LCC International University > News and Events > FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
2021-02-24
What a difference a year makes!
A year ago this week (February 2020), I flew to North America. I spent a wonderful week, visiting LCC friends. I was in British Columbia,* and I remember hearing about the spread of this strange virus just south of the border, in Washington State.
(*See photo of Marlene’s last dinner party in North America, in February 2020.)
Fast forward to today . . .
LCC is happening fully online.
Many of our students are scattered around the world, in their home countries.
More than 200 of our students are living in the residence halls on campus.
All of our classes are online.
Our chapel services are online.
Our creative programming for students is online.
Our admissions work is online.
Our fundraising work is online.
Our basketball games can be watched only online.
Our board meetings are online.
Our graduations have been online.
In fact, in Lithuania, a country on lockdown, we are restricted to only two people outside together, no travel between cities, only grocery stores open . . . for two full months already.
Despite all of these “I can’t believe this is our reality!” statements, God continues to walk alongside us, as we seek to be His servants in this place called LCC International University.
How do I know this?
In the past 2 weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to visit with several LCC students . . . in separate online calls. In each case, the student (whether currently on campus or far away in their home country) has expressed gratitude for the caring community of LCC.
I’ve heard stories of new student friendships forming, between students who were “randomly” assigned to the same breakout rooms online.
I hear alumni stories being shared with current students, encouraging them to focus on the values being taught at LCC.
I note the simple appreciation of walks to the sea.
I hear from professors who are testing their online creativity skills in order to encourage students.
As we move into the middle of the Spring 2021 semester, we wonder what the summer will hold for our students. Will any of them have the opportunity to work, to help off-set their university costs? Will this be their second summer in a row of no employment?
This year’s budget was increased significantly in order to assist students with financial need, particularly because of their difficult family situations and because they were unable to find summer employment.
We are seeking a 25% increase in our Annual Fund this year because of our desire to help our students.
Consider being part of this thriving Christ-centered community through your financial support.
And . . . consider joining us for an upcoming Zoom Coffee event, where we will share several campus updates, including through the voices of our students!
Thank you!
The donor community that supports LCC has been faithful in consistently supporting the mission of LCC through financial giving. Thank you!
God working through you—the LCC donors—is the reason that the LCC community thrives, with the largest student body in our history. We have much to be grateful for, even online.
Ačiū / Thank You!
Marlene Wall
President
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