Many students come to Lancaster Bible College thinking the journey will be straightforward. Go to class, meet new friends and graduate. For many, this is reality. But for many others, their journey looks different. For Jennifer Story (’04 & ’25), Manager of Editorial Services in the Office of Digital Learning at LBC, her journey has been unique from the beginning.
Jay and Jennifer Story will mark a special graduation in 2025 – walking the Commencement stage together!
Starting at LBC in the fall of 1997, Jennifer is finally graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies in LBC’s Class of 2025. She will walk the stage alongside her daughter, Joanna “Jay” Story (’25).
“I had dreams of being a published music arranger back in high school, which led me to take music theory classes at LBC,” Jennifer shared. “I was only able to attend by taking one class at a time, so I focused on all the program-specific classes in the Church Music major.”
In 2004, Jennifer walked across the LBC stage for the first time, earning a one-year certificate from LBC. This year was special for the Story family, because Jennifer and Jay got to walk across the stage together then too – in a way.
Jennifer Story first graduated from LBC back in 2004.
“This isn’t the first time she and I have graduated together – sort of,” Jennifer said. “I was 8 months pregnant with Joanna when I walked, or waddled, to receive the one-year LBC certificate. That was a special year because my sister, Kimberlee (Grubb ’04) Clark ’04, and sister-in-law, Shara (Brown ’04) Jameson, both graduated then as well.”
After this, Jennifer shifted her focus to other areas of life, such as being a mom and homeschooling her children.
Over the years, Jennifer thought about finishing her degree, but the timing wasn’t ever quite right. She took classes on and off when her children were young. Then in 2023, she felt that the Lord was telling her it was the time to complete the goal.
“When I restarted this portion of my educational journey, I decided to just try to get my associate degree,” Jennifer said. “After the first online class, I felt successful enough – ‘OK, I think I can do this’ — to push for my bachelor’s. I ended up pursuing the Biblical Studies degree online because of the accelerated pace and flexibility.
“It’s quite the achievement to pack a four-year degree into 27 years,” she laughed.
The journey was never easy. The years were long and challenging. But Jennifer persevered because she felt the Lord had put it on her heart to do it.
“The past couple of years were hard! I had some health challenges right as I was getting started with my classes, my dad had cancer, then both of my parents had major surgery, my husband had a job change, we had a church transition – a lot was going on in my life,” Jennifer shared, “From a human viewpoint, it was not a good time to take on going back to college. I’m grateful for my family and friends who were extremely supportive. I have a lot of empathy for our online students who balance work, family, ministry and challenges like this – or more difficult – and keep pressing on. This process has given me tremendous perspective about what our students experience, which I have been able to use in my work for the Office of Digital Learning.”
Jay’s journey has looked quite different, graduating with her degree in Communication in just three years. She reflects on how rewarding it will be to walk across the stage with her mom by her side.
“After three years, I will finally have my degree in my hands, and I’m so glad my mom will also be holding her finished degree,” Jay said. “We’ve both put in a lot of work to make it to May, and it will be so nice to finally receive what we’ve worked towards. My mom has always been very dedicated and passionate about her studies and has always made the most of each class. Seeing her determination to give her all in every single assignment for every single class encouraged me in my own work.”
Jennifer and her husband, Micah (’98), also an LBC alumnus and longtime college employee until 2025, celebrate on campus more than 20 years ago.
LBC’s May 3 Commencement ceremony will be filled with emotions for the Story family. Proud dad and husband, Micah Story (’98), will be cheering on both his daughter and his wife. “Being able to reach the finish line and graduate with Joanna now is precious,” Jennifer said. “We’re so proud of her and how hard she has worked. It’s been a joy to see her gifts and skills bloom. I’m probably going to be ugly crying from the first note of ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ until the end.”
After graduation, the two plan to spend time with family from out of town who are coming to celebrate in their achievements. Following this, they have exciting plans to wrap up their educational journeys. “Our immediate family is going to Italy as a graduation gift for the two of us,” Jay shared. “I’m looking forward to not having to check my Canvas to-do list every night – also maybe matching tattoos!” Jennifer, however, is still on the fence about the tattoo.
While Jay plans to pursue a career in the communication field, hopefully in grant writing or publishing, Jennifer sums up her educational experience in one word: faithful.
“God wants us to be faithful to do what He asks us to do,” she said. “I don’t know why this was the time to finish my degree. I don’t know the purposes for which the Lord will use it. I just knew that the nudge was there, and despite it being really tough going sometimes, I tried to be faithful. I might have done some grumbling and complaining, though. But even when I am faithless, God is faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). He is faithful to walk you through whatever circumstances you find yourself in (Isaiah 25:1). He is faithful to His promises (Hebrews 10:23). He is faithful in His provision (Philippians 4:19). ‘He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it’ (1 Thessalonians 5:24).”