Dordt University has named Joel Veenstra ('90) as the recipient of this year's Distinguished Alumni Award.
This year, Dordt University has named Joel Veenstra (’90) as the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. The award recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves in an extraordinary fashion, giving evidence of living out a Reformed worldview and demonstrating exemplary service to others.
“I am surprised and extremely honored by the nomination,” says Veenstra. “College is such formative time, and I am grateful for the consistent faith-based impact Dordt has had on my life.
Veenstra serves as president of Baker Group, a 100% employee-owned specialty contractor providing engineering, fabrication, construction, and service solutions. He joined Baker Group in 2001 after eight years as a structural engineer and project manager serving industrial clients.
Throughout his career with Baker Group, Joel has helped lead many of the company's largest and most complex projects, working alongside clients and project teams to deliver practical, value-driven solutions. As president, he provides operational leadership across the organization, supporting collaboration, continuous improvement, and long-term partnerships that help clients achieve successful project outcomes.
His commitment to serving others through his work was highlighted in a January 2026 feature in the Business Record. The article describes his efforts to support Baker Group employees by recognizing the value of chaplains and care coaches in the workplace, reflecting Veenstra’s commitment to the well-being of others alongside professional excellence.
A graduate of Pella Christian High School, Veenstra continued his academic and basketball career at Dordt, where he demonstrated leadership and teamwork as a student-athlete. He and his wife, Julie, graduated from Dordt in 1990 and have remained actively involved in their church and local Christian school. Their continued commitment to Christian community and service reflects the importance of faith in their lives.
Veenstra’s approach to leadership and understanding of vocation demonstrate the qualities the Distinguished Alumni Award seeks to recognize. Through his commitment to leading with integrity and investing in the people around him, Veenstra has made a lasting contribution to his industry and community.
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, alumni, and the broader community to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.
Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt offers undergraduate and graduate programs that help students live their faith in every area of life. Through rigorous learning, meaningful relationships, and whole-person formation, students gain the practical wisdom to serve God and neighbor through their work and in their communities. Dordt has been named among the nation’s leading Christian universities by U.S. News & World Report, Niche, and other national publications.
Mariellen Van Nieuwenhuyzen ('16) has been selected as this year's Horizon Award recipient, which recognizes Dordt University alumni who demonstrate a commitment to their communities and an entrepreneurial spirit.
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