--- title: "Student & Alumni Stories" date: 2022-02-04T14:35:00-06:00 author: Click Rain Admin canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/stories" section: Pages --- ![]() ![]() ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/verhage.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.4898-0.4156&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=8cea5ec5&v=ba53cfb49340116d133b3ca14cc0d471534d6c8481f55731bac465ce68c73ba6) ### Adapting Plans, Growing in Faith Julia Verhage Julia Verhage came to Dordt for a two-year degree and stayed for four — because God had a bigger plan. Read how faith, community, and a mission trip to Nicaragua shaped her calling. Julia Verhage [Read More About Julia Verhage](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/adapting-plans-growing-in-faith) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/smies-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=c7b9131e&v=af314e2f8b754ccf5136cf1fec175d9f693e09fa6c61724b592b837b877a6f2b) ### In Awe of Creation Ada Smies Ada Smies became a Noyce Scholar and future STEM teacher at Dordt — helping others live with awe at God's creation. Ada Smies [Read More About Ada Smies](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/in-awe-of-creation) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/hansen2.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=de60d738&v=c8e4c9598db813aeb358b20a4765caed6bc6d9a460763da4de2fd6f771d5d647) ### Equipped to Lead, Ready to Serve Tate Hansen Tate Hansen came to Dordt for faith, soccer, and community. A health crisis and team brotherhood prepared him to lead and serve. Tate Hansen [Read More About Tate Hansen](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/equipped-to-lead-ready-to-serve) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/bivens.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.6045-0.4578&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=1c161c80&v=c91a25bb2c7ecf4af9ab1b77924a8a24e35cd4b12218f4a2f6b213e978ea6ac8) ### Finding Voice and Calling Zach Bivens Zach Bivens came as a CS major, fell in love with choir, and added a second degree. Dordt's community helped him become who God made him. Zach Bivens [Read More About Zach Bivens](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/finding-voice-and-calling) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/DSC3778-2_compressed.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=7cbd7ca2&v=2616f830949b71270795fdc662bd2e64c72318fb49980cb844ffffc49f074242) ### Leading with Curiosity and Grit Erica Roth Erica Roth leads with curiosity and joy. She credits Dordt's practical wisdom for the faith-rooted perspective she brings to work. Erica Roth [Read More About Erica Roth](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/leading-with-curiosity-and-grit) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/DSC4295.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=c974e36e&v=71e8f8f8185232f6e0fd91914a10f46209a34a0cda19a3b534c012130120eeaf) ### Walking Alongside Others Andrew Geleynse Andrew Geleynse walks alongside people in their hardest moments as the hands and feet of Jesus — doing all God created him to do. Andrew Geleynse [Read More About Andrew Geleynse](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/walking-alongside-others) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/dejong-msw.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=67d9c315&v=1bed4390bb9da6f628ad961a38a17100ff5c321bef3629d90c1c3d9fe8e524db) ### Hope for the Hurting Erin De Jong Erin De Jong switched from nursing to social work and found her calling. Dordt's online MSW helped her become who God created her to be. Erin De Jong [Read More About Erin De Jong](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/hope-for-the-hurting) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/DSC4106.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=28ec2af0&v=80d5f4ccd0a1ba908fdb19890631ca6ed19a97a85217cc892af66f5807fadf23) ### Blooming in Agriculture Jade Hubers Jade Hubers lives her faith in every area of life — including the greenhouse. At Dordt, she found a vision for ag as beautiful and purposeful. Jade Hubers [Read More About Jade Hubers](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/blooming-in-agriculture) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/lapadula-headshot.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.5622-0.37&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=f60735dc&v=d0a8f04b861783cfbdee8f0d61cdd370ac675a5a61769955cde271cf310e7745) ### Coming Full Circle: A Calling Realized Kelly Lapadula A Dordt Chicago Semester internship led Kelly Lapadula to Easterseals — and back nine years later as Digital Marketing Manager. Kelly Lapadula [Read More About Kelly Lapadula](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/coming-full-circle-a-calling-realized) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/469165982_1817066892431115_1528379669059101262_n.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.5321-0.2839&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=e2639588&v=f6788b488ffffb1e790929d888867d786b25ab432c27695a645cba7b380e3ca7) ### Learning and Leading in Liberia Darric Dennis Darric Dennis earned his M.Ed. online from Dordt while in Liberia — now he leads national school principals across West Africa. Darric Dennis [Read More About Darric Dennis](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/learning-and-leading-in-liberia) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/eerkes.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=83413f1b&v=f6916a40ffaad9187cc68419682f13a088bbae6a772a28524fe694423ce0e4f8) ### Soaring Ambitions: A Path to Air Force Service Benjamin Eerkes Benjamin Eerkes set his sights on the Air Force. Dordt gave him the foundation, character, and joyful faith to serve with purpose. Benjamin Eerkes [Read More About Benjamin Eerkes](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/soaring-ambitions-a-path-to-air-force-service) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/vanmaanen2.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=0463161f&v=6b8405433cc504a8d9d9d0d77cee9e16023b08403e3b048fa00e876df5cf7889) ### A Direct Path to Purpose Megan Van Maanen Megan Van Maanen found her path to purpose at Dordt — joyful faith, purposeful community, and practical wisdom pointing the way. Megan Van Maanen [Read More About Megan Van Maanen](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/a-direct-path-to-purpose) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/freeman.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.5876-0.4561&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=fe525ec7&v=a6e68fec5f9c28b6758097db9f9689dff5d4588e8e0483b6438fb43954aa6677) ### Through the Lens of Faith Parker Freeman Parker Freeman learned to see all of life through the lens of faith at Dordt — doing all God created him to do through creativity and calling. Parker Freeman [Read More About Parker Freeman](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/through-the-lens-of-faith) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/faber.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.5076-0.5304&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=a6ea0b07&v=4313a0e18a0450430751e1a72ae16d08e54a75dc4a219fc661321e8d06541c3e) ### Called to the Classroom Austin Faber Austin Faber always wanted to teach. Dordt gave him the why — joyful faith and practical wisdom turned a career choice into a true calling. Austin Faber [Read More About Austin Faber](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/called-to-the-classroom) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/dejong.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=07f3363b&v=01fbf24e1bc76e2f285166d6e17414e930fc43d2ee61347d76cfd354ce700e90) ### A Fresh Start Athan De Jong Athan De Jong came to Dordt for a fresh start. Purposeful community helped him become who God created him to be and live his faith fully. Athan De Jong [Read More About Athan De Jong](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/a-fresh-start) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/i-rgj5wx8-X2.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=977fc70a&v=9ce1a373788e0ade2a40a96b1ab8304c1ced665c77b4bcca975ddc5fecddd59e) ### Expanding Knowledge Matt Haken Matt Haken came to Dordt curious. Dordt's core program helped him thrive intellectually, professionally, and spiritually. Matt Haken [Read More About Matt Haken](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/expanding-knowledge) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/20250213-_DSC3737.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=25fc5457&v=e68ce306a6e314f6fd3e0da7472eca9116bf806623f1179b36e9fd50f163d5a5) ### Dialing Up Connections Julia Stob Julia Stob didn't expect class to feel like worship. At Dordt, faith and psychology connected — helping her live her calling in a new way. Julia Stob [Read More About Julia Stob](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/dialing-up-connections) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/i-n4wbMns-X3.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=39919dc4&v=00efb04a8adf9416bc7745abb4a0f6cdda6d8e7ff2f0226ccd30e15892927ed9) ### A Sense of Belonging Abigail Maldonado Abigail Maldonado connected to purposeful community at Dordt — a place where she belonged, was seen, and was shaped to live her faith. Abigail Maldonado [Read More About Abigail Maldonado](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/a-sense-of-belonging) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/20250205-_DSC2165.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=4ce6bdc1&v=7a80b7eda766cfb2167d7178c71d35aa24bd1c52816c6aac915944a783b32592) ### Leading by Serving Timothy Buckholtz Timothy Buckholtz visited Dordt and was stunned by the friendships. He enrolled wanting them — and learned that serving others is how you lead. Timothy Buckholtz [Read More About Timothy Buckholtz](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/leading-by-serving) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/lucy-zylstra.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=11ed4706&v=711a17c5ca2c24c7d75be9df104a86ecc2a3d4ffb58dbbf87c98b9b4f0323ee0) ### Steps to Service Lucy Zylstra Lucy Zylstra's time at Dordt was shaped by joyful faith and purposeful community — connecting with others to do all God created her to do. Lucy Zylstra [Read More About Lucy Zylstra](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/steps-to-service) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/i-Hv9XBkz-X3.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=097b5fd0&v=02382218621f60c2341dd69ee42d2fbaaf9f68f5cf9eedf1015c01febfb34df4) ### Stewarding God's Creation Robert Lund Robert Lund came to Dordt with a love for the land. A Reformed vision of stewardship taught him to live his faith in every area of life. Robert Lund [Read More About Robert Lund](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/stewarding-gods-creation) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Daniel-Z-profile-photo2.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=d2bff68d&v=b50f4ab354e461314c96e319975de6100b7a4aef36d8328432c43cc3ad7c1735) ### The Power of Policy Daniel Zekveld Daniel Zekveld learned at Dordt that practical wisdom shapes society — doing all God created him to do through policy and public service. Daniel Zekveld [Read More About Daniel Zekveld](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/the-power-of-policy) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/enock.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=54443050&v=d0f5043728bd12d0cfd32c0384e847a4c93c390b2455cebdbbec54e3d5d51a3d) ### Building a New Beginning Enock Rop Enock Rop is grateful God sent him to a Christian college. At Dordt, he connected to community and found opportunities he never imagined. Enock Rop [Read More About Enock Rop](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/building-a-new-beginning) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Brouwerheadshot2.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=9175dff2&v=4bf0a680f731bce00f2ae2b76a3676c471853c6d38340772e3b758ff198f78ee) ### Guided by Compassion Brenna Brouwer Brenna Brouwer's calling is rooted in compassion. Dordt's community helped her become who God created her to be — serving with joyful purpose. Brenna Brouwer [Read More About Brenna Brouwer](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/guided-by-compassion) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/sharon-ige.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=4ee54890&v=0f20b09782a1733202af9e9d35cc208f5e29efa52d2db9ae6c3e8d0b0f8deb12) ### Bridging Global Gaps in Healthcare Sharon Ige Sharon Ige is doing all God created her to do — bridging global healthcare gaps. Dordt gave her practical wisdom and faith to serve across borders. Sharon Ige [Read More About Sharon Ige](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/bridging-global-gaps-in-healthcare) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Sharp-Headshot.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=7f588928&v=a02e9f95c0a3c0370eb30386cac61896b5589b048cf91b2f889d576ea783f9e2) ### Cultivating Confident Leadership Melanie Sharp Melanie Sharp didn't arrive at Dordt as a leader. Whole-person formation helped her become who God created her to be — confident and purposeful. Melanie Sharp [Read More About Melanie Sharp](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/cultivating-confident-leadership) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/pamela2.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=40dc77d0&v=2c48b75d506b320cac75b8954ba8e2c0a88709de679de4255c7982861a8c5b45) ### Leading With Vision Pamela Szmyrko Pamela Szmyrko came to Dordt with ambition and left with direction. Biblical truth shaped her to lead with vision and do all God created her to do. Pamela Szmyrko [Read More About Pamela Szmyrko](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/leading-with-vision) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/i-M9JtJvM-X2.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=1cacde3e&v=108cf31433f7ff2877bc9f6113c2d654c7155535ae93eae2b90da6d58f8d79cd) ### Fast-Track to Calling Lily D'Amour Lily D'Amour didn't waste time at Dordt. Purposeful community and practical wisdom helped her become who God created her to be — fast. Lily D'Amour [Read More About Lily D'Amour](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/fast-track-to-calling) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/i-66Fq8Sc-X3.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=4bf8dc03&v=603c7895c1c422692f87d8823c04b85117e63af088d176dfc369395b1a85d03a) ### Faithful Advocacy Nia Boentoro Nia Boentoro found her voice at Dordt and used it faithfully — showing what it looks like to live your faith through advocacy and justice. Nia Boentoro [Read More About Nia Boentoro](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/faithful-advocacy) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/alex-pruismann.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=e8f732d5&v=be41a94ab59f0d889c5d9274822e7772c8cb227469b0dac43a35e2f83f77698d) ### Deputized to Lead Alex Pruismann Dordt's MPA gave Alex Pruismann practical wisdom to lead from multiple angles and serve God and neighbor — doing all God created him to do. Alex Pruismann [Read More About Alex Pruismann](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/deputized-to-lead) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/i-RJ6t7XW-X2.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=c3e188fa&v=d3630147d5264e333a52f2018c30bc0a93fe46983842c1796c49632b44a03e78) ### Resilience through Fire and Ice Charlie Lang Charlie Lang's path through Dordt was anything but smooth. Each challenge helped him become who God created him to be — resilient and faithful. Charlie Lang [Read More About Charlie Lang](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/resilience-through-fire-and-ice) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/2024-10-15_003653.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=67ad010e&v=4aafe57a2f5f5bc7578d7f4053c22a99a0f115b62bae75ca5474dcffe34fbb89) ### Harmonizing Worship Arts and Design Nicole Mahoney Nicole Mahoney connects through worship and design — doing life and faith together at Dordt. Her story is about living your faith in every area. Nicole Mahoney [Read More About Nicole Mahoney](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/harmonizing-worship-arts-and-design) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/2024-10-14_003568.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.465-0.3926&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=1f30d710&v=0d490572b0133efb76719aabce0c37bc4c623021f06a242258370299c767c209) ### From Patella Injury to Physical Therapy School Alexa Kopaska A knee injury at 13 sparked Alexa Kopaska's PT calling. At Dordt, she's already accepted to PT school as a junior — with rare cadaver lab experience. Alexa Kopaska [Read More About Alexa Kopaska](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/from-patella-injury-to-physical-therapy-school) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/2024-10-07_003070.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=2c238ee6&v=b99a28e3ef1fcfcb2a0e84459b3fb9808b9c2cec58f0029941318e06dc6e613d) ### Connecting through Finance Sam Zylstra Sam Zylstra wanted to connect deeply — not just earn a degree. Dordt's purposeful community gave him the platform to do all God created him to do. Sam Zylstra [Read More About Sam Zylstra](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/connecting-through-finance) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/2024-10-11_003356.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=3f7df600&v=9a35a7efb000d2d3d13228cc89aa47f1217cf39833b6172716a921e4bbfd2bf0) ### Finding a Faith-Focused Education and So Much More Grace Bruin Grace Bruin wanted faith woven into education — not tacked on. At Dordt, professors live joyful faith and equip students to do the same. Grace Bruin [Read More About Grace Bruin](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/finding-a-faith-focused-education-and-so-much-more) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/2024-09-27_000781.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.535-0.3862&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=bf68b37b&v=712c9bc11aab065a07f8734adb92ccdf405f8af6a5bdc44f4535e18c11ad0e7a) ### Drawn to Wonder Emma Nydam Emma Nydam paints birds to memorize them — living her faith where art meets science. At Dordt, she became who God created her to be. Emma Nydam [Read More About Emma Nydam](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/an-artist-takes-flight) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/2024-10-08_003085.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.6245-0.5556&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=287ee0a8&v=a43b8f373d6c1c3a17db39b9fc73fa21a709a854fdb7644cf1e912042b6595a6) ### Embracing Perseverance and Accountability Jacob Schmoll Jacob Schmoll's faith became fully his own at Dordt. Community and accountability shaped him into who God created him to be — step by step. Jacob Schmoll [Read More About Jacob Schmoll](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/embracing-perseverance-and-accountability) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/Megan-Veurink.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.4958-0.312&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=b69855a9&v=0a56882f2441994c6854eef6cb1936c103182bf75df9d7bbdae4dc0bb1b13bac) ### Embracing Mess, Creating Beauty Megan Veurink Megan Veurink discovered art therapy at Dordt — a dream career she didn't know existed. Now she creates beauty in life's hardest moments. Megan Veurink [Read More About Megan Veurink](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/embracing-mess-creating-beauty) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/2024-09-25_002067.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=0be708b8&v=622c593bcb03c5dcbc8c60822d14dbcfdfddbbef680c76a2070e478a2920d1cd) ### Finding a Future in Ministry Kira Ouwinga Kira Ouwinga has always wanted others to experience the joy of Christ. At Dordt, she found a community that made that passion a calling. Kira Ouwinga [Read More About Kira Ouwinga](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/finding-a-future-in-ministry) ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/2024-09-19_001982.jpg?mode=crop&pos=0.5292-0.3486&w=48&h=78&f=webp&c=16f76b62&v=32938335f70d971b67256a45adaa03111203cef2938814f6c909fe519471e472) ### Chasing Community Craig Becker Craig Becker chased community — and found it at Dordt. The purposeful connections he made on the field and in faith shape how he lives today. Craig Becker [Read More About Craig Becker](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/chasing-community) See what Dordt students and alumni have been up to in Sioux Center and around the globe. Have a new story idea? [Send us a message](https://www.dordt.edu/contact-us) — we'd love to hear it. --- <![CDATA[YII-BLOCK-BODY-END]]>