Dordt University recognizes retiring faculty members at upcoming open house

A retirement open house will be held to recognize Dordt University faculty members who are retiring at the end of the academic year. The event will take place on Friday, April 24 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the De Yager Activity Center, located in the lower level of Dordt University’s Campus Center.

The open house will recognize the following individuals:

• Dr. Jeff Gladstone, associate professor of engineering

• Shirley Folkerts, instructor of business

• Dr. Tony Jelsma, professor of biology

Dr. Ethan Brue, dean for technology and applied sciences at Dordt, says that throughout his time at Dordt, Gladstone brought “an operational understanding of God’s timing and providence” and remained passionate about training the next generation of Christian engineers.

“He strengthened the ‘connected’ community within our STEM departments, and we will miss Jeff’s presence in our hallway conversations, lunch chats, and book discussions,” adds Brue.

Abby Foreman, dean for social sciences at Dordt, says that Folkerts “will certainly be missed by the Business department and by Dordt University. She has helped to equip hundreds of business students with developing technical and professional skills. She has served for many years as a Core 100 instructor, introducing and inviting Dordt freshmen into the life and mission of Dordt University.”

“Shirley’s Christian commitment is present in all she does and we’ve been blessed to serve with her,” adds Foreman.

According to Dr. Jeff Ploegstra, dean for foundational and health sciences at Dordt, Jelsma has consistently demonstrated “a joy in discovery, collaborative spirit, and deep desire to bring genuine Christian insight into conversations around science topics.” His work has engaged students in meaningful research questions, built partnerships with colleagues at institutions such as University of Iowa, and expanded opportunities for internships, resources, and hands-on learning.

“Thank you, Tony, for your outstanding work supporting a culture of serviceable insight at Dordt,” he adds.

In all, the three retiring faculty members have served a combined total of 64 years at Dordt.

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.