Darrel Raih named 2025 recipient of Dordt University's Ambassador Award

Darrel Raih (’79) has been named the recipient of the 2025 Dordt University Ambassador Award, which recognizes a Dordt constituent who has made an impactful service to Dordt’s mission and Christian higher education.

“Darrel’s deep love and respect for Dordt—its mission, its history, and its future—shine through in every interaction, whether during investment meetings or casual conversations,” says Stephanie Baccam, vice president for finance and risk management at Dordt. “His commitment to Dordt spans decades. He served as Comptroller, taught various business courses as an adjunct professor, and played a pivotal role in establishing the university’s endowment.”

For Raih, serving as an adjunct in the business department was an opportunity to participate in the kingdom work that shaped his own career path. “As I reflect back on my days at Dordt, what comes to my mind first is the genuine interest and commitment many of the professors had in me personally,” says Raih. “The professors that really had an impact on me were Henry DeGroot and John Visser. Their ability to challenge me to think about how business can or should be taught from a Christian perspective was amazing.”

Both the philosophy of business and dedication to calling of these Dordt professors inspired Raih’s own understanding of his work in the world. “It shaped my career and my perspective on the ‘doings of business,’ which continue to be a part of my journey even today,” he says.

In 1993, Raih stepped into a new role: President of the American Investment & Trust. Not only was this a new role for Raih, but it was also brand-new venture for American State Bank—and a new concept of banking in Sioux County. Under Raih’s leadership, the organization has grown into a thriving business with 25 employees and more than 5,000 clients.

In this role, Raih has been instrumental in establishing and growing Dordt’s endowment. “We are truly blessed to have Darrel and his team at American Investment and Trust managing our endowment,” says Baccam. “With his unwavering dedication to Dordt and its future, we know we are in excellent hands.”

Outside of his professional life, Raih remains committed to working toward Christ-centered renewal in all areas of life. He has served on several foundations and boards, held leadership roles within the church, and actively contributed to community fundraisers, financial planning workshops, and estate seminars. As an extension of his dedication to preparing the next generation of Christian business and finance professionals, Raih also served for a number of years in the early stages of the Defender Capital Management (DCM) group.

Over the course of his career, Raih has remained unwavering in his dedication to the principles of business he learned during his time at Dordt. “My Dordt days have been an integral part of who I am and how I have tried to fulfil the calling that God had for me each and every day,” says Raih. “It is part of what drives my commitment to serve others no matter what.”

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.