At Lancaster Bible College, Student Caregivers play a vital role in shaping the student experience. These dedicated individuals walk alongside students, providing mentorship, encouragement and spiritual guidance throughout the college journey. Whether through casual conversations over meals, intentional discipleship or simply serving as a listening ear, Student Caregivers leave a lasting impact on the lives of students at LBC.
Meet the seven caregivers who impact LBC:
LBC Student Caregiver Don Alban
Lancaster School of the Bible alumnus Don Alban (’62 & ’64) has spent more than 35 years teaching college students in and out of the classroom. “Students often spent quality time in our home, playing games or discussing personal or impersonal matters of importance,” he said. “Very personal relationships developed and to this day, we continue to receive visits with them and/or correspond via the internet.”
LBC Student Caregiver Zofia Beers
Zofia Beers shares a similar passion for walking alongside students, particularly young women. “It’s not as much about trying to impact the students, but rather just meeting them where they’re at and connecting with them as a friend,” she explained. “I share about what the Lord has done in my life and pray that He is able to use me as an encouragement to them in their own walk.” For Beers, this role is deeply personal, as she finds purpose in pouring into students’ lives. “With me being a widow, it gives me a purpose … I’m able to love them and just pour into them. They are all so beautiful, and I love being able to see each of the unique gifts and talents the Lord has placed within them for His glory!”
LBC Student Caregiver George Nichols
George Nichols actively seeks out students in communal areas, fostering relationships through intentional conversations. “I attract students by meeting them in the Student Center after chapel and at lunch. I ask if I can join them, seek to know their name, major and year. Usually, they are very open to me,” Nichols shared. His approach allows students to share their experiences, challenges and joys in a relaxed and friendly environment.
LBC Student Caregiver Sandy Outlar
For Sandy Outlar, it is a joy to experience the uniqueness of each student. “What I enjoy most about being a student caregiver is my delight in seeing students express their unique personalities and their receptivity to thoughts or ideas that I might share with them and the joy of knowing that God might use me to contribute something in their lives that might grow them in their walk with the Lord,” Outlar shared. “I deeply appreciate the God given creativity that abides in the lives of the students I meet. The casual setting of a campus like LBC makes for a great setting for meeting with students.”
LBC Student Caregiver Robert Reid
Bob Reid, who joined LBC in 2012 as a Pastor at Large, which was the original name for Student Caregivers, describes his ministry as a place where students can receive guidance, encouragement and support. “Perhaps the thing I enjoy most in the role of a student caregiver is seeing a student mature in Christ during their time at LBC,” Reid shared. “Some students come to college uncertain as to what God has for their life. To see them flourish as they interact with the Word of God and relate it to their life and calling gives me great joy.”
LBC Student Caregiver Marilyn Retamar
Marilyn Retamar, who serves as the Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President at LBC as well as in the role of Student Caregiver, explains her joy in serving students. “As a Student Caregiver, I view myself not only as a mentor but also as someone who walks alongside students, guiding them in their faith journey,” she shared. “We experience life on campus together, discussing both their challenges and triumphs while aligning those experiences with biblical teachings. Through prayer, I help students grow spiritually, and I’ve seen firsthand how God’s transformative power impacts their lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their growth, and in turn, their journey sharpens me, like iron sharpening iron.”
LBC Student Caregiver Dan White
Dan White, who has been a Student Caregiver for over a decade, also emphasizes the importance of helping students develop a biblical worldview. “I try to engage students and help them to think and live a biblical worldview and to proclaim Christ by serving Him in the Church and society,” he shared. For White, mentoring is about long-term relationships, and he finds joy in seeing how God uses his experiences to minister to students.
See how one Caregiver relationship deeply impacted a student…
The Student Caregivers at Lancaster Bible College embody a Christ-centered approach to mentorship, as well as fostering an intergenerational connection that supports students spiritually, academically and personally. Whether through one-on-one discipleship, casual conversations or lifelong relationships, these caregivers are making a difference – one student at a time.
Their influence does not fade when graduation caps are tossed into the air, it lingers in the hearts of those they have guided, prayed over and walked beside. Because of LBC’s Student Caregivers’ faithfulness, students leave LBC not just with knowledge but also with wisdom, courage and a deeper love for Christ that will carry them into the world longer after their days on campus.