Dordt University mourns the passing of an undergraduate student

Nikolas “Niko” Begalke, a Dordt University student from Gelsenkirchen, Germany, passed away in a skiing accident in Austria on January 3. He was 22 years old.

“As we return to campus from Christmas break, we do so with a sense of sadness and loss amid this tragedy. We mourn with Niko’s family and all who were impacted by his life,” says Dordt President Dr. Erik Hoekstra. “Looking forward with hope for Christ's return and reign, we nonetheless pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort us all in our mourning, as well.”

Niko first came to Dordt in the fall of 2022 to study business and play soccer. After transferring to a university in Germany to be closer to family and recover from an injury, he chose to return to Dordt for a study-abroad experience—drawn by the opportunity to grow in his faith and reconnect with the Dordt community.

Men’s Soccer Coach Eric Bourdo describes Niko as “one of those unique individuals who had a curious mind and a caring heart.”

“Niko had a genuine hunger to learn in the classroom and in life,” says Bourdo. “Injuries prevented Niko from ever really getting the playing experience he desired from his two seasons at Dordt, but he never let that knock him down. He was always the first person to support his teammates through quiet encouragement. Dordt’s men soccer program is a better place because Niko was involved.”

Professor of Business Sandy Vanden Bosch says Niko was a thoughtful and driven student who approached his coursework with humility and purpose. “He sought feedback and viewed his assignments as opportunities to grow—not just academically, but professionally and personally. He worked hard to communicate clearly, especially when navigating multiple languages, which he did so with grace and good humor.”

In an assignment where he had to create a personal brand, he wrote, “I view professionalism as demonstrating humility, integrity, and service—and using our unique, God-given talents to honor God and support others.” VandenBosch adds, “That mindset shaped the way he showed up in class. He was a joy to teach and a remarkable young man."

Professor of Communication Dr. Michael Kearney remembers Niko as a gentle, kind, and inquisitive presence in his Communication Foundations course.

“When he spoke, he spoke to the hearts of his audience, and the rest of the class listened attentively and appreciatively,” says Kearney. “I know for a fact that he was admired by his fellow students, and I cannot imagine how much he will be missed on the field and in classes. His passing reminds us just how much we should cherish every moment with our students as we touch and are touched by their lives.”

He was skiing in the Zillertal valley in Austria at the Hochzillertal ski resort when, according to reports, he fell 20 meters.

“God promises to be near to the brokenhearted, and we trust him with this grief,” says Dean of Chapel Dr. Justin Bailey. “We hold Niko’s family, friends, and all who are mourning in our prayers, and we will continue to offer care to our community in the midst of this devastating loss.”

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.