FEBRUARY 25–28, 2027

THE RITZ-CARLTON BACARA, SANTA BARBARA, CA

THE RITZ-CARLTON BACARA
SANTA BARBARA, CA

President Erik and Dr. Barb Hoekstra invite you to the Dordt University President’s Weekend

Connect with friends of Dordt University who share your heart for shaping the next generation of Christian leaders. We will enjoy worship, fellowship, and delicious meals in addition to inspiring messages.


Together, we will cast a vision for empowering more students to bring Christ-centered renewal to the world. Your afternoons are free to take in the sights of Santa Barbara.


To register now, please click the button below.

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara
Santa Barbara

Set along California’s picturesque Central Coast, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara offers a luxurious seaside retreat where Mediterranean-inspired architecture meets breathtaking Pacific Ocean views. Nestled on 78 acres overlooking the coastline, the resort blends relaxed coastal elegance with the natural beauty of Santa Barbara. 

COASTAL EXPERIENCES

Between our morning and evening sessions, afternoons will be free for you to explore Santa Barbara and the surrounding area.

RELAXATION | Relax in the award-winning 42,000-square-foot spa, unwind beside one of the three resort pools, or enjoy a peaceful seaside afternoon.  


RECREATION | Explore miles of scenic coastal trails; paddleboard, kayak, and surf along the pristine shoreline; or discover boutique shopping, wineries, and local attractions in Santa Barbara. 


GOLF | Golf enthusiasts can enjoy three exceptional 18-hole championship courses in the Santa Barbara area, including the renowned Sandpiper Golf Club located adjacent to the resort.


REAGAN RANCH | As guests of the Young America's Foundation, we have the unique opportunity to visit the Reagan Ranch. The 688-acre Reagan Ranch is preserved just as the President left it. At the Ranch, we will explore Ronald Reagan’s adobe home, the tack barn, the Secret Service Command Post, and other historic areas of Rancho del Cielo. 

Space is limited for this free-time option. Please note that a visit to the Reagan Ranch is weather dependent. If necessary, the visit may be canceled.

SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDE

Jon Acuff is a New York Times bestselling author of 11 books. His titles, including Procrastination Proof, Soundtracks, Finish, and All It Takes Is a Goal, have sold more than one million copies. Named one of Inc.’s Top 100 Leadership Speakers, he’s delivered keynotes to companies such as Microsoft, Walmart, and Comedy Central. Host of the popular podcast All It Takes Is a Goal, Jon has inspired hundreds of thousands of people to overcome overthinking and finish what matters most. Jon lives outside of Nashville with his wife and two daughters.

Jon Acuff is a New York Times bestselling author of 11 books. His titles, including Procrastination Proof, Soundtracks, Finish, and All It Takes Is a Goal, have sold more than one million copies. Named one of Inc.’s Top 100 Leadership Speakers, he’s delivered keynotes to companies such as Microsoft, Walmart, and Comedy Central. Host of the popular podcast All It Takes Is a Goal, Jon has inspired hundreds of thousands of people to overcome overthinking and finish what matters most. Jon lives outside of Nashville with his wife and two daughters.

Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music, with five Grammys, 60 Dove Awards, 50 #1 radio hits, two platinum records, and an American Music Award. Through their charity organization Show Hope, Steven and his wife, Mary Beth, advocate for adoption and orphan care.

Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music, with five Grammys, 60 Dove Awards, 50 #1 radio hits, two platinum records, and an American Music Award. Through their charity organization Show Hope, Steven and his wife, Mary Beth, advocate for adoption and orphan care.

Fernando Ortega is a singer, pianist, songwriter, arranger, and storyteller. Trained as a classical pianist and inspired by the Presbyterian hymns of his childhood, Ortega has been influential in expanding the range of Christian music. He has released 22 records, a book of his bird photography and tales, and has received many accolades and awards for his music.

Fernando Ortega is a singer, pianist, songwriter, arranger, and storyteller. Trained as a classical pianist and inspired by the Presbyterian hymns of his childhood, Ortega has been influential in expanding the range of Christian music. He has released 22 records, a book of his bird photography and tales, and has received many accolades and awards for his music.

COST
COST

It would be our pleasure to treat you to the weekend, including your hotel accommodations, breakfasts, and dinners.


Your costs will be transportation, parking/valet fees, lunches, and any free-time expenses.

It would be our pleasure to treat you to the weekend, including your hotel accommodations, breakfasts, and dinners.


Your costs will be transportation, parking/valet fees, lunches, and any free-time expenses.

SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE

Thursday: Registration and welcome reception, followed by dinner and the opening session.


Friday & Saturday: Morning and evening sessions, with afternoons open for free time.


Sunday: Closing celebration followed by brunch, with wrap-up by noon.

Thursday: Registration and welcome reception, followed by dinner and the opening session.


Friday & Saturday: Morning and evening sessions, with afternoons open for free time.


Sunday: Closing celebration followed by brunch, with wrap-up by noon.

REGISTER
REGISTER

Availability is limited, so please register now by clicking the button below. If you would like additional information, please call 712-722-6380


Thank you for understanding that this invitation is exclusively for you and your spouse. 

Availability is limited, so please register now by clicking the button below. If you would like additional information, please call 712-722-6380


Thank you for understanding that this invitation is exclusively for you and your spouse. 

FAITHFULLY FORWARD

At Dordt University, we believe that when God is at work, the evidence is unmistakable. We see it in the lives of our students, in the faithful dedication of our faculty and staff to our mission, and in the steady growth of a Christ-centered community committed to serving his Kingdom. 


As God continues to draw students to Dordt and expand our reach, the need before us is immediate. 


Faithfulness today requires preparation for tomorrow –

moving faithfully forward to steward and strengthen this place for the generations He is bringing.

© 2026 Dordt University. All rights reserved.

© 2026 Dordt University. All rights reserved.