On average, eight percent of alumni give back to their alma maters, according to U.S. News and World Report. However, at Dordt University, 20 percent of alumni gave back to the institution in the 2021-22 fiscal year—an astounding number when compared to the national average.
The fact that Dordt has an above-average giving rate shows how much alumni appreciate their Dordt experience, says Karen Van Schouwen, director of annual giving.
“The time they spent on campus, the relationships they formed, the instruction they received, and the opportunities they had have made such a difference in their lives that they’re willing to give back to help others achieve the same type of education they received,” she says.
And Dordt alumni feel so well-equipped that many are willing to recommend a Dordt education to others. According to the 2022 alumni survey, 93 percent of alumni said they would recommend Dordt to a high school student. In addition, 93 percent of alumni respondents also said that, if they had to do it again, they would choose to attend Dordt.
“Our alumni desire to give back financially because they believe in the mission of Dordt, were significantly impacted by the education they received, and were blessed by the Dordt community as students,” says Alicia Bowar, director of alumni and parent relations. “They give to many other organizations who are also committed to the advancement of God's kingdom—churches, Christian schools, nonprofit organizations—and Dordt is one of those organizations blessed by the generosity of our alumni community.”
This achievement is a testament to the hard work and creativity of Dordt's staff including the annual giving team, says John Baas, vice president for advancement.
"More than that, however, it’s an indication of the way Dordt alumni feel connected to Defender Nation and recognize the value of their Dordt education and experience and how much they want to make sure that this kind of living and learning in Christ-centered community continues to be accessible to future generations," he says.
This year, Dordt offered alumni a new way to give through the Defender Forever program. Defender Forever gives subscribers insider access to one-of-a-kind merchandise, exclusive deals, unique news, and a welcome box—all for $100 a year. Dordt now has over 400 new members to Defender Forever.
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, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
Source: https://www.dordt.edu/news/87556
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