GRATEFUL FOR GROWTH The past 10 years have been a time of growth for Dordt University.

Let’s look back to see how God has richly blessed our institution.

$1,873,138 $

AVERAGE SCHOLARSHIP: $ 1,500,000

GIFTS RECEIVED

$

FISCAL YEAR

FISCAL YEAR

$

70 MILLION

2008/09

2018/19

$

60 MILLION

$

GENERAL OPERATIONS GIFTS

GENERAL OPERATIONS GIFTS

50 MILLION

$

2,237,630

$

4,464,427

SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS

$

319,278

SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS

$

NUMBER OF DONORS

6,965

3,857

AVERAGE DONOR GIFT

AVERAGE DONOR GIFT

$

718.46

$

40 MILLION

$

30 MILLION

$

20 MILLION

$

10 MILLION

2,727 $

$

$

2,806.86

TOTAL OF ALL GIFTS

TOTAL OF ALL GIFTS

$5,024,282

$11,913,009

1,250,000

1,000,000

SCHOLARSHIPS

1,873,182

NUMBER OF DONORS

1,750,000

$

$

750,000

500,000

$319,278

ENDOWMENT 2009: $ 21,554,763 JUNE 30,

2019: $ 45,977,442 JUNE 30,

AVERAGE SCHOLARSHIP: $

1,413

2008/09 2018/19

226

SCHOLARSHIPS

687

SCHOLARSHIPS

SKYWALK

NURSING CENTER

2017

2019

SCIENCE BUILDING

2017

THEATRE BUILDING

2019

TOP 10 ENROLLMENT STATES

IA

MN

CA

WA

WI

MI

IL

SD

CO

NE

507 108

74

56

52

52

50

44

38

34

IA MN 646 145

CA 91

SD 84

WA 62

MI 51

CO 47

ID 34

WI 33

TOP 10 ENROLLMENT MAJORS EDUCATION |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 204

EDUCATION ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 258

BUSINESS |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 199

BUSINESS ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 169 ENGINEERING |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 115

ENGINEERING ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 162 NURSING |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 107

NURSING ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 98

AGRICULTURE |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 104

AGRICULTURE ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 74

BIOLOGY ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 66

HHP |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 64

HHP ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 60

COMMUNICATION |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 63

COMMUNICATION |||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 55

ART ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| 56

ACCOUNTING |||||||||||||||||||||||||| 52

BIOLOGY |||||||||||||||||||||||| 47

SOCIAL WORK ||||||||||||||||||||||| 45

SOCIAL WORK ||||||||||||||||||||| 41

WEIGHT ROOM

AG STEWARDSHIP CENTER

2019

2018

CLOCK TOWER

2011

KUYPER APARTMENTS

2010

SOCCER PRESS BOX

2017

NE 28

F E AT U R E S

THE STORY OF A

WHEELCHAIR Two senior engineering design teams at Dordt University are busy upgrading a pediatric wheelchair that's already having a global impact.

Hope Haven, a life skills ministry program located in Rock Valley, Iowa, has distributed more than 20,000 wheelchairs to disabled children worldwide. By working with eight Dordt engineering majors on two separate changes to the chair, Hope Haven expects to better meet the needs of children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to use the chair. The organization also hopes to make it easier to replace parts from afar.

This isn’t the first time the pediatric wheelchair has been part of a Dordt engineering senior design project. The current wheelchair design was born in the engineering labs at Dordt College nearly 20 years ago; it’s now back to be improved by a new group of Dordt engineering students.

DESIGNING LIKE IT’S 1999 The story began in 1999 when Hope Haven approached Dordt’s engineering faculty with a need: Would senior engineering majors be interested in designing a pediatric wheelchair?

Hope Haven already had an army of volunteers who refurbished used wheelchairs to send to people in need, but the chairs were almost all adult-sized. Child-sized wheelchairs were more difficult to come by—and more expensive.

Hope Haven was looking for a pediatric wheelchair that could be assembled and shipped around the world for less than $200 per chair at that time.

“Their idea was that, with some donated spare parts, recycled plastics, and surplus materials from local contractors, they could put a simple

24

SARAH MOSS ('10)

Back in 1999, senior engineering design was worth one credit hour and only one component of a larger engineering lab— not the four-credit hour, two-semester venture that senior design projects are today. Still, Van Gaalen and his fellow engineering faculty members believed their students would have enough time to design a wheelchair.

F E AT U R E S

wheelchair together,” recalls Dr. Nolan Van Gaalen, an engineering professor.

They connected Hope Haven with Mark Hubers (’99), a senior from Rock Valley. He and his roommates Trevor Mentink (’99), Paul Taatjes (’99), and Micah Vardeman (’99)—all mechanical engineering majors—decided to give the project a shot.

Hope Haven provided some design criteria. The chair needed to be constructed with tubing and blocks. It had to be safe, adaptable, durable, and easy to repair. It also had to be costeffective; in 1999, a typical wheelchair built with purchased materials cost about $335, whereas Hope Haven and the Dordt students wanted to spend closer to $14 using donated material.

Hubers, Mentink, Taatjes, and Vardeman spent most of their time prototyping.

Hubers recalls wandering around a warehouse in Rock Valley, trying to find the best use for recycled plastic 2x4s, refurbished wheels, and donated metal tubing. They searched out wheels for their design. They cut the length of the pipe and the plastic 2x4s as joints for the parts that needed to fit together.

JAMIN VER VELDE (’99)

“We would put together prototype

The mechanical tilt team appreciates how their senior design project involves brainstorming, designing, planning, and prototyping.

wheelchairs and wheel them around North Hall, giving them a spin,” says Hubers.

And, when a prototype failed, they’d build another—learning something new with every design they tested.

Eventually, the four students compiled a 21-page report, complete with design criteria, strength analysis, wheelchair fabrication and documentation, and part drawings. They presented their findings to the engineering faculty and to Hope Haven. The rest is history.

At the time, Hubers and his roommates had no idea of the impact their initial wheelchair design would have.

“We were just seniors looking to graduate,” says Hubers. “We knew that the wheelchair design had the potential to affect many lives, but I for one didn’t think it would go to production.”

As part of their senior design project, Mark Hubers and his team created drawings that highlighted frame and final assembly.

Since 1999, more than 20,000 wheelchairs have been built and shipped internationally to countries such as Vietnam, Romania, and Guatemala.

Word spread to doctors, missionaries, and volunteers around the world that Hope Haven had a simple, cost-effective pediatric wheelchair design. Mark Siemonsma, director of development at Hope Haven, says families have walked 150 miles or more to receive a pediatric wheelchair.

“When a child with a disability gets a wheelchair, they and their loved ones gain freedom,” he says. “They don’t need to be confined to a room or depend upon their caretaker for mobility. The

THE TEST OF TIME Dordt’s pediatric wheelchair design has stood the test of time. Modifications have been made over the years, thanks to input from physical therapists and other industry experts, but many of the elements remain the same as they were in 1999. Twenty years later, the wheelchairs are still durable, inexpensive, and easy to repair in the field.

They are still making a difference in the lives of children around the world.

Dordt engineering students did that for us; they helped us to achieve our goals.

We’re so thankful."

CREATING A MECHANICAL TILT Two years ago, Hope Haven staff again reached out to Dordt’s engineering faculty. The original wheelchair design worked well, but they thought some improvements could be made—a tilt mechanism, a better footrest, and a full computer-aided design (CAD) model of the chair.

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SARAH MOSS ('10)

Siemonsma talked with Ben Saarloos ('99), Dordt’s lab systems engineer, and Dr. Ethan Brue ('92), an engineering professor, about including these updates as a senior design project. Of the 63 ideas on his list of possible projects, Saarloos recognized that this one would fill an important need, had a clear champion in Hope Haven, and had a well-defined scope.

When it came time for the engineering majors to select their senior projects, eight students picked the pediatric wheelchair as their first choice—more than was needed. Rather than turning students away, Saarloos split the project into two. A group of three students would design the mechanical tilt, and a group of five students would create CAD drawings and design a moveable footrest.

Mykaela Ptacek, Eber White, and Levi Smith comprise the mechanical tilt team, meeting every Thursday afternoon to work on their project. During the fall semester, they spent hours in a conference room, examining a pediatric wheelchair prototype and sketching drawings. During the spring semester, they are spending more time in the 3-D printing lab and the engineering high bay, building prototypes and testing their designs. Ptacek is the team’s project manager, ensuring that they set goals, meet deadlines, and respond quickly to Hope Haven’s questions. The team meets weekly with Saarloos, their project mentor, to ask questions and review their progress.

Mykaela Ptacek serves as project manager for the mechanical tilt group, prioritizing tasks and setting the agenda for the team’s meetings.

member of the team was its missional impact. Siemonsma says about 50 percent of the children Hope Haven encounters require the tilt mechanism to use a wheelchair—these are primarily

Ptacek says she was drawn to the wheelchair project because she wanted to have a physical product to show at the end of the spring semester—something to follow from design to prototype. She — Levi Smith, student found it an exciting challenge to produce children with severe cases of cerebral a mechanical tilt on a tight budget, too. palsy and spina bifida.

“Ultimately, the pediatric wheelchairs “The original pediatric wheelchair are donor-funded, so producing a less design only helps the less disabled, expensive chair means it’s more likely because the children who have a more that people will want to fund them,” severe disability require too specific of explains Smith. a product,” Smith says. “Hope Haven A primary draw of the project for each will go into a region and help as many

children as they can, but there’s a certain number of children that they have to leave behind. It breaks the volunteers’ hearts.”

The original pediatric wheelchair design only helps the less disabled, because the children who have a more severe disability require too specific of a product.

26

The tilt mechanism will help some of those severely disabled children to sit upright and rest their muscles.

So, how did the team go about choosing a costeffective, durable design that meets the needs of disabled children? With Saarloos’ help, the students put together a design matrix that examined categories such as safety, cost, and ease of use. Such criteria helped the team determine which ideas to scrap and which to keep. Of the many ways the team could solve the problem, the matrix helps them focus on the design that best fits the need.

“Having a single pin creates additional design challenges because a single pin will have to merge two frames of the wheelchair at a single point and be centrally located,” says Ptacek.

One important goal of the team was to make as few changes as possible to the original chair. Fortunately, the design of the chair frame required only minor updates. They did make the new wheel frame wider, however, so the chair could sit within the frame of the wheels to give better safety, balance, and stability.

The most challenging part of the project was building a locking mechanism that would keep the chair in its tilted position. The solution eluded them all fall semester; they spent hours brainstorming solutions, but none seemed to fit. Ptacek and White even

one 90-degree setting and then let the physical therapist or fitter drill the holes in the bar wherever they want to customize the tilt angle, depending on their needs,” says White. “It was really enlightening for us to be able to hear more specifically what they want.”

thought about the problem over Christmas break.

“We finally came up with our locking mechanism on the first day back from break, which was really exciting,” says Ptacek.

F E AT U R E S

Over the course of the year, the team came up with four tilt design alternatives, which they ran through their design matrix before choosing the one with the highest score. That design has a center of gravity pivot and includes a singlelocking pin, allowing the user to tilt the wheelchair back and lock it into place.

In early January, Ptacek, White, and two other students also visited Hope Haven’s facility near Antigua, Guatemala. They toured the factory and saw how the wheelchairs were built. They talked with workers to see how the different parts were used, what the machines are — Caleb Koomans, student capable of, and what fixes the workers thought would be best. Then, they joined Someone else recommended a springworkers on the factory floor assembling loading pin rather than a locking pin, wheelchairs. which they’re looking into.

This senior design project gives me pride and motivates me to do good work, because I know that the work we do will impact thousands of people.

What they learned helped shape how they moved forward.

“Originally, we thought we would set tilt positions at 15, 30, and 45 degrees, but they recommended that we have SARAH MOSS ('10)

“Some say that engineers engineer for what they think the problem is, but the user might have other needs,” says Ptacek. “To see the facility, interact with the people and their culture, and understand where the final product will be used, really helped put our project into perspective and provided a holistic picture as to what and who we’re designing for.”

The group has since built a second prototype of the pediatric wheelchair in Dordt’s 3-D printing lab. Ptacek says they’ll keep refining their design, doing bearing calculations, and working on their final product until they make their senior design presentation in May. They’ll also have to deconstruct their prototype to make sure that it fits in the shipping box Hope Haven uses.

“I’m a visual, hands-on person, so I’ve enjoyed seeing our product come to life,” says Ptacek.

“We know we’re designing something that will help someone,” adds Smith.

“It’s highly likely that our design will be implemented in some capacity, because this is already a successful global program. That’s a gratifying feeling.”

ADDING CAD MODELING AND A MOVEABLE FOOTREST “Working with the wheelchair is very hands-on. It has been exciting to work with tools and design new parts,” says Tanner Hulstein.

Every pediatric wheelchair starts off in Hope Haven’s wheelchair workshops or manufacturing facilities, where volunteers and workers refurbish or

27

PHOTO SUBMITTED

F E AT U R E S

create parts for the wheelchair.

“These facilities have a base model of the wheelchair, but they don’t have official prints or drawings of the chair itself,” says Jaren Brue, a senior mechanical engineering major and member of the second team.

The parts of the wheelchair aren’t even labeled. This can be problematic, particularly if a piece breaks in the field.

It’s difficult for a wheelchair owner to request a replacement part if they don’t know what the part is called.

Brue and his four team members are creating CAD drawings of the wheelchair through SolidWorks software and labeling each part in a way that makes sense to both Hope Haven and their disabled clients.

They are also creating a new footrest for the pediatric wheelchair.

“There are certain situations where a patient needs to stand up while in their wheelchair—perhaps to use the remaining strength they have or to get exercise,” explains Brue. “The current footrest design doesn’t allow for this. Our goal is to redesign the footrest so that it’s easy to move so that the patient can sit or stand when needed.”

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Like the group working on the tilt mechanism, Brue, Caleb Kroese, Tanner Hulstein, David Van Woerden, and Caleb Koomans were drawn to the pediatric chair project because they wanted to make a difference in the lives of people around the world.

TWO GROUPS, ONE GOAL Despite being in separate groups, the two projects still intersect. Initially, the two teams shared the same pediatric wheelchair prototype, which they’d borrow from the engineering high bay to examine and disassemble on separate occasions. The two groups traveled to the Sioux Falls State Penitentiary to meet with inmates who manufacture some of the wheelchair parts. Two members of each team, Ptacek, White, Kroese, and Hulstein flew to Guatemala in January to visit a manufacturing facility and interact with patients.

“In engineering courses, we talk about what’s a legitimate need and how to design a product holistically,” says Kroese. “With this project, there’s a legitimate need—these people don’t have a wheelchair that’s fulfilling all the things they desire. Hope Haven doesn’t have a parts inventory system or part models.”

“There’s history with this project, too, since Dordt students designed it first,” adds Van Woerden. “Everyone we’ve talked to has mentioned that the wheelchair is well-built, considering how inexpensive it is. So, it’s cool to be able to develop the design further in order to serve a broader range of patients.”

During the fall semester, the team spent much of their time modeling the wheelchair and designing preliminary parts for the footrest. They met with Saarloos at least once a week to get advice and stay on track.

The wheelchair comes in three sizes and is adaptable to a variety of needs.

28

They also learned to find the delicate balance between asking Hope Haven the right amount of questions.

“We learned how to ask efficient questions—so, rather than emailing Hope Haven every time we encounter a problem, we try to work through the problem on our own and see if we can come up with a logical way to solve the problem,” says Brue.

Brue, Van Woerden, and Koomans play hockey, and Kroese runs cross country, so finding a time to work together on their senior design project was a challenge, but they made it work. By the time they presented at the preliminary design review in December, they had started developing a simple numbering system using numbers and letters to indicate where parts were located on the wheelchair. They had also created an exploded drawing of the wheelchair—a diagram explaining the relationships of the various parts and part numbers.

“This creates a shared language around how the parts fit together,” explains Kroese.

They also came up with a final design for

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PHOTO SUBMITTED

a footrest: a swinging one-piece footrest that needs minimal modifications and only requires two new parts and one new part design—a footrest block, which will be made of the same plastic Hope Haven already uses. Eventually, they figured out a way to latch the footrest so that it wouldn’t come off in rocky terrain.

In the coming months, the senior engineering majors will complete their designs and finish up their report; in May, they will share their design with fellow students, industry leaders, and Dordt faculty at the annual senior engineering design presentations. There’s still plenty to do, but the team remains motivated by the big impact the wheelchair has had around the world.

“This senior design project is more than just a learning experience to me,” says Koomans. “We’ve been given a lot of responsibility—we are working on a problem that we know needs to be fixed.

It gives me pride and motivates me to do good work, because I know that the work we do will impact thousands of people.”

"Visiting the facility in Guatemala was a great experience," says Ptacek. "It put the project into perspective and gave us a clear picture of what and who we're designing for."

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH PEOPLE What stands out to Ethan Brue about the pediatric wheelchair senior design projects is how the students connect to the end user.

“One of the biggest challenges of engineering design isn’t necessarily in the technicalities but in imagining the user and trying to put yourself in their shoes,” says Brue. “A good Christian engineer asks, ‘How does the user feel? What uses do they have for this tool?’ When you can answer questions like these, you can better understand what it means to serve.”

“With any senior design project, we ask them to think about the social, historical, and ethical issues involved,” says Van Gaalen. “We want them to think about what the clients’ needs are and what stewardship demands there might be.

We want them to think from a Christian

One of the biggest challenges of engineering design isn’t necessarily in the technicalities but in imagining the user and trying to put yourself in their shoes.

Visiting manufacturing facilities where parts are created made students more aware of what goes into building the chairs; interacting with patients — Dr. Ethan Brue, engineering professor in Guatemala gave a basic understanding of what needs perspective: ‘How do I come up with the need to be met through these chairs. best solution to a customer situation?’”

These experiences not only helped students gain a better understanding “I think the students like the direct of the project but also helped them personal connection with the pediatric empathize with the wheelchair recipients wheelchair project,” adds Saarloos. as they considered adjustments to the “If you’re an engineer at a very large original design. company, there are often so many

degrees of separation between what you’re working on and the people who will be using the final product. With this project, students can directly see who’s using the product they’re working on.

That has a big motivating impact.”

The fact that more than 20,000 wheelchairs have been shipped worldwide is ample evidence of how valuable and needed the pediatric wheelchair project is. In some ways, though, Brue believes the students are the ones who benefit the most from this design project.

“Their eyes are opened to needs around the world,” he says. “After they graduate, even if they find themselves serving regionally or locally, they’ll never forget that their world is not the whole world.

They can empathize and understand perspectives and needs outside of themselves. I hope they don’t lose that—I hope that same understanding of who they’re working for and why they’re working as engineers trickles down into their work in whatever engineering industry they serve.”

SARAH MOSS (’10)

29

JAMIN VER VELDE (’99)

FORMATION

F E AT U R E S

GEN FAITH Z

&

30

F E AT U R E S

ADRI VAN GRONINGEN ('18)

Every Thursday night at Praise and Worship, students gather in the Campus Center to lift their voices to the Lord.

“There are more than four former Christians in America for every one new convert to Christianity,” said Aaron Baart ('99), dean of chapel, in a January 2018 chapel talk in his series “Why They Leave, and Why It Matters.”

“That statistic hit me right between the eyes. I thought back on classmates I went to Christian school with who no longer walk with the Lord. I thought about close friends in my life that don’t, either. This isn’t just a statistic on a page—it’s a reality in my life, and maybe it is in yours, too.”

We stand at a unique moment in the church’s history, argues Baart. Some describe our society as “post-Christian.”

The “nones” category—the percentage of Americans claiming no religious identity—is the fastest growing category when it comes to religious affiliation in America, and the percentage of Americans under 30 years of age who identify as “nones” is up to 36 percent.

In October 2019, the Pew Research Center reported that only 47 percent of Christians attend a religious service once a week. The number of people who attend religious services at least once or twice a month is outnumbered by those who attend religious services a few times a year or less.

In contrast, 96 percent of Dordt University alumni who responded to a 2019 alumni survey report that they attend church on a weekly basis.

In recent years, Dordt has welcomed Gen Z students to campus—young people born between 1995 and 2010.

These 18 to 22-year-olds are influencing campus culture during their four years at Dordt and, for a growing number of

This may relate to the fact that Dordt’s stated mission is to “equip, students, alumni, and the broader community to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.” Part of working toward Christ-centered renewal is recognizing God’s sovereignty over every square inch, in — Sam Ashmore, discipleship coordinator academics and in cocurriculars in college, in worship and in daily living postthem, that means taking an active part college. Baart and many others at Dordt in shaping the work Campus Ministries believe that building serious discipleship does. formation practices while in college can lay a firm foundation of faithfulness for “Gen Z is a generation of doing,” students once they graduate. says Sam Ashmore ('14), discipleship

Gen Z wants to produce something of value, not just consume. They want a seat at the table. So, how do we as Campus Ministries create a space for them to have a voice and input?

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F E AT U R E S

coordinator. “Gen Z wants to produce something of value, not just consume.

They want a seat at the table. So, how do we as Campus Ministries create a space for them to have a voice and input? I think that’s the biggest shift with this generation—to move from students who want to just consume to students who want to produce something.”

Sunday evening services. In recent years, attendance has dwindled for both worship events, to the point where Ashmore and the Campus Ministries staff decided to rethink the events’ roles on campus.

“We realized that maybe these events weren’t what students wanted or needed

That realization has led Campus Ministries staff to make room for students to wrestle with their faith and own what they believe. From organizing on-campus worship services to digging into difficult topics to leading their own — Anneka Bakker, student Bible studies, many Dordt students are showing that this unique moment in the church’s right now. So, we started thinking about history—although a trying one—can ways we can give Gen Z students a way bring about spiritual formation, both at to be heard, because they have opinions Dordt and beyond. The following stories that matter and ideas that are valuable.” show how Campus Ministries and some Ashmore had an idea. What if Campus Dordt students are responding to such Ministries replaced GIFT and LIFE with challenges and opportunities. small groups that met on Sunday nights?

The groups would be peer-led and offer FROM GIFT AND LIFE TO a way to dig into God’s word and build a SUNDAY SMALL GROUPS culture of vulnerability and authenticity.

During a retreat last summer, Campus “Small groups have Ministries staff focused their attention on always been part of spiritual formation on campus: What’s Dordt, but primarily been working? What hasn’t worked? they’ve taken place What does this generation of Dordt during the week, and students need? many groups didn’t “We talked about how this is a end up meeting due generation of producers, and to obligations like we realized our programming in intramurals Campus Ministries is catered toward or class consumers—that it wasn’t resonating with the generation of students we currently have at Dordt,” says Ashmore.

What I've always loved about Monday night worship is that you can feel the Holy Spirit in tangible, raw ways.

Sam Ashmore has served as discipleship coordinator since October 2018.

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JAMIN VER VELDE ('99)

Two of these programs were GIFT and LIFE. If you attended Dordt in the last 15 years, you probably know that GIFT (Growing in Faith Together) and LIFE (Leading, Instilling, Fellowship, Encouraging), alternated as

projects. By shifting small groups to Sundays, we are hopefully freeing up their time during the week,” he says.

At the beginning of the fall semester, 60 people signed up to serve as small group leaders. Now, nearly 50 groups meet on campus every Sunday, focusing on one of 15-20 studies that Ashmore and others have recommended.

“On Sunday nights, there are 500-600 students in small groups, studying the Bible and growing together. It’s a cool picture of the move of God that can happen when we have a shared goal in pursuing Jesus,” says Ashmore.

Attendance isn’t everything, but Sunday small groups are drawing more students than LIFE and GIFT combined were.

“It’s been really good,” says Tom Oord, a senior theology major. “Small groups provide students with a way to connect with others, and it is a comfortable setting given that it’s led by a student who’s viewed as a peer.”

In the end, the Campus Ministries staff believes that focusing on small groups and ending GIFT and LIFE was the right choice for students’ spiritual formation.

“The Lord has been gracious in sustaining the groups,” says Ashmore.

“Overall, this shift has been really positive.”

SMALL GROUP TOPICS Every small group is different. Some read books, like Grace and Truth 2.0 by Preston Sprinkle or The Jesus Questions by Sam Gutierrez ('00). Oord leads a group that focuses on topics related to religion and faith. He and co-leader Damon Groen, a junior worship arts major, meet with 13 other students for three hours every Sunday evening. They’ve talked through questions about LGBTQ issues, genocide in the Bible, and creation. They’ve considered common perceptions on prophesies and prayer; they’ve grappled with whether God changed from the Old Testament to the New Testament. For every topic covered, Oord and Groen prepare carefully and provide sources in advance to help their group fully grasp the topics.

Growing up in Bellflower, California, Anneka Bakker went to a Christian school and attended church every Sunday. But when she started attending Dordt to study graphic design, she decided to be more intentional about her faith.

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JAMIN VER VELDE ('99)

MONDAY NIGHT WORSHIP

“When you come to Dordt, you’re presented with so many opportunities to advance your own faith and take intentional steps toward God,” she says.

Part of that involves corporate worship; she tries to attend chapel and Praise and Worship every week.

“But I’d say my favorite worship throughout the week is Monday night worship,” she says.

On Monday nights, students gather in the choir room at the back of the B.J. Haan Auditorium. The lights are turned down low, and a few chairs line the front of the room.

“Students are encouraged to go to the front if they have a message or a word on their heart, or if they want prayer,” says Bakker.

At Monday night worship, Bakker has seen scared freshmen walk to the front of the room and speak words of wisdom.

She’s laid her hands on friends who are struggling. She’s sat in a quiet corner and prayed silently.

“What I’ve always loved about Monday night worship is that you can feel the Holy Spirit in tangible, raw ways,” she says.

Tianna Veldhuisen, a senior nursing major from Emo, Ontario, agrees.

“It’s incredible when you can worship with others in such a community and you can be so vulnerable with each other,” she says. “We’re all dealing with the stresses of college life, whether it be relationships, trying to fit in, or academics. I think worshipping with others and laying our stresses before God is a beautiful thing.”

Last year, around 50 people would show up every week. This year, it’s been closer to 80-100 students.

“There have been multiple weeks where we’ve had to get rid of chairs to provide more standing room,” says Bakker.

“I think the atmosphere Dordt provides for spiritual growth is unmatched,” says Anneka Bakker. “There are so many opportunities to worship, and you can get to know the Campus Ministries staff, including the dean of chapel, personally.”

Demetrius Rowser, a junior digital media major from Fort Worth, Texas, says Monday night worship had a huge impact on him as a freshman.

“Monday night worship made me more open and vulnerable as a person,” he says. “It’s a bunch of broken people in the same room worshipping together, talking about real life with each other, and just being real. I can’t tell you how important it was to me.”

thing—they need an opportunity to worship in their own way.”

GRACE AND TRUTH CHAPEL SERIES

Monday night worship is entirely student-led. It began a few years ago and is directed by a rotating group of student leaders.

This fall, when Baart and Ashmore preached a series on sexuality and gender based on Preston Sprinkle’s Grace and Truth 2.0: Five More Conversations Every Thoughtful Christian Should Have about Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, chapel attendance shot up by 30 percent compared to the previous year. If chapel attendance is any indication, students are eager to tackle difficult topics like sexuality.

“I’ve never been, and that’s intentional,” says Aaron Baart. “Those of us in Campus Ministries coach their leaders and help them plan, but the rest is up to them. Every generation needs their

“The church should be on the front lines when it comes to sex and gender,” says Veldhuisen. “We can’t separate our sexuality from our relationship with Jesus, especially when it’s a vulnerable

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The five-part chapel series included discussion about six relational do’s and don’ts; sex, gender, and the Bible; LGBT+ inclusion in the church, and pornography.

JAMIN VER VELDE ('99)

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part of us that can be twisted by culture.”

“I think the series resonated with students,” says Ashmore, who spoke about sex, gender, and the Bible during the chapel series. “During and since the series, campus has been buzzing with conversation that people might have been afraid to have before.”

“I absolutely loved how Aaron addressed the issue of pornography,” says Jazmin Mendieta Gauto, a senior education major from Asuncion, Paraguay. “I hate when pastors assume that guys are the only ones with the sexuality problems.

Women, too, need to be instructed on topics on sexuality.”

Rowser agrees.

“I never realized how damaging pornography is,” he says. “Aaron’s sermon reminded me that, when you start viewing someone as an object, you’re going down a dangerous path.”

Demetrius Rowser took a leap of faith when he chose to move from Texas to Iowa to attend Dordt. “I needed that space to learn who God is to me and who I am in his eyes,” he says.

“We keep treating sermons as a four-part movement “I appreciated Aaron’s that needs to wrap up with message about how a neat bow, but that’s not singleness can be a what Jesus teaches. With gift. At Dordt, there To listen to the sexuality, everyone wants can be pressure to be in “Grace and Truth” to look for the one answer, a relationship or to get chapel talks, visit read the one book, or find the married. So, to talk about dordt.edu/chapel. magic Bible verse that turns singleness and to tell off all their sin. That’s just not us that it can be good going to happen. Addressing and healthy was really unresolved questions shows helpful,” says Oord. that discipleship is tension to manage, not problems to solve.”

Bakker believes it’s important to

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gain understanding and wisdom on important issues.

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DIVERSIFYING CHAPEL WORSHIP

have said, ‘I don’t care if we ever sing another hymn again.’”

So, when it comes to chapel music, De Groot has shifted his approach this year.

He and the worship team have moved into more experimental approaches to worship style because, as he says, “there are as many personalities and as many ways to connect as there are students in the room.”

One senior worship arts major who has pushed the boundaries of chapel worship style is Joseph Bartels. He says it’s vital to remember the expanse of

It seems like there has been a watershed of interest in worship styles and practices.

“I think we become better humans by recognizing what other people struggle with, and gender and identity issues are something my generation is especially grappling with. It’s vital that we talk about these issues now because, when we leave Dordt, we probably won’t be in the kind of bubble that we’re in now. So it’s really important that you at least have an understanding of the struggles other people go through.”

When he was first hired as director of campus ministries and worship arts at Dordt nearly eight years ago, Jon De Groot was told to keep chapel’s worship style consistent. And for many years, students were content with chapel’s dependable style of contemporary worship. Lately, though, that has changed.

Baart says he was always taught that a good sermon is the first word on the subject, not the last.

“It seems like there has been a watershed of interest in worship styles and practices,” says De Groot. “I’ve had students tell me, ‘We need to sing more hymns,’ and others

— Jon De Groot, director of campus ministries

the church both geographically and chronologically, and that affects worship style.

Bartels led one service where he used sampled drumbeats and synthesizers to create experimental electronic music.

During another chapel service, Bartels asked chapel-goers to pull out the gray Psalter hymnal from the pews and sing—sans screen—as the Casavant organ played.

“I have heard some students find it to be a shame that the organ is not regularly used in worship anymore,” he says.

“I personally admire the traditional style of church music; the language and music of some hymns are incredibly rich.”

formation practices encourage students to wrestle deeply with their faith and allow them to engage with the issues most significant to their generation,” says Baart.

Gauto says that Dordt can be a bubble, which makes it even more important to talk about difficult topics like race, sex, gender, and welfare. She grew up

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Influenced by modern musicians like Bon Iver and Post Malone, Bartels says this music style is a language that his generation knows, and it can be used to help them think, feel, and praise in a new way.

another,” she says. “I think it’s healthy for Dordt to start these conversations.”

One class where the topic of white privilege and racism is discussed is in “Gospel, Church, and Culture,” taught by Theology Professor Dr. Justin Bailey.

“I love that course because it made me feel horribly uncomfortable,” says Oord.

“We had a whole unit about racism. I’ve always viewed racism as, well, you’re either racist or you’re not. But, just being a white male provides so many advantages. And with racism—there’s no final destination where you can say, ‘OK, I’m not racist anymore,’ because you’ll never find the end of the journey that is undoing all the layers of racism inside you.”

Research shows that universities most adept at cultivating enduring faith formation practices encourage students to wrestle deeply with their faith and allow them to engage with the issues most significant to their generation.

— Aaron Baart, dean of chapel

Bartels thinks Gen Z— this generation of Dordt students—is less polarized by worship music than older generations of the church family. He says that, if church music were left completely up to him, he would want churches to use a diverse collection of music genres led by an array of believers with unique stories and situations.

in Paraguay surrounded by corruption, violence, and injustice; coming to the United States for school, one topic she thinks should be covered is the construct of whiteness and white privilege.

“Not creating those conversations oncampus is pointless, because students will engage in those topics in one way or

Oord also says that building relationships with Campus Ministries staff has helped his faith to grow while he’s been at Dordt. He says that being able to wrestle with difficult topics has been instrumental in his own life.

“I think part of the reason a lot of Gen Z is leaving the church is because church JAMIN VER VELDE ('99)

“This would help our congregations remember that ‘our way of doing things’ is not the right way. We forget that the Gospel fits into each culture uniquely, and it is a gift that transcends barriers.”

“The act of praising with music reminds us of God’s image in us,” adds Bartels.

“Songs are not divine; they are gifted to humanity through humanity. Once we are reminded of the inseparable bond between music and humanity, perhaps we will appreciate the praises of others like we ought to.”

TAKING ON TOUGH TOPICS At Dordt, faith formation happens in the classroom, on the athletic fields, in the dorms—not just in chapel, Praise and Worship, Monday night worship, and small groups. But Campus Ministries has a hand in shaping the culture on campus, particularly when it comes to being intentional about lifelong spiritual growth.

“Research shows that universities most adept at cultivating enduring faith

“I enjoyed pushing chapel to the extremes," says Joseph Bartels. "I think Gen Z is a hopeful generation when it comes to openness toward music in the church."

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JAMIN VER VELDE ('99)

has seemingly become irrelevant—not because we find the Gospel to be irrelevant, but because we see how issues in culture—like the refugee crisis, climate change, and the Muslim ban— often aren’t being discussed at church,” he says. “In a similar way, I think it’s important for Dordt to talk about these things, because these are issues that aren’t going to go away.”

Oord would like to see more church sermons have clear, specific action items when it comes to addressing difficult topics, too.

“If we say, ‘This is a biblical truth: Love your neighbor,’ then apply it—for example, ‘This is what structural racism looks like, and here’s what you can do to help your neighbor as we all deal with structural racism,” says Oord.

Oord feels that, looking back at the Grace and Truth chapel series, Baart and Ashmore suggested that kind of practical action. For example, in his chapel talk on pornography, Baart encouraged students to de-digitize their relationships—to stop having intimate conversations on digital platforms. Steps like this give students a way to leave chapel and apply what they learned to their daily lives.

Digital platforms such as social media can be debilitating, which is why social networking is a topic that Veldhuisen hopes the church and Dordt continues to talk about.

“Social networking is a huge part of Gen Z,” she says. “I can’t speak for everybody, but it definitely impacted my life—I’d compare myself to what I saw on the screen. There are challenges when it comes to questions we’re facing about sexuality and gender, and we learn so much about those subjects from social media. There are studies that show that anxiety and depression are on the rise, and that’s partly because of social media.”

In his chapel talk on pornography, Baart also talked about how we all need to learn to rest—often, he said, people end up turning to porn when they are bored, because they don’t know how to be still.

This can be true of social media, too— students often turn to social networking when they have downtime.

To help students practice cultivating moments of rest, Baart started Friday Prayers, which happen every second and fourth Friday of the month in the

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"All of life is worship, but there is something special about the body gathering for intentional times to adore God and lift up his name together," says Jon De Groot.

PREPARING SMALL GROUP LEADERS Ashmore is intent on equipping leaders well. Every small group leader must sign a covenant stating that they will prepare for and lead a small group, break bread together as a group at least once a semester, attend a campus event, worship together, and be intentional about the small group structure. He instructs small group leaders to focus on five P’s: To create a place for people to belong; to praise God at every small group gathering; to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ at every gathering; to prophesy, or speak truth, and encourage one another; and to pray for one another.

B.J. Haan Auditorium. During Friday Prayers, Baart leads participants through scripture readings and prayers, all while calming videos play on the screen and soothing music wafts from the speakers.

Whether through prayer times or small groups or Gen Z-friendly worship events, Campus Ministries wants to equip students as they prepare to go out from Dordt.

At the conclusion of his chapel talk on

“Why They Leave, and Why It Matters,” Baart talked about how the Christian call is to be “that which is beautiful and refreshing and the best thing that ever happened to everything you’re going to touch and do in this world.”

“I pray for you, Generation Z, students of Dordt. I pray for you during this cultural moment in the American church, that you would be one. Can you hear Jesus’s prayer for us? Can we ask ourselves some hard questions and have some difficult conversations together?”

“You,” continued Baart, “are now the largest generation in this country. What will you do with this, as you form your ecclesiology and raise your voice, as you learn to articulate in new, beautiful ways who Jesus is and what he’s done for you? Will you go and tell what the Lord has done for you in new and convicting ways?”

Then, he asked the students to hold out their hands and to stand for a blessing.

“Father, whatever we create, as cocreators with you, may it look like you,” prayed Baart. “May it be beautiful for the world. And may you bring forth from these hands and from these minds and from these lives, your life. In Jesus’s name, amen.”

SARAH MOSS (’10)

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JAMIN VER VELDE ('99)

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF LEONARD GOOZ “Every experience in life influences you,” says Leonard Gooz (‘02). “Your family, your community, the friends you surround yourself with.”

Gooz can point to many experiences over the years that have led him to his current position as vice president for customer experience and innovation at Hilton, where he works with brands like DoubleTree and Embassy Suites.

His life today in McLean, Virginia, is quite different from that of his childhood.

Gooz grew up in Slovakia—formerly Czechoslovakia—in a Christian household. His father was a Christian Reformed Church pastor, so faith was always part of his identity. Eventually his father became the general secretary of the church of Slovakia and ran a publishing company called the Bible Society. Gooz’s mother worked as a controller at a national bank in Slovakia.

“It was an interesting childhood because, until I was about 12 years old, I grew up under the influence of Soviet communist regimes,” he says. “It was a unique privilege to see how a society turns from a socialist to a market capitalist society— to see the market forces and trends that come into place.”

Visit Slovakia today, and you might not see much difference from United States in terms of quality of life, says Gooz.

But back when Gooz was 18 years old, his family had a combined household income of $5,000 a year—not nearly enough to pay for college tuition in the United States.

"My team at Hilton is responsible for making sure we have the best products from a service, product design, and delivery perspective," says Leonard Gooz.

Gooz first considered going to the United States for college because of Mike Hollander. A successful hotel owner and developer from Lynden, Washington, Hollander was also passionate about helping orphanages around the world through a non-profit organization.

While in Slovakia, Hollander connected with Gooz’s father about sponsoring orphanages in Romania. The two men became friends; eventually, Hollander invited young Leonard, who was in high school, to spend the summer at his home in Lynden.

“One day, we were out walking and Mike said, ‘Leonard, you should consider studying in the U.S.,’” he recalls. “It had never crossed my mind. But as I figured out what it would take—a combination of standardized testing, good grades, and a baseline understanding of the English language—I decided to try.”

Gooz worked hard academically and applied for scholarships to be able to afford a college education in the United States. After applying to several Christian universities, Gooz picked Dordt. He arrived in Sioux Center sight unseen

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JAMIN VER VELDE (’99)

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and was surprised to find it was nestled within cornfields and cow pastures.

Having experienced cities like Los Angeles and Seattle, he had originally pictured studying in a vibrant, urban setting. As he adjusted to college life, he grew to appreciate the people and the academic environment Dordt provided.

“What I loved the most about Dordt were the connections and opportunities studying here afforded me,” he says.

“Through Dordt, I was able to study in the Middle East for six months and in Washington, D.C., for six months. Those learning experiences set me up well for graduate-level education down the line.”

He also loved connecting with fellow students.

“At 18 or 20, you think you have all the answers to the world’s problems,” he chuckles. “At 18, we’re ambitious, idealistic, and want to change the world.

If you throw together students from different backgrounds into one dorm building, everyone comes in with their own personal beliefs shaped by their parents or the communities they live in.”

He recalls sitting in a dorm room with friends from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Sioux Center, just telling stories. “When you hear people’s personal stories come to life, you realize you don’t have everything figured out,” says Gooz. “Here we are with our own personal beliefs and biases, and we can challenge one another. Those were some of the great moments I had in college.”

He also grew in other ways.

“Dordt gave me a very strong faith-based foundation.

You learn how to use faith as a filter through which you start making decisions and through which you challenge yourself and your own biases to make decisions in accordance with how the biblical teachings are guiding us to do,” he says.

“At Hilton, we wake up in the morning and obsess about making sure our brands are attractive to consumers and are delivering on the experience consumers are looking for," says Gooz.

paced environment of business. I liked working in teams. I liked traveling and having an impact internationally,” he says.

So, after graduation, he worked his way from sales to a managerial role at Automatic Data Processing (ADP), which provides human resources

At 18 or 20, you think you have all the answers to the world’s problems…when you hear people’s personal stories come to life, you realize you don’t have everything figured out.

— Leonard Gooz, alumnus Throughout college, Gooz thought he wanted to become a lawyer. He studied political science management software and services. and history; he worked for a Sioux He learned how to build and lead a County prosecutor. He planned to attend team—how to motivate and inspire law school, but during his senior year people—and what it was like to work in a something changed. corporate environment. He self-funded his graduate level education, enrolling “I realized I liked the dynamic, faster-

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in American University’s MBA program.

After he graduated, Gallup knocked on his door.

“They use science to help organizations better design customer experiences or build thriving workplace environments.

I admired Gallup, so I was thrilled to join their team.”

He worked as a consultant for Gallup for six years.

“I probably learned more in my consulting days than I ever had before, because I had different clients, challenges, and industries I needed to balance.”

From there, he moved to Ernst and Young. Although he enjoyed the work, he quickly figured out that the position wasn’t what he was looking for. He recalled his summers spent at Hollander’s hotel, where he worked nearly every job available at a hotel— folding sheets, driving the limo, helping with maintenance needs, and more—and missed the hospitality industry.

“I remember power-washing during the day and then running the front desk in the evening,” he says. “I really fell in love with the hotel business during my college years. Then, when I worked

Three years ago, when Hilton approached Gooz about a position as vice president for customer experience and innovation, he took it.

“It’s been the best opportunity for me. I am able to merge my interest in operations with branding to build a successful, consumerfocused brand,” he says. “We have an incredible team and brand, and we’re making a true difference in the world.”

With 6,000 hotels across 125 countries, Hilton is comprised of 18 brands, including Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, and Hampton. Gooz leads a team of 25 people. A complex, fast-moving global organization, Hilton has many fierce competitors, which makes Gooz’s role in customer experience and innovation very important.

“It takes a lot of vigilance, research, and quick deployment,” says Gooz.

“Every single day, Hilton opens 1.5 hotels globally. So, my team obsesses about how we get our brands to be first choice for our guests, no matter what

location or trip occasion, and first choice for our owners, so they can continue to build our brands and invest in the communities they serve."

Looking back, Gooz is thankful for the ways his Dordt experience shaped his life.

Had it not been for Dordt, I would have floundered a lot more in terms of decisions later in life.

— Leonard Gooz, alumnus

“Had it not been for Dordt, I would have floundered a lot more in terms of decisions later in life,” he says. “And, look, everyone goes through their ups and downs—there’s no such thing as a perpetual upward line. But I think having that faith-based foundation allows you to endure some of the ups and downs, to endure some of the mistakes you’ve made, and to keep you focused on areas that matter most.”

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in consulting, I learned the branding strategy side of business.”

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE INNOVATIVE? Gooz is always thinking about being innovative—it’s in his job title as vice president for customer experience and innovation.

“Hilton’s definition of innovation is, anything that produces value— value for the customer or for the community you serve. It’s as simple as that,” he says.

Innovations might be big or small, but they always center on unmet needs.

“If you look at some of the greatest companies, you can usually pinpoint a need no one else identified,” he says. “Nearly every successful company is grounded in a set of attempts to get it right and having the perseverance to work through problems in a creative way. They also have to be smart about operationalizing the concept and deploying it in a way that produces commercial value and benefit.”

SARAH MOSS (’10)

JAMIN VER VELDE ('99)

Gooz was a keynote speaker at the 2019 Scholarship Banquet in September. While visiting campus, he presented in classes and sat down for an interview.

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ALUMNI NOTES In May 2019, Zach Van Engen (’16) graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology’s Kent College of Law magna cum laude with a juris doctor. He now works as a patent attorney with Fitch, Even, Tabin, and Flannery, LLP, an intellectual property law firm in Chicago.

Cora Okkema (‘16) won the top spot at Michigan Farm Bureau’s 2019 Young Farmer Discussion Meet in Grand Rapids. The contest tests young farmers ages 18 to 35 in a unique public speaking challenge. Participants are rewarded for their knowledge of agricultural issues, their cooperative demeanor, and the tact and civility of their delivery.

DEFENDERS FOREVER In 1955, shortly after Dordt was founded, an idea was born—to create an organization of individuals interested in giving special financial support to the general operation of the college.

At the time, many colleges were supported by large industrialists. Dordt neither had nor expected to have support from such sources. What Dordt did have, however, were hundreds of supporters who had a vital interest in the college—men and women dedicated to its success and the promotion of reformed, Christ-centered education.

While in college, Paul Hoogendoorn (’06), Jeff Zomer (’06), Chris Van Huis (’06), and Ross Van Der Bill (’08) roomed together in East Campus F8—they sometimes referred to themselves as the F8 Heartbreakers. Years after graduating from Dordt, they, their wives, and their children try to get together every other year to catch up.

This past summer, some of them went on a guys’ fishing trip.

“These men and their families are like family to one another, and we have Dordt to thank for that,” says Van Der Bill.

Sarah Wolthuizen (‘05) was honored as Village Northwest Unlimited’s Outstanding Staff of the Year. This award is considered the highest honor awarded to a staff member of Village Northwest Unlimited, as the recipients are nominated by their peers.

Mike (’94) and Kim (Vander Weide, ‘94) Adams were nominated for the Angels in Adoption Award by South Dakota senator John Thune as part of National Adoption Month in November. The Adams formed the Adams Thermal Foundation, which supports more than 1,000 students in two schools in Ethiopia. In addition to having five biological children, the Adams have adopted three children from Ethiopia and one child from Uganda.

Paul Dalen (‘92) was named the Senior Modeling Analyst for USAA’s chief financial office. “I manage a portfolio of statistical and actuarial models used to determine the bank’s risk profile,” explains Dalen.

In May 2019, Dr. Laura Apol (‘85) was named poetlaureate for the Lansing, Michigan, area. Apol is an associate professor of literacy and curriculum at Michigan State University and is the author of several prize-winning collections of poetry, including Falling from Grace and Requiem, Rwanda. To read some of her poetry, visit lauraapol.com.

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Thus began the Special Subscribers fund.

To qualify for membership, Special Subscribers committed to making an annual contribution of $25 or more; they also were dedicated to seeking new members. Over the years, the program expanded. At its height, Special Subscribers boasted 760 members—Dordt alumni, faculty, friends, and fans, committed to making gifts year after year.

To date, the program has raised over $7 million through gifts and investment growth, helping fulfill its goal of giving “greater financial stability to the college and its operational and developmental programs with a view to securing the academic quality and prestige of the institution.”

The need for financial stability is just as important in 2020 as it was in 1955. Today, a new generation of supporters are contributing as Defenders Forever.

Defenders Forever is a community of young alumni, parents, friends, and fans of Dordt University who have chosen to make a recurring gift of $100 a year, or $10 a month. Defenders Forever are Defenders from every generation and corner of the globe, united by their ongoing commitment to helping future Defenders develop their talents to glorify God and serve others.

As we begin this new decade, we are reminded of the faithfulness of those who have gone before us and of how grateful we are for their small, faithful acts of generosity. By God’s grace and through his provision, may we humbly follow their lead.

Defenders Forever: a lasting promise with a lasting impact.

For more information on how you can become a Defender Forever, visit dordt.edu/forever.

KAREN VAN SCHOUWEN ('01) DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL GIVING

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PHOTO SUBMITTED

Young Life-goers like to have fun at club through mixers, games, and more. “We focus on getting to know each other," says Alex Vasquez.

ALEX VASQUEZ BRINGS YOUNG LIFE TO SIOUX COUNTY Alex Vasquez ('18) first heard about Young Life, a para-church organization, when he was a senior in high school in Dallas, Texas.

At the time, he felt that he’d achieved everything he’d ever wanted—he had great grades, a girlfriend, football success, and popularity. So, when, according to Vasquez, a “super corny and weird” guy approached him about attending Young Life’s meetings—called “club”—Vasquez turned him down. But the Young Life leader made time to talk with Vasquez to hear about his life, his struggles, and his dreams. After weeks of talking together, Vasquez decided he’d check out Young Life.

“My leader convinced me to go because he told me there would be cute girls

there,” laughs Vasquez. “That was the first time I felt like I was being pursued by someone.”

Vasquez probably wouldn’t have guessed that, five years later, he would become the area director of Sioux County Young Life, nearly 800 miles north of his hometown.

As a senior in high school, Vasquez had heard about Jesus and the Gospel—it all sounded good, but he didn’t quite believe it. What he believed in was hard work, the American dream, and football.

“Football took me off the streets,” says Vasquez. “I was raised in a tough place in Dallas, and football got me out of trouble.

It taught me discipline and teamwork.

I learned how to trust others, to stay disciplined, and to work hard toward a common goal.”

Football is important in Texas, and when Vasquez played he felt like he was representing more than just himself.

His hard work and diligence showed— colleges and universities from across the United States showed up to watch him play.

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One such school was Dordt. Vasquez recalls how, when he heard that a football coach from Sioux Center, Iowa, wanted to talk with him, he was skeptical. He could hardly point to Iowa on the map, much less get excited about attending college there. Vasquez told the coach that there was no way he’d end up at Dordt. Still, he applied to Dordt and stayed in touch with Dordt’s football coach.

WHAT IS YOUNG LIFE? According to their website, Young Life doesn’t start with a program.

“It starts with adults who are concerned enough about kids to go to them, on their turf and in their culture, building bridges of authentic friendship. These relationships don’t happen overnight—they take time, patience, trust, and consistency.”

“We want to reach kids who aren’t really interested in church—who are in the margin or might have been hurt by the church,” says Vasquez.

Every week, Young Life groups meet for club. They play games, eat food, spend time together, and, at the end, share a short message about God.

Months later, after finding out that that his FAFSA form showed that he didn’t qualify for federal aid, Vasquez called every coach at every college where he’d applied to see what his financial aid options might be.

“I felt I was being prepared for something—I just wasn’t exactly sure what,” says Vasquez.

Vasquez says he came to Dordt as a baby Christian. He recalls how, in a biblical foundations course during his freshman year, he put a lot of pressure on himself to excel spiritually. Far from home and tired of the cold, he thought about

Many colleges told me, ‘That’s all we have.’ Dordt was the only college that called me back and said, ‘We want to make this work, and we’ll figure something out for you.’

“Many colleges told me, ‘That’s all we have,’” says Vasquez. “Dordt was the only — Alex Vasquez, alumnus college that called me back and said, ‘We want to make this work, and we’ll figure something out transferring back to Texas. But he stuck for you.’” it out and, as he made more friends As with Young Life, Vasquez felt pursued

by Dordt. He knew that God was pursuing him, too—attending Young Life and hearing God’s word was changing something in him.

and got to know his professors, his connections grew and so did his faith.

Academically, he worked hard. He knew he wanted to help others, so he majored in exercise science and minored in SARAH MOSS ('10)

“We focus on relationships and mentorship opportunities,” says Vasquez. “It’s hard to be a high school student and to navigate decisions. That’s where we come in and can help students through it.”

Young Life reaches out to middle school, high school, and collegeaged students throughout the United States. Young Life Sioux County’s committee is comprised of 14 volunteers, including local teachers, parents, and counselors.

Adult and college leaders volunteer their time to connect with students in the Sioux Center School District.

Volunteers serve through coaching, tutoring, and spending time with the kids.

To learn more about Young Life, check out younglife.org.

For a look at Vasquez’s work at Young Life Sioux County, visit facebook.com/YLSiouxCounty.

“Through Young Life, I’m able to tell people about Jesus and help them to grow spiritually,” says Vasquez.

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“I wanted to help people get healthy, to fix their injuries, and to learn about their bodies,” says Vasquez.

Part of that lived struggle continues.

Vasquez is a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, an immigration policy with an uncertain future.

But he missed Young Life.

“Many Dordt students I talked to had attended Young Life in high school, but Dordt didn’t offer it,” says Vasquez. “I also remember walking around the Sioux Center high school and seeing many kids who weren’t being reached by the local church—specifically the Hispanic community.”

Then, shortly before Vasquez graduated from Dordt, Young Life reached out to him. The organization was looking to expand into more rural locations, and they’d heard about his interest in Northwest Iowa.

“They told me, ‘Hey, you’ve brought a lot of attention to Young Life in Sioux County. Is this something you’d like to focus on after graduation?’” recalls Vasquez.

There was just one problem: Vasquez had received a job offer from the Dallas Cowboys.

“That was my dream job at the time,” he says. “I’d made a lot of connections in Dallas through friends who played professional sports in the NFL and NBA. When I was offered the job, it felt like a no-brainer.”

Young Life Sioux County also has camp or retreat experiences that students can participate in.

end of each gathering, they share a short message about God. On an average day, Vasquez talks with donors about fundraising efforts, grabs coffee with local pastors, trains students to lead, and meets with local students.

Every day is different, which he enjoys.

He is making a difference in the lives of Sioux County kids, as his Young Life leaders did for him when he was a high school senior in Dallas.

In some ways, Vasquez’s role as area director for Young Life Sioux County

I encourage people to get educated and ask questions. When you listen to someone who’s been marginalized, it provides room to relate to one another.

— Alex Vasquez, alumnus

Except for the job offer from Young Life, where—once again—he felt pursued.

“I felt like Young Life sought after me.

They threw a party the day I decided to accept the job, and I knew that this is where I needed to be,” says Vasquez.

Young Life Sioux County is in its second year in Northwest Iowa, and it’s made a splash in the community. On a Monday evening once a month, students show up for the Young Life club meeting. One month, they threw a birthday bash; another month, they held a Winter Olympics competition. The gatherings serve as a party with a purpose—at the

“When we came to the United States, we hoped for a better life,” he says. “It was a lot harder than we thought. My sister and I grew up poor. I just remember struggling.”

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psychology and biomedical sciences. His goal was to become a life coach.

helps create bridges within the local community. He bridges gaps between kids and adults, but he also bridges the gap between Hispanic and white communities in Sioux County. He volunteers with Juntos, a program promoting higher education within the Hispanic community. Vasquez has also been part of several panels about immigration and faith, at Northwestern College as well as at Dordt.

The topic of immigration is close to his heart. When Vasquez was five years old, his parents fled Colombia, escaping a country marred by violence and drugs.

“I know what it’s like to live in fear and confusion. I want to pursue a legal way to be in the United States because this country is what I know but, at the same time, as a Christian, I know that this existence is temporary and that, one day, I’ll be able to return to God,” says Vasquez.

When speaking on panels about immigration issues, Vasquez reminds listeners that when we use words like “immigrants” or “migrants,” we’re talking about humans.

“These are people who are just like you and me. They want to have a life of freedom, where they can work alongside others toward a common goal,” he says.

“I encourage people to get educated and ask questions. When you listen to someone who’s been marginalized, it provides room to relate to one another.”

Sometimes Vasquez wonders if when we say, “love your neighbor as yourself,” we mean it.

“What Jesus did on the cross united all of us and welcomed us all back into his kingdom. But when our neighbor next door is different from us, I don’t think we look at them the same way God sees them,” he says. “As Christians, we’re meant to be set apart. Part of that means educating ourselves, doing life with and really caring for people who are different from you.”

That’s why Vasquez believes his work with Young Life Sioux County is so vital— he is pursuing the marginalized in an effort to win them for Christ.

“I’m excited for where Young Life is going and what’s happening in Sioux County,” he says. “God has picked me up and provided for me, and I get to do what I love. I’m thankful everything has worked together and that God has allowed me to be here.”

SARAH MOSS (’10)

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