--- title: IdeaFest returns to Dordt University on May 4 date: 2026-04-24T09:27:00-05:00 author: Jennifer Vermeer canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/news/ideafest-returns-to-dordt-university-on-may-4" section: News --- [ View Dordt News](https://www.dordt.edu/news) [Events](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=events) [Research and Scholarship](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=research-and-scholarship) Apr 24, 2026 # IdeaFest returns to Dordt University on May 4 The community is invited to attend IdeaFest, a multidisciplinary student research event, at Dordt University on Monday, May 4. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/ideafest.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.409-0.4206&w=66&h=57&f=webp&c=598636c4&v=22d243c04afdab93ddbbd4e76f18cd5e8b3d414ae2f84d85c8e865d00a9f06b3) ![]()Each year, Dordt University hosts IdeaFest, a multidisciplinary student research event established more than 20 years ago by Dr. Paul Fessler, professor of history. While this year marks the first without Fessler’s leadership, IdeaFest—with support from the Kielstra Center and the Research & Scholarship committee—will continue to be a vibrant reflection of Dordt’s commitment to student research and scholarship. “Under Paul’s direction, what began in 2004 as an interdisciplinary celebration of student academic work has grown into an annual event bringing the Dordt campus community together,” says Emily Mettler, research & scholarship program coordinator at Dordt. “Through IdeaFest, Paul has helped to shape a culture that emphasizes the importance of engaging students in research and creative activities, which enhances their learning experiences and academic success.” ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/ideafest2.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=57&h=65&c=0d3e2a54&v=abd73822c7cda14c0d3e056a369965520b56952c9c86314297df471b41ba416e) This year, 103 students will present at IdeaFest on Monday, May 4—representing a variety of disciplines, including agriculture, engineering, business, chemistry, digital media, nursing, philosophy, and theology. In addition to formal presentations, a series of posters and exhibits will be displayed in the Science Building atrium, where student researchers will be available to answer questions from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Refreshments will be served near the Natural Sciences Office. “IdeaFest is an opportunity for students to exit their disciplinary silos and share high-quality academic work with the broader Dordt community,” says Dr. Jason Ho, chair of the Research & Scholarship committee at Dordt. “It’s a celebration of Dordt’s developing researchers and scholars across all disciplines and fields, highlighting the curiosity and enthusiasm of our students. Our disciplines give us different ways of seeing God’s good creation, and IdeaFest allows us a chance to broaden our perspectives and see the world differently.” The event is free to attend and open to the public. For more information on specific presentations, please see [the program](https://www.dordt.edu/general-uploads/2026-IdeaFest-Digital-Program.pdf). --- **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. --- [Previous Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/20250708-_DSC2788-2.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=0442c83f&v=8803a1cc938413c78dcacf32b12677fabd72981b0fa2610f15e20b4c186af1e5) News Apr 27, 2026 ## Dordt University partners with Western Theological Seminary on M.Div. pathway Dordt theology graduates can complete an M.Div. at Western in as little as two years through a partnership designed to reduce time and cost while strengthening preparation for ministry. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-partners-with-western-theological-seminary-on-m-div-pathway) [Next Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/Jan29-2026_002318.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.4689-0.3823&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=6413d402&v=295592bc989a37cd174f287143012d8b0338d21d7d3aa89d1945e325fddad71f) Business Apr 23, 2026 ## Will Cutler named 2026 Business Student of the Year Dordt University senior Will Cutler was named the 2026 Business Student of the Year, recognized for his disciplined approach to learning and commitment to growth both academically and personally. Read More ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/will-cutler-named-2026-business-student-of-the-year) [ ![]() ## View All Dordt News View News ](https://www.dordt.edu/news) Aug 20 Athletics Men's Soccer #### [8/20 8:00 PM Dordt University Men's Soccer at Carroll - Nelson Stadium ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/8-22-100-pm-dordt-university-mens-soccer-at-carroll) Aug 21 Athletics Women's Soccer #### [8/21 Dordt University Women's Soccer at Bethel - Thresher Stadium ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/8-21-dordt-university-womens-soccer-at-bethel) Aug 21 General #### [International Student Orientation ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/international-student-orientation-2026-08-21) ![A picture of campus behind yellow prairie flowers](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2021-22/Buildings-and-Campus/2021-09-23_001574-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&f=webp&c=3d670641&v=d2bdb7cbdc83e5be46d3a10afe8a1214a0e770536697eb0ddbe29e017d2e9577) <![CDATA[YII-BLOCK-BODY-END]]>