Oral History of Dordt President B. J. Haan

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A Beautiful Campus

Dordt University

B. J. Haan covers a wide variety of topics in this segment: student life, campus beautification, and college accreditation.
Cooperation with the City of Sioux Center

Dordt University

B. J. Haan expresses appreciation for the way Sioux Center city leaders cooperate with Dordt in establishing joint-use facilities. He also discusses the important role that music plays in drawing many students to Dordt.
Dordt's Original Statement of Purpose

Dordt University

The original Statement of Purpose is explained by B. J. Haan, including the Educational Task and the 17 propositions.
It's the People's College

Dordt University

B. J. Haan describes the concept of sphere sovereignty and reviews some of the original 17 propositions. This provides some background to misunderstandings that later contributed to the AACS struggle.
Scripturally-Oriented Higher Education

Dordt University

B. J. Haan examines the original Statement of Purpose and how it led to the development of another document called Scripturally-Oriented Higher Education.
The Herman Dooyeweerd Influence

Dordt University

B. J. Haan reviews how the foundational documents of Dordt College reflect the Reformed, biblical principles promoted by Herman Dooyeweerd, Abraham Kuyper, and other theologians.
Transition from Feeder School to Four-Year College

Dordt University

B. J. Haan talks about Dordt's growth from a 2-year junior college to a 4-year bachelor of arts degree granting institution.
Worth Her Weight in Gold

Dordt University

B. J. Haan discusses the hiring of Henrietta Miedema and other individuals who provided outstanding service to the college.
1950 Report from Synod Discourages Progress Toward a Junior College in the Midwest

Dordt University

B. J. Haan talks about Report No. 24 from the 1950 CRC Synod which discourages the development of the junior college. The setback does not deter supporters in the Midwest, however, and committees are created to move the idea forward with enthusiasm.
A Presidential Salary: One Thousand Dollars Per Year

Dordt University

B. J. Haan describes the role of First CRC of Sioux Center and many individuals in the development of Dordt, as well as the formation of many committees.
B. J. Haan Reads The Founders' Vision

Dordt University

This recording features B. J. Haan talking about the concept of the Midwest Christian Junior College which was discussed as early as 1937. Many meetings were held to discuss its feasibility, including one important meeting of Classis Oostfriesland.
Breaking Ground for the Junior College

Dordt University

B. J. Haan discusses the major role De Stigter Brothers Construction played in the construction of the original classroom building. Enthusiasm and support continues to build as the junior college becomes a reality.
Dedication of the Midwest Christian Junior College: September 1, 1955

Dordt University

1955 marks a signficant year for the Midwest Christian Junior College, with the cornerstone-laying event, the dedication ceremony, and the first day of classes on September 7.
Faculty Appointments

Dordt University

Faculty appointments are made and the music program proves to be a great marketing tool for Dordt.
Hiring the First Faculty Members and Developing Curriculum

Dordt University

In this segment, B. J. Haan talks about the process of deciding on the location of the Midwest Junior College and recruiting the first professors.
Momementum Builds at the Rock Valley Meeting

Dordt University

B. J. Haan recalls that the road to establishing the junior college was filled with twists, turns, and questions.. A February 1953 meeting at the First CRC of Rock Rapids helps to propel the concept forward and enthusiasm grows.
Name Change to Dordt College

Dordt University

Challenges arise with the development of the college regarding direction, curriculum, and leadership. Haan is named acting president and the college adopts a new name.
Pastor, President, or Both?

Dordt University

Debate surrounds Haan's ministerial status as college president. Financial quota support from the Christian Reformed Church denomination is also discussed at length.
Rock Rapids Meeting

Dordt University

In this segment, B. J. Haan reminisces about the many planning meetings held to bring the vision of a junior college to fruition.
The Mink Farm

Dordt University

B. J. Haan recalls the process of deciding on the Doornink property as the site for the junior college.
The Steering Committee Makes Progress

Dordt University

B. J. Haan describes the various committees set up to organize the Midwest Christian Junior College as well as the development of the society and districts.
The Western Christian Alliance, 1945-1948

Dordt University

In this segment, B. J. Haan describes how the junior college movement idea was brought up by the Western Christian Alliance after World War II. The term "six-week-wonders" is mentioned, referring to teachers with only six weeks of training before their careers in education began.
Life Magazine and the Movie Theatre - Part I

Dordt University

B. J. Haan sets the record straight about his involvement in Sioux Center's movie theatre battle in 1945 and his subsequent interview in Life magazine on the issue.
Promoting Christian Education Locally

Dordt University

B. J. Haan reminisces about his arrival in Sioux Center in 1945 and drumming up support for the local Christian schools while cultivating relationships within the community.