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"Our family has a multi-generational history with Dordt,” says Dave Rozenboom (’85).

This is, perhaps, an understatement.

His mother-in-law, Rose (Schouten) Koele, earned her teaching degree from ��͹��Ƶin 1957. Her four children, including Dave’s wife, Tammy (‘85), graduated from Dordt. Three of Dave and Tammy’s four children—Katelin (’09), Heidi (’11), and Brett (’16)—also graduated from Dordt, as did their spouses.

Rozenboom, the youngest of six, was the only sibling to attend Dordt; however, his family’s connection to ��͹��Ƶstarted when his father Gerald, a farmer, joined the Board of Trustees in the 1970s.

“I believe that is a true testament to what makes ��͹��Ƶsuch a special place,” says Rozenboom. “Where a farmer with an eighth-grade education can effectively serve in a leadership role, not because of his academic credentials, but rather because of his passion and commitment for Christian education from a Reformed perspective in every aspect of life."

Studying business administration at ��͹��Ƶgave Rozenboom a firm foundation for each of his many roles in life. “��͹��Ƶprepared me well academically and played the central role in helping me develop a Christ-centered world and life view that has shaped my career in banking and in the other areas where I have had the opportunity to contribute.”

He currently serves as president of a title he has held for over 13 years. First PREMIER is a $3.3 billion, full-service community bank with 14 locations throughout eastern South Dakota.

Rozenboom is passionate about equipping others to serve in leadership roles. “At this stage of my career, I particularly enjoy mentoring the next generation of leaders within our organization,” says Rozenboom. Additionally, he appreciates being part of the PREMIER organization that “has had a transformational impact in our community, state, and beyond: in banking, healthcare, education, and in the lives of so many people in so many ways. It is an honor and privilege to be able to contribute to those efforts.”

Looking back, Rozenboom appreciates the encouragement and advice he received from ��͹��Ƶfaculty. Professor Emeritus of Business and Accounting Dr. John Visser served as his freshman adviser; Rozenboom credits Visser with getting him started on the right academic path.

“After reviewing my first semester mid-term grades, he suggested I could do better—actually, ‘a lot better,’” recalls Rozenboom. “He was right. Visser later taught the Money and Banking course, which along with a valuable internship experience, provided the foundation for my 39+ year career in banking.”

Rozenboom also credits several other mentors that played key roles in his career development, each of whom were extraordinary leaders that shared a strong commitment to contributing to the greater good. “As I reflect on my banking career, I have been blessed to work with so many terrific colleagues, customers, and community leaders that have worked together to significantly expand and diversify the Sioux Falls and statewide economy. It’s been an amazing journey to this point, and I’m just as excited for what the future holds.”

In addition to his role at First PREMIER, Rozenboom also serves on the boards of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the South Dakota Hall of Fame, the South Dakota Symphony, and the ��͹��Ƶ Leadership Advisory Council. He previously served as the Board Chair of the Forward Sioux Falls Joint Venture Management Committee, South Dakota Bankers Association, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center, Sioux Falls Christian Schools, Junior Achievement of South Dakota, and Downtown Sioux Falls.

“I have also been called to serve in leadership roles at First CRC in Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Christian Schools, and many faith-based and other civic organizations in our community,” says Rozenboom. “I have enjoyed broadening my horizons through my community involvement, and using the gifts God has provided me with to have a positive impact beyond my role at the bank. Each experience has been rewarding in its own way and an opportunity to learn and grow. Most importantly, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with so many good people.”

In short, Rozenboom is living out Dordt’s mission to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.

“At Dordt, students are prepared and equipped not only for their chosen vocation, but also to be effective kingdom citizens in the schools, churches, and communities where God calls them to serve,” says Rozenboom. “To be leaders in education, the arts, in business and in government—literally every area of life.”

That’s why Rozenboom and his wife have committed their lives to advancing Christian education for their family and others.

“President Hoekstra recently shared some sobering statistics where seven out of 10 young adults who followed Christ in high school walk away from their faith during college,” says Rozenboom. “Unfortunately, this occurs at such a critical stage when they are learning to live life independently, choosing their life’s work, establishing relationships that may ultimately lead to marriage and children of their own.”

��͹��Ƶalumni, on the other hand, report that 93.7% attend church on a weekly basis. ��͹��Ƶgraduates are key leaders and volunteers in church programming, including Bible studies, church education, worship, and soundboard. They get involved in their communities through service projects and outreach opportunities.

“We’ve been blessed to see it firsthand with each of our children and their spouses, and with countless other ��͹��Ƶgraduates that we’ve encountered over the years,” adds Rozenboom.

“While receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award certainly came as a surprise, it is also very meaningful given how much my wife and I value and appreciate the role ��͹��Ƶhas played in our life together and in the lives of our extended family.”