Dordt University is celebrating a significant act of generosity from Jim and Marilyn Dean — a gift that will help shape the future of the performing arts in Sioux Center.
The Deans’ latest contribution will support the university’s new recital hall, and in recognition, Dordt will name the performing arts center the Dean Family Performing Arts Center, with the recital hall to be known as the Jim and Marilyn Dean Recital Hall.
Jim and Marilyn Dean say they’re thankful for the opportunity to support Dordt’s mission of Christian higher education, adding, “To God be the glory.”
Although they never attended college themselves, the Deans have embraced Dordt as their adopted university. They’ve supported the expansion of Dordt’s technical programs, served on the Leadership Advisory Council, and played a key role in developing the Science and Technology Center. The couple has also spent more than 50 years in the egg industry through Versova and Center Fresh Group in Sioux Center.
Dordt President Dr. Erik Hoekstra calls them “possibility thinkers” who invest their time and resources to make a lasting impact. Education professor Dr. Barb Hoekstra adds that the companies they’ve built have created many local jobs and that their support for the community runs deep.
The Deans’ love of music and the arts has also been evident, with Marilyn serving on the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra board and both supporting the vision for a performing arts center that enriches campus and community life.
The new recital hall will seat about 150 people and serve as a multi-purpose space for student and professional performances, rehearsals, and lectures. Its acoustics are designed for chamber music, solo works, and other intimate performances.
The larger performing arts center includes the B.J. Haan Auditorium, classrooms, faculty offices, and a video production center.
Vice President for Advancement and Marketing Brandon Huisman says it’s been a joy to see the Deans champion a vision for excellence in music and the arts, adding that the new recital hall fulfills a decades-long dream on Dordt’s campus.
The featured photo is courtesy of Dordt University
