Dordt introduces new faith-based investment competition

Dordt University hosted its first-ever Kingdom Investment Challenge (KIC) this spring, bringing together student teams from Dordt and Northwestern College for a high-level stock pitch competition that integrates financial analysis with faith-based reflection on investing.

The event featured 9 teams presenting equity research and defending their investment recommendations before a panel of judges, including investment professionals, financial advisors, and industry partners. Each team delivered a formal presentation followed by a question-and-answer session designed to test both the technical strength and ethical considerations of their analysis.

“The idea came out of a gap I kept noticing,” says Dr. Jesse Veenstra, assistant professor of business administration at Dordt and organizer of the event. “There are plenty of stock pitch competitions, but very few that ask deeper questions about what should be invested in—not just what can generate returns.”

Through Dordt’s Defender Capital Management program, students are already encouraged to approach investing as an act of stewardship. The Kingdom Investment Challenge builds on that foundation by combining rigorous financial modeling with a broader framework that considers long-term impact, responsibility, and purpose.

“We wanted this to feel different from a typical finance competition,” Veenstra explains. “That’s why we brought in judges who could evaluate both the technical and ethical components of the presentations.”

The competition also provided students with hands-on experience typically found in larger, national events such as the CFA Research Challenge—opportunities that are not always easily accessible in Northwest Iowa.

“We need more exposure in this area,” says Veenstra. “There’s talent here—but not always opportunity. Creating something locally helps bridge that gap and gives students access to experiences that otherwise might be out of reach.”

Students from a variety of academic backgrounds participated in the event, reflecting Dordt’s interdisciplinary approach to business and finance.

Noah Miller, an engineering major from Kalona, Iowa, says the experience pushed him beyond his expectations.

“As an engineering major, a stock pitch competition was not something I thought I would do at Dordt,” Miller says. “Through this challenge, I gained the skills necessary to accurately value a stock using financial models and data-backed projections. I’m now able to make a well-supported recommendation to potential investors.”

For others, the competition provided an opportunity to grow in confidence and prepare for future experiences.

“As an underclassman, I appreciated the chance to gain experience and receive feedback in a lower-stakes environment,” says Hope Tebben, an accounting major from Lansing, Michigan. “My team and I learned so much throughout the process, and the feedback from judges gave me more confidence to pursue larger competitions in the future.”

Veenstra says he was especially encouraged by the level of student engagement and ownership throughout the event.

“They approached this like professionals, not just students completing an assignment,” he says. “Many of them had little prior experience with this type of work, so they had to dig in, figure things out, and learn quickly. That ownership showed in the quality of their presentations.”

The Kingdom Investment Challenge is designed as a pilot initiative, with plans to expand participation in the coming years.

“The goal is to grow this into something that attracts strong programs from across the Midwest,” says Veenstra. “We want it to be known for both analytical rigor and a clear sense of purpose.”

Ultimately, he hopes the event will serve as more than a competition.

“If we do this right, KIC can become a meaningful platform—not just for competition, but for developing a generation of investors who think more broadly about impact, responsibility, and long-term value,” he says.

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.