From new student housing and athletic facilities to gathering spaces and interior renovations, nearly every corner of the campus at Dordt University is seeing construction activity this summer.
A recently released drone video highlights the scope of the work, which university leaders say reflects both continued enrollment growth and the support of donors who believe in Dordt’s mission.
Vice President for University Operations Fred Ver Woerd says the amount of construction underway is a sign of the university’s momentum.
“It speaks very, very highly about our mission and the way that our mission is resonating with at least a certain segment of the population.”
Ver Woerd says Dordt is continuing to see growth in student enrollment, even as many colleges and universities across the country face declining enrollment trends. He says the projects also demonstrate the strength of the university’s support community, noting that most of the construction is being funded through donor gifts rather than student tuition.
New Housing to Meet Growing Demand
Among the largest projects is a new residence hall on the east side of campus. The approximately 250-bed dormitory is being built to accommodate continued enrollment growth and help restore balance to the university’s housing plan.
Construction is also wrapping up on four additional apartment-style “Squares” residence halls, creating housing for another 96 students. Ver Woerd says the university was stretched to capacity last year, even using guest housing and university-owned homes to accommodate students.
“We don’t like to be at one hundred percent capacity,” Ver Woerd says. “And we were pushing really tight into that.”
The university’s housing philosophy encourages students to spend their first two years in dormitories to build broad friendships before moving into apartment-style living during their final years to deepen those relationships.
Creating Community Spaces
Beyond housing, several projects are aimed at strengthening student life and encouraging personal interaction.
The former Dining Commons site on the west side of campus is being transformed into a new gathering space featuring landscaping improvements, updated sidewalks and lighting, and a basketball and pickleball court.
The De Yager Activity Center is also receiving updates, including a permanent stage for Thursday night Praise and Worship events and other student activities, along with new furnishings and carpeting.
Ver Woerd says creating spaces that encourage face-to-face interaction has become even more important in recent years.
“In a world of AI, we’ve got to stay human and so really focusing on that as a primary objective.”
He says Dordt believes effective learning happens in community and that students are more likely to thrive academically when they develop meaningful relationships with others.
Athletic Facility Expansion Continues
Construction is also progressing on the latest phase of the Rozenboom Family Athletic Center expansion at the De Witt Gymnasium.
Ver Woerd says the project will maintain the character of the facility while creating a better fan experience and opening up the space significantly.
“I think that’s the one that people are going to go ‘wow’ the most,” he says. “Because that’s a transformation of an existing space, which is always fun to see.”
Parts of the facility are expected to be ready before students return in August, with the remainder opening in phases throughout the fall.
Additional Improvements Across Campus
Other projects underway this summer include:
•New parking lots to offset spaces lost during construction and accommodate growth.
•Bathroom renovations on the first floors of North Hall and East Hall.
•Expanded cadaver laboratory space for health sciences students.
•New sidewalks and landscaping improvements throughout campus.
•Ongoing work toward a future stormwater detention pond project that has been delayed until next year due to permitting issues.
Looking Ahead
While some landscaping work may continue into the fall, Ver Woerd says all major projects are currently on schedule.
When students return to campus, he expects there will be plenty to discover.
“I think it’s going to be kind of like Christmas morning where you just open up one present after the other,” he says. “But that’s going to be fun just to see their reaction.”
Ver Woerd says Dordt’s continued investments are about more than accommodating growth. He says that they’re about creating an environment where students can build meaningful relationships and learn in community.
