Graduation is a special time for students who have worked so diligently, for families who are bursting with pride and for professors who have watched students flourish. Here are just a few heartfelt words from Lancaster Bible College graduates who are celebrating in the spring of 2025.
“LBC prepared me for the future by challenging me to think beyond what is in front of me. LBC helped me to see through the lens of different perspectives and taught me to have an open mind while keeping the mind of Christ. During my time at LBC, God has showed up in so many ways. He proved to me that I can stay the course and do all things through Him. God has given me the strength I needed when I felt like giving up and quitting. God showed me that He does answers prayers and just like Paul, I have finished this race and kept my faith. I experienced many losses that affected my time at LBC. On November 26th, 2018, I lost my sister. It was an unexpected death that left my family with many unanswered questions and confusion. I used my courses as well to take my mind off of it but in January 2019, my father suffered a stroke, and little did I know the strength I was going to need to continue. I lost my father on June 1, 2019, about seven months after the passing of my sister. I was hurt and broken and at this time, I would start a class but not finish it. I would talk with my academic advisor about taking a break, but she would always say, ‘You’re almost there, keep pushing.’ For the rest of the year, I kept pushing. Praying and Pushing. God gave me super strength that I didn’t know I had or needed for this next tragedy. On June 2, 2020, my world shattered when my mother passed. I was numb, in denial and isolated. Her death hit me harder because she was my biggest supporter. I knew I still had to move on. I received a letter from the Dean at the time extending his condolences on behalf of LBC. That meant a lot because I knew I had the support from my school and my advisor. At the beginning of each course, I would pray and during the course I would recite ‘I can do all things through Christ.’ To be here where I am now, ready to graduate after enduring so much, is nothing but God. I did not get here on my own strength, but it was His. I will tell anyone, do not give up on God because He is working it out for your good. I did not see how any good could come from what I had been through but now, looking back, and being in this space, it all worked for the good. To God be the Glory.”
Shannan Martin (’25)
Washington, D.C., Bachelor’s, General Studies
“I’m a living witness to the work of redemption, transformation and grace by God. I grew up in a Christian home, but things took a sharp turn when I lost my father when I was just 14 years old. Grief, anger and feelings of abandonment consumed me and led me down a destructive path. I spent years in gangs, crime and drugs, and it resulted in homelessness, addiction and multiple prison sentences. I was living a violent, deceptive and broken lifestyle, a world away from the faith-based upbringing that I had been given. I spent a total of 10 years in prison and jails, hitting what I believed to be rock bottom more than once. But God wasn’t finished with me. On August 6, 2016, in a suicide cell, I had an awakening—a moment when I realized I couldn’t continue living that way anymore. That is where, in my darkest moment, I surrendered to Christ. I was moved to a drug and alcohol rehab pod in prison, where I began to learn about honesty, responsibility and change. Through Bible studies, mentoring and discipleship, I began to experience the grace and restoration of God in real-time. When I was released, I made a commitment to recovery and to ministry, vowing to help others find the same hope that had set me free. Looking back on my time at Lancaster Bible College, I see the unmistakable hand of God leading, honing and shaping me to His calling. My time at LBC has been more than an academic experience—it’s been a season of spiritual formation, deepening faith and preparation for the road ahead in my calling. As I step into the next chapter, I am confident that what I have learned and experienced at LBC will be the basis on which I stand. In whatever way, I am ready to make a lasting impact. LBC taught me what to do and know in ministry and shaped my faith, character and vision.”
Jason Catalano (’25)
Online, Bachelor’s, Biblical Studies
“In 2021, I began my journey toward earning a Master of Divinity at LBC. Little did I know LBC would be the answer to the isolation I felt during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a time of uncertainty, I was drawn to the warmth of the faculty, staff, students and administrators. The genuine care and encouragement I received made all the difference during such a challenging season. The professors cultivated a learning community that eased my anxieties about returning to school at the age of 62. My classmates became like family as we shared the experiences of the MDiv program, supporting one another both in residency and through online discussions. The librarians, too, were a major help, guiding me through my first research paper and calming my nerves during that challenging time.”
Carol Braswell (’25)
Washington, D.C., Master of Divinity
“Transferring into LBC my senior year was definitely a difficult time of navigating a lot of unknowns, yet I found blessings on the other side of trusting in our Good Father. His timing was intentional. I was able to meet people and connect with faculty that I never knew I needed. It has been a place where I’ve been given the opportunity to impact people out of a season of hiding and pruning and receive from the cup of numerous new people I’ve been able to make friends with. Lastly, being able to fulfill my dream of playing basketball at the collegiate level gave me another platform to exemplify Christ to my school and the schools we play against and was truly a unique experience I will remember forever.”
Timothy James Anderson (’25)
Lancaster, Bachelor’s, Business Administration
“God worked in my life during my time at LBC by teaching me that I am to seek Him first above all else. The work that I do in school or in a job is not worth anything if it is not done for His glory. God brought me an incredible community of Christ-centered friends at LBC who seek to honor the Lord in all they do and who want all peoples to have the opportunity to hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. During my time at LBC, God instilled in me a passion for missions and a desire to gain a better understanding of His heart for the world.”
Jessica “Jazzy” Merena (’24)
Lancaster December graduate, Bachelor’s, Intercultural Studies
“My goal was to improve my knowledge of Scripture. I am retired and had never finished my degree and so I wanted to do that, but also, I wanted whatever I invested my time in to be valuable at this stage of my life. I did not need to spend the money or time on a degree for a career. Knowing God, talking to Him, allowing that knowledge to permeate my life is important to me so my goal was to get my degree and to get to know Him better in the process.”
Gerald Hardee (’25)
Online, Associate, Biblical Studies
“LBC prepared me for my future by aligning me with morally centered Christian business professionals that taught me a range of different information and skills that will translate and benefit me in my career. Their character has also shaped me into the man I am today, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be mentored a taught at this institution.”
Brayde Erb (’25)
Lancaster, Bachelor’s, Business Administration
“Lancaster Bible College prepared me for a leadership and mass communication career. The guidance, knowledge, wisdom and understanding gained can be attributed to the robust curriculum and expertise of the instructors. I attended LBC for my undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Biblical Studies. The undergraduate program well equipped me to continue my studies at a higher level of academia. The online professors were understanding of adult learners and patient with us. Their feedback helped shape my biblical worldview and develop my leadership skills. I highly recommend the graduate program at LBC.”
Monique Hines (’24 & ’25)
Online, Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Leadership
“Lancaster Bible College is the place that changed my entire perspective of the life I thought I wanted. Before my time at Lancaster Bible College I only imagined myself teaching at a public school. Public school is where I grew up so public school is where I felt I belonged. In my first year at LBC, I felt weirdly out of place—like my biblical knowledge wasn’t enough. But I learned. I enjoyed my Bible classes and continued to dive into Scripture throughout the next four years of my college career. My perspective began to change. Maybe it was the warm smiles on campus and the silent agreement among everyone to always hold the door for everyone, or maybe it was the idea of everyone knowing everyone on campus and having a small, enjoyable and tight-knit community. But no matter the one reason, God used them to convince my heart of the importance of Christian community not only for living and doing life with but also for having a career in. I am now a graduating education major with a job at a Christian school for the next school year. My heart couldn’t be gladder. I am grateful for how LBC opened my eyes and allowed God to prepare the way for my heart to be changed and my path to be made at the Christian school.”
Brielle Pfeiffer (’25)
Lancaster, Bachelor’s, Middle Level Education/Math
“What drew me to apply to LBC initially was to gain a solid education which emphasized the inclusion of God in its curriculum, while also being a student under the care and supervision of professors who are approachable and passionate. My experience did not disappoint but rather exceeded my expectations in these core ways. I am so grateful to feel empowered and equipped to be on the career path the Lord has led me to. I will stay right where I am at two amazing organizations—Hope Inspire Love and Gethsemane Counseling and Coaching—both places I started at as an intern and found both were the perfect match for me. I am looking forward to continuing to draw closer to God as I serve survivors of human trafficking and counsel individuals.”
Katey Ragsdale (’25)
Online, Master of Social Work
“As a daughter, sister, friend, entrepreneur and military chaplain, I have often felt pulled in multiple directions to live up to others’ expectations. LBC challenged my notion of experiencing something different, discovering God’s expectations, and living those out unashamed. The transformation I experienced opened my eyes to the multiple facets of intimacy in a relationship with God. LBC helped nurture my relationship with God and unlock the potential needed for me to walk in my God-given confidence.”
Dr. Jennifer Black (’25)
Online, Doctor of Ministry
“The PhD in Leadership program prepared me for the future in numerous ways. The coursework was extremely challenging yet exhilarating. The expertise and invaluable support of my advisor, professors and dissertation committee was second-to-none. This journey expanded my critical thinking skills, strengthened my writing skills, led to discoveries around my topic and deepened my knowledge of Jesus Christ and his ways. The requisite hard work and perseverance allowed me to flourish and to overcome any obstacles along the path. As a result, I am confident that anything else I put my mind to, with the help of God, I will be successful. The fact that I was able to successfully complete this rigorous and demanding program is all due to God. I give him all the glory and the honor for what he has achieved in and through my life. During the first year, my 14-year-old granddaughter suddenly passed away. I was so devastated that I wanted to quit, but through prayer, the Holy Spirit prompted me to continue and to dedicate my work to her. She became my inspiration! God has been and continues to be very good to me through all the ups and downs!”
Dr. Valerie Perry-Cross (’25)
Online, PhD in Leadership
“There are so many things I could say about LBC preparing me for the future. I have made so many connections with people and local theatres, which have opened up job opportunities. But the one thing I acknowledge the most is how LBC helped me solidify a firm foundation in my faith while also receiving knowledge on acting skills and dance and vocal techniques. During my time at LBC, God has worked in my life at different moments. What He taught me during freshman year is very different from senior year. The one lesson I’ll carry with me is the reminder of finding rest through and in Him. My verse that I have been focusing on during my final semester at LBC has been Psalm 23. I have always loved theatre and Jesus so it seemed a perfect fit to come to LBC to study musical theatre and learn more about Christ. I hope to stay in the area and continue to be involved in many aspects of theatre.”
Sydney Hersch (’25)
Lancaster, Bachelor’s, Musical Theatre
“I experienced the importance of applying the biblical principles and views to each class curriculum. This all created balance of life and its principles and theories. The Holy Spirit strengthened me to preserve in spite of the debilitating grief that I experienced in the loss of my 19-year-old granddaughter on January 9. This occurred one day after the beginning of classes. I wanted to quit because it was unfathomable to me that it could happen to such a bright and young lady like my baby granddaughter. The grief that my son experienced was unbearable. I was depressed for three weeks straight and lost my job and was unable to pay for college. But through the workings and the strength of the Holy Spirit, I am at the precipice of completing my degree and now working again full time in my field of senior homecare. Only God can strengthen me to go on after such a grievous loss. … BUT GOD is the source of my strength.”
Cynthia Smith (’25)
Philadelphia, Bachelor’s, Business Administration
“God used professors and other students at LBC to shape me personally and professionally, especially in the areas of leadership and administration. Dr. (Daniel) Hyun’s Personal Spiritual Formation class was particularly impactful in my understanding and application of a rule of life. Jesus captured my heart at age 17 through the Father’s faithful love and the Spirit’s relentless pursuit. Since then, God has opened many doors of ministry through teaching, short-term mission trips, children’s ministry, student ministry and church administration. God has blessed my wife and I through 30-plus years of marriage and four adult daughters and two sons-in-law. We have been actively involved at West Shore Free Church in Mechanicsburg, Pa., since 2002 and I’ve been on staff there since 2014.”
Tim Ryan (’25)
Online, Master of Arts in Ministry