A Dordt University student has died following a skiing accident overseas.
Nikolas “Niko” Begalke, a 22-year-old student at Dordt University, passed away on January 3rd after a fall while skiing in Austria. Begalke was originally from Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
Dordt President Erik Hoekstra expressed condolences to the campus community as students returned from Christmas break.
“As we return to campus from Christmas break, we do so with a sense of sadness and loss amid this tragedy. We mourn with Niko’s family and all who were impacted by his life,” Hoekstra said. “Looking forward with hope for Christ’s return and reign, we nonetheless pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort us all in our mourning, as well.”
Begalke first arrived at Dordt in the fall of 2022 to study business and compete with the men’s soccer program. After transferring to a university in Germany to be closer to family and recover from an injury, he later returned to Dordt as a study-abroad student, drawn by the opportunity to grow in his faith and reconnect with the Dordt community.
Men’s soccer coach Eric Bourdo described Begalke as “one of those unique individuals who had a curious mind and a caring heart.”
“Niko had a genuine hunger to learn in the classroom and in life,” Bourdo said. “Injuries prevented Niko from ever really getting the playing experience he desired from his two seasons at Dordt, but he never let that knock him down. He was always the first person to support his teammates through quiet encouragement. Dordt’s men’s soccer program is a better place because Niko was involved.”
Professor of Business Sandy Vanden Bosch remembered Begalke as a thoughtful and driven student who approached his coursework with humility and purpose.
“He sought feedback and viewed his assignments as opportunities to grow—not just academically, but professionally and personally,” she said. “He worked hard to communicate clearly, especially when navigating multiple languages, which he did so with grace and good humor.”
In one class assignment focused on developing a personal brand, Begalke wrote, “I view professionalism as demonstrating humility, integrity, and service—and using our unique, God-given talents to honor God and support others.” Vanden Bosch said that mindset shaped the way he showed up in class, adding that he was “a joy to teach and a remarkable young man.”
Communication professor Dr. Michael Kearney described Begalke as a gentle and inquisitive presence in the classroom.
“When he spoke, he spoke to the hearts of his audience, and the rest of the class listened attentively and appreciatively,” Kearney said. “I know for a fact that he was admired by his fellow students, and I cannot imagine how much he will be missed on the field and in classes.”
According to reports, Begalke was skiing in the Zillertal Valley at the Hochzillertal Ski Resort in Austria when he fell approximately 20 meters.
Dean of Chapel Dr. Justin Bailey said the university continues to support students and staff affected by the loss.
“God promises to be near to the brokenhearted, and we trust him with this grief,” Bailey said. “We hold Niko’s family, friends, and all who are mourning in our prayers, and we will continue to offer care to our community in the midst of this devastating loss.”
