THE VOICE
Archived Voice Articles
If we stand still, we fall behind
By John M. Baas
Vice President for College Advancement
John M. Baas
The Jubilee year celebrations are past but much of the excitement remains. God has truly blessed Dordt College in its first fifty years. We still hear regularly from alumni and friends about how much they appreciated last year’s Jubilee events. The 2004-2005 academic year was an exceptionally busy one for the Dordt College community and now that it’s behind us, it feels like time for a well-deserved rest. But standing still is not an option. Our students, alumni, and other supporters expect a first-rate education. That’s been part of Dordt’s promise for fifty years, and it will remain so. If we stand still, we fall behind.
Our buildings are well maintained but will need updating to keep up with changing technology and program needs.
The challenge to keep a Dordt College education financially accessible is always before us. Cost pressures continue to rise as some traditional sources of financial aid and government support erode. We will need to add significant resources to our scholarship program to make sure those who wish to attend Dordt College can afford to do so.
Dordt College’s faculty is its great strength. In order to keep them at the top of their profession we need to encourage their research and scholarship. We also want to provide new opportunities for faculty members to get out of the classroom to share their expertise with our constituent communities.
And annual support continues to be of critical importance. Costs for utilities, insurance, building materials, and other resources necessary to operate the college are increasing at an extraordinary pace. The Dordt College Fund must grow to keep pace and provide the edge that makes a Dordt education an exceptional value.
We will share more information over the coming months about exciting plans for Dordt’s future and how you can take part in them. We won’t be standing still. I hope you will move forward with us.
reveal
