Dordt community mourns the passing of advancement leader John Baas

John Baas, former vice president for advancement at Dordt University, passed away from leukemia on Monday, July 21. He was 64 years old.

“John’s visionary leadership, contagious optimism, and consistent zeal for Dordt’s mission resonated across Defender Nation,” says Dordt President Dr. Erik Hoekstra. “From John’s arrival at Dordt 20 years ago, he immediately saw the potential Dordt had to grow and develop within the Christian higher education landscape in North America.”

Under John’s leadership, Dordt was able to raise more than $103 million as part of the “Planting for the Future” campaign, which was the most successful campaign in the university’s history. Dordt tripled annual fundraising efforts during Baas’ tenure. He also helped Dordt add more than 550 annually funded and endowed scholarships to support students and raised over $195 million.

Director of Development Lyle Huisman says that Baas had an unparalleled and unapologetic vision for Dordt’s growth and its Christian influence. “Our development team has grown significantly because of John, and he gave his team members space to thrive in their service. He was also a friend and mentor not only to Dordt personnel, but to constituents he encountered.”

Prior to his time at Dordt, Baas worked as director of major gifts at Calvin College (now University). He earned an MBA degree in management from Grand Valley State University and a bachelor’s degree in economics and business from Calvin University.

“The palpable immensity of his faith always influenced what he said or did and how or why he did it,” says Dordt Chief of Staff Aaron Baart. “He truly embodied what it means to be an ‘effective kingdom citizen’—the very goal of Dordt’s mission.”

John was the husband of Beth; together, they raised four children: Sam, Leah, Steven, and Lauren.

On July 21 on John’s CaringBridge site, Beth Baas wrote, “Thank you for the seven and a half months you have walked alongside of us in prayer and through your encouraging words. Each day we were keenly aware of God’s presence and provisions for us. Early on we asked for prayers for ‘strength for the day and bright hope’ for all our tomorrows. Today, we ask you to pray that for those of us left to carry on our days without John.”

“It’s not always the case that you see the very best of someone in the days before they pass, but that was John—he was full of love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” says Vice President of Advancement and Marketing Dr. Brandon Huisman. “John believed with full confidence that to live is Christ and to die is gain. John leaves an indelible mark on the Dordt community.”

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.