LCC International University is committed to offering a safe space for students to study, to earn their degrees, and to participate in community. As a Christian university, LCC’s mission and vision align with Jesus’ teachings about a just world for all people, including marginalized university aged students. 

In 2016, LCC’s board of directors launched the Middle East Scholars program offering students from the Middle East, particularly war-affected students, financial and person assistance to begin or continue their university education at LCC. Students from Syria, Afghanistan, or Iraq have often had interrupted university experiences due to upheavals, war, or economic hardships.

“High-potential candidates whose opportunity for study has been disrupted by war and violence are identified as LCC works in partnership with UNHCR, NGOs, and various humanitarian organizations. LCC‘s Middle East Scholars program has been applauded by UNHCR” (LCC Website, March 2025).

Recently, Dr. Marlene Wall, President of LCC, partnered with Olga Dietlin and Esther Pruitt, two professors at Wheaton College to author an academic article about how institutions, including LCC, welcome refugee students to campus and provide a quality, caring environment for them to thrive. Read the full article for a deeper perspective of the history and current accommodations for war-affected university students globally.

Title: Education as empathy: Creating welcoming spaces for students from refugee backgrounds in higher education.

Abstract: This article explores the response of higher education to the global refugee crisis, highlighting the notably low 6% enrollment rate for individuals with refugee backgrounds. We discuss the struggles of refugee students and trace the evolving support efforts by humanitarian and educational organizations. Recognizing the daunting task of identifying actionable steps in the face of extensive displacement, we introduce LCC International University in Europe as a model of effective engagement. We conclude that while policy frameworks are foundational, the real transformation within higher education stems from the actions of individuals, emphasizing the role of compassion in rehumanizing education.

Full citation:

Dietlin, O., Pruitt, E., & Wall, M. (2025). Education as empathy: Creating welcoming spaces for students from refugee backgrounds in higher education. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 2025; 0:1–8

https://doi.org/10.1002/tl.20639