“You can truly feel God’s love on that campus."
This fall, more than 2,000 people visited campus for Defender Days—including parents of current Dordt students. The annual event offers families the chance to immerse themselves in campus life and experience the Dordt community firsthand.
Anna and James Scaife of Elk Grove, California, made the trip to see their freshman son, Miles. Their weekend was full—Miles performs in multiple music ensembles and plays baseball—so the Scaifes caught glimpses of him on stage, on the field, and around campus. They also took in a Defender football game in person. “We’ve been watching the games online from California, so being there in person was such a treat,” says Anna.
For many parents, Defender Days offers more than just events and activities—it’s a tangible expression of what it means to belong to a Christ-centered community. Anna says the President’s Breakfast especially captured that spirit. “Anytime we hear President Hoekstra speak, it reaffirms that Miles is exactly where he’s meant to be.”
Ruben Verkade traveled from Steenwijk, the Netherlands, to visit his daughter Fleur, who is spending a semester at Dordt through an exchange program. “We didn't want to miss the opportunity to experience what it's like for Fleur to study at Dordt—what life on campus is like and who she interacts with,” says Verkade. “We were incredibly lucky to experience Defender Days at the same time.”
He attended classes with his daughter, watched multiple sporting events and concerts, and participated in chapel. He was deeply moved by the community’s warmth. “The atmosphere was immediately welcoming,” he says. “We were struck by how interested everyone was. We even met someone who grew up in Steenwijk, where we live.”
Both families left Sioux Center grateful for the sense of belonging they experienced. “You can truly feel God’s love on that campus,” says Anna. Ruben adds, “Our impression of Dordt University is very positive—it’s a place where God is honored and praised, and a community of loving people. We were also impressed by the excellent facilities. It’s a wonderful place for students to develop their God-given talents.”
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.
“As we celebrate Dordt’s largest undergraduate enrollment in history, we do so with gratitude and anticipation, preparing 1,655 effective Kingdom citizens to serve Christ and His Kingdom in every corner of the world,” says Greg Van Dyke.
“The Industry Standard journey doesn’t have a finish line,” Penner says.
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