With the Lancaster Bible College Day of Giving just a week away on Friday, Nov. 7, one social work graduate is sharing her story about why she gives back to her alma mater.

Mary (’17) was one of the first graduates of LBC’s then-newly accredited Bachelor of Social Worker program. She attended graduate school at the University of Maryland Baltimore and recently obtained her clinical license, serving with a child and adolescent mobile response team and with a local crisis line. “I still think of my Social Work professors at LBC and the standard of excellence they instilled,” she shared, recalling her first social work opportunity as a certified trauma therapist for youth. 

“I had never seen darkness so permeable,” Mary said. “I spent the first months on my knees pleading with Jesus over the names of my clients. The biblical foundation LBC bestowed was integral in sustaining me to continue to believe in the character and nature of a covenantal God in the midst of a personal Goliath. Today, I know the Spirit of God is with me wherever I go, and I regularly quote Scripture to bring peace into chaos.  

“I was a recipient of an endowment scholarship while at LBC, and it meant so much to me,” she continued. “As I began my career, I knew LBC was a place I believed in supporting, as it left such a rich imprint on my life. For so many, the cost of completing a college education feels insurmountable, as it did for me. I have been proud to see LBC grow from afar and make its mark on society across various fields.” 

Over 24 hours on Nov. 7, LBC will focus on engaging with our alumni, donors, friends, parents and community members to strengthen the Community Scholarship Fund, with a one-day goal of $125,000. The theme for this year’s event is “Deep Roots, Lasting Impact,” which ties to the concept that deep spiritual roots are essential for enduring growth. And just as healthy trees draw life and stability from their roots, Lancaster Bible College students are being grounded in biblical truth – prepared not only for their career calling but also for lives of serving, ministry, leadership and kingdom impact.

Thanks to the generosity of many LBC donors, students are rooted in Scripture through biblically integrated curriculum, built up in faith through discipleship and spiritual formation, established in purpose as they discern and pursue God’s calling and abounding in thanksgiving as your support helps them realize their college dreams.

Give online at lbc.edu/give!