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General

Defender Days

Dordt University
Oct 16, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
6:45 AM - 9:30 PM

Defender Days is Scheduled for October 16-17, 2026.

It's the biggest event on campus as students, alumni, and parents celebrate Dordt and reunite for home sporting events, concerts, the fall theatre production, and much more.

Schedule for the weekend

Thursday, Oct. 15Event
7:30 p.m.

Fall Theatre Production: "EMMA: No One But Herself", Te Paske Theatre

  • Emma Woodhouse - handsome, clever, and rich - amuses herself by matchmaking for her friends. Until she meets her own match.”
  • Join Dordt Theatre Arts for this energetic and contemporary-classical musical adaptation of Jane Austen's novel that explores the necessary risk of felling your feelings. With a fresh book and soaring score, the effervescently paced EMMA: No One But Herself will charm you with its wit and heart. Welcome to Higbury!

 

9:30 p.m.

Praise & Worship, De Yager Student Activity Center, Campus Center

  • Join us for worship at Dordt’s student-led praise and worship night, held weekly throughout the academic year.
Friday, Oct. 16Event
6:45 a.m. (program begins - Breakfast begins at 6:20 a.m.)

Business Connections Breakfast, The Atrium *registration required

  • This early-morning breakfast is open for Defender Days attendees as well as guests from the Sioux Center community. We are excited to welcome Dordt alumni Vince Lubben ('90) and Todd Van Tol ('85), co-owners of Wireless World, to share with us.
  • Complimentary tickets are available with online RSVP and will not be available at the door. Tickets are limited. The recommended dress is casual or business casual. Please note that registration is also required for Dordt students.
8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Registration, Campus Center Lobby

  • Pick up your nametags, receive the latest information for the weekend, and get your questions answered. Your nametag is used as your complimentary pass into many events, such as athletics.
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Visit classes, Locations Vary

  • Join your student in class to see firsthand what they're learning and meet their professor. Please visit the registration table to see the list of available classes and their locations.
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Defender Forever Booth, Campus Center

  • The Defender Forever program keeps you connected to the Dordt community with access to special events, insider updates, and exclusive swag. Stop by the Defender Forever booth to learn more and grab an exciting welcome box upon joining!
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Dordt Master's Degree Info Booth, Campus Center

  • Dordt offers several master’s degrees that are 100% online. Stop by the Graduate Studies Info Booth to learn more about the programs.
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Career Mentoring Program Info Booth, Campus Center

  • Interested in sharing your time, wisdom, and experience to help a Dordt student jumpstart their career? Stop by the Graduate Studies Info Booth to learn more about Dordt University's Career Mentoring Program.
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

In All Things Info Booth, Campus Center

  • In All Things is Dordt University's online publication, featuring articles that reflect a commitment to faith infusing every area of life. Through the voices of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader Reformed Christian community, the publication explores how faith shapes learning, work, culture, relationships, and everyday living.

    Stop by the booth to learn more about the blog, pick up copies of our themed booklets, explore writing opportunities, and sign up for our e-newsletter.
11:10 a.m.

Chapel, B.J. Haan Auditorium

  • Join the Dordt community for worship at chapel, held weekly throughout the academic year.
1:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Game Room Open Hours, Campus Center Lower Level

  • Fun for the whole family! The Game Room includes four bowling lanes, pool tables, foosball tables, and a ping pong table.
3:10 p.m.

4th Avenue Jazz Concert and Campus-Community Band, B.J. Haan Auditorium

  • Enjoy a lively afternoon of music featuring Dordt’s 4th Avenue Singers and 4th Avenue Band, as well as the Campus-Community Band.
  • Tickets are not required. A freewill offering opportunity will be provided.
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Dordt Writes: Journal Articles, Location TBD

  • Join us for "Lightening Talks" and a showcase of peer-reviewed publications by Dordt faculty members.
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Mentoring Mingle, Hester Hollaar Room (Library 264), Hulst Library

  • This is an opportunity for our spring mentoring pairings from 2025-2026 and the current pairings for fall 2026 to meet in person. This is primarily a casual social activity for alumni and current students that have been or are currently involved in the career mentoring program.
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Engineering Senior Design Meet and Greet, Science Building Atrium

  • Meet the senior engineering students and hear about the early stages of this year’s design projects.
5:30 p.m.

Defender Nation Dinner, The Overlook *Registration required

  • At this semi-formal dinner, we will recognize this year’s Distinguished Alumni and Horizon award recipients, presented by Dordt’s alumni office.
  • Tickets are available for purchase with online RSVP and will not be available at the door. Tickets are limited and the recommended dress is business casual. This dinner is not recommended for young children. Please note that registration is also required for Dordt students.
7:00 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.

Fall Music Festival: Choral Ensembles, B.J. Haan Auditorium

  • Enjoy an evening of music, featuring Bella Voce, Canons of Dordt, Chorale, and Concert Choir
7:00 p.m.

Hockey vs. Augustana, All Seasons Center

  • This event is free with your Defender Days nametag.
8:30 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.

Fall Music Festival: Instrumental Ensembles, B.J. Haan Auditorium

  • Enjoy an evening of music, featuring Dordt's Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Chamber Orchestra.
  • Tickets are not required. A freewill offering opportunity will be provided.
10:00 p.m.

Late Night with the Defenders, De Witt Gymnasium

  • Back by popular demand! Join us as both the women’s and men’s basketball teams tip off the season!
  • This event is free with your Defender Days nametag.

 

Saturday, Oct. 17Event
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Registration, Campus Center Lobby

  • Pick up your nametags, receive the latest information for the weekend, and get your questions answered. Your nametag is used as your complimentary pass into many events, such as athletics.
     
8:30 a.m.

Men's and Women's Swimming - Dordt Invite, All Seasons Center

  • This event is free with your Defender Days nametag.
8:30 a.m.

President’s Breakfast, Recreation Center *Registration required

  • Hosted by President Erik and Dr. Barb Hoekstra, this meal is a great opportunity to meet or reconnect with other Dordt families and friends. The program includes a welcome and campus update from the Hoekstras. This is not a come-and-go event.
  • Complimentary tickets are available with online RSVP and will not be available at the door. Tickets are limited. The recommended dress is casual. This breakfast is not recommended for young children. Please note that registration is also required for Dordt students.
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Family Fun Zone, American State Bank Sports Complex

  • A popular family event with activities for all ages, including bounce houses, games, and facepainting.
10:30 a.m.

Hymn Festival, B.J. Haan Auditorium

  • Featuring Dordt's Casavant organ, brass, and other instruments. All are welcome to come and sing beloved hymns of our faith!
11:00 a.m.

Women's Volleyball Alumni Mixer, Recreation Center

  • Coffee and donuts provided
  • 11:30 a.m. Alumni Queens and Serve and Pass
11:15 a.m.

Hymn Festival, B.J. Haan Auditorium

  • Featuring Dordt’s Casavant organ, brass, and other instruments. All are welcome to come and sing beloved hymns of our faith!
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Ag Club Tailgate, Lawn outside Football Field

  • Before the football game, stop by the tailgate hosted by the Ag Club. Freewill donations will be accepted, with proceeds benefitting both the Ag Club and another organization. Everyone is welcome!
     
1:00 p.m.

Football vs. Briar Cliff, Football Field

  • Dance & Cheer will also be performing
  • This event is free with your Defender Days nametag.
2:00 p.m.

Fall Theatre Production: EMMA: No One But Herself, Te Paske Theatre

  • Emma Woodhouse - handsome, clever, and rich - amuses herself by matchmaking for her friends. Until she meets her own match.”
  • Join Dordt Theatre Arts for this energetic and contemporary-classical musical adaptation of Jane Austen's novel that explores the necessary risk of felling your feelings. With a fresh book and soaring score, the effervescently paced EMMA: No One But Herself will charm you with its wit and heart. Welcome to Higbury!
2:15 p.m.

Women's Soccer vs. Hastings, Soccer Complex

  • This event is free with your Defender Days nametag
3:00 pm. - 5:00 p.m.

Alumni Mix and Mingle, Eckardt Lounge

  • Meet with Dordt friends, families, and alumni from all classes for a casual come-and-go gathering while you're on campus for the weekend. Defender Crunch and beverages will be provided. Stop by, say hello, and catch up!
3:00 pm. - 11:00 p.m.

Game Room Open Hours, Campus Center Basement

  • Fun for the whole family! The Game Room includes four bowling lanes, pool tables, foosball tables, and a ping pong table.
3:30 p.m.

JV Women's Volleyball vs. Morningside, De Witt Gymnasium

  • This event is free with your Defender Days nametag.
4:15 p.m.

Men's Soccer vs. Hastings, Soccer Complex

  • This event is free with you Defender Days nametag.
5:00 p.m.

Varsity Women's Volleyball vs. Morningside, De Witt Gymnasium

  • This event is free with your Defender Days nametag.
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

25th Class Reunion (classes 1999-2002), Founder’s Room (located in the President’s Home) *Registration required

  • Enjoy a light meal and reconnect with old friends at a standing reception hosted by President Erik and Dr. Barb Hoekstra.
  • Complimentary tickets are available with online RSVP to Dordt graduates from 1999 through 2002 plus one guest. Tickets are not available at the door and are limited.
7:30 p.m.

Fall Theatre Production: EMMA: No One But Herself, Te Paske Theatre

  • Emma Woodhouse - handsome, clever, and rich - amuses herself by matchmaking for her friends. Until she meets her own match.”
  • Join Dordt Theatre Arts for this energetic and contemporary-classical musical adaptation of Jane Austen's novel that explores the necessary risk of felling your feelings. With a fresh book and soaring score, the effervescently paced EMMA: No One But Herself will charm you with its wit and heart. Welcome to Higbury!
A picture of campus behind yellow prairie flowers