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For Trygve Bulthuis, studying economics was never just about charts, models, or markets—it was about asking bigger questions.

That instinct led Bulthuis to pursue a distinctive academic path at ������ý, where he combined majors in economics, philosophy, and political science. Along the way, he became known for his ability to move seamlessly between disciplines—engaging both the technical details of economics and the deeper philosophical questions that shape it.

“Trygve has been a truly exceptional economics student,” says Dr. Josh Hollinger, assistant professor of business administration at Dordt. “He approaches his studies with careful attention, curiosity, and deep thoughtfulness. He’s able to dig into the details and the models of economics, and at the same time step back to consider the larger philosophical questions that underlie the discipline.”

That integration has shaped Bulthuis’ experience both inside and outside the classroom. A member of Dordt’s Kuyper Honors Program, he was awarded the Lambertus Verberg Prize for Excellence in Kuyperian Scholarship for his essay “Kuyper in the Postmodern World: Kuyper’s Lectures on Calvinism and Postmodern Philosophy,” which he later presented at the 2024 Kuyper Conference at Calvin Theological Seminary.

His academic curiosity has also taken him beyond Dordt’s campus. In summer 2024, Bulthuis studied at Scholarship and Christianity at Oxford (SCIO), where he earned one of two academic prizes for excellence. He later spent time in Washington, D.C., participating in Cato University and completing a fellowship with the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy, exploring the intersections of economics, public policy, and religious liberty. In spring 2026, he attended the Savannah Seminar with the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy in Savannah, Georgia.

Back on campus, some of his most meaningful experiences came through conversation.

“I enjoyed both the dialogues and debates I had with peers and faculty at the ECONversations hosted by Professor Hollinger,” he says. “Those conversations were a highlight of my time studying economics.”

Bulthuis also contributed to early research exploring a potential philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) program at Dordt—an effort that reflects both his interdisciplinary interests and his desire to shape future opportunities for students.

Looking ahead, Bulthuis plans to continue asking big questions. After graduation, he will pursue a master’s degree in philosophy at the University of Mississippi, with the long-term goal of earning a doctorate.

“I just want to be a student my whole life,” he says. “I hope that pursuing advanced degrees will help me become a better student—and, eventually, a teacher.”

In recognition of his academic excellence and thoughtful engagement across disciplines, Bulthuis was named ������ý’s 2026 Economics Student of the Year.