Your Study Center Story

Planned Giving | Photo Archive

As we prepare for our future ministry in a new, larger space, we are eager to record the many memories we have about the Study Center’s history. These stories are so encouraging to others – the many alumni, parents, friends, and students who come through the doors at 128 Chancellor Street. 

Would you like to share your story of how the Study Center impacted you (or your child)? 

Set up an interview

Submit your preferences for an interview time and we’ll be in touch! 

Submit your story

Would you rather type up your own story? Click the button to submit.

  • A bride and groom standing on a mountain with a scenic lake and rugged mountains in the background, surrounded by clouds.

    Austin & Anna Lockwood


    My husband Austin and I met at UVA in 2013 in Cru. We connected further through ultimate frisbee and the Study Center Beach Week. Austin asked Econ Professor Lee Coppock to disciple him during his First Year in 2012. They met regularly and have kept up since.

    We were honored to ask him to officiate our sunrise wedding ceremony in Vail, CO last year. The Study Center and Lee's influence were so formative during our time at UVA and have continued past graduation.

  • A middle-aged man with short dark brown hair, glasses, and a slight smile, wearing a suit, with a colorful blurred background.

    Hugh Comer


    When my wife and I came to Darden, we went to a DCF event and immediately connected with several people and instantly had a community. I also connected with Drew Trotter through DCF and he was really helpful in thinking through the concept of vocational calling as a Christian.

    Years later, my daughter is now the head of a Study Center in Illinois! It’s amazing how the connection carried through from my time at Darden to her career now.

  • A family of four outdoors celebrating a graduation, with a young man wearing a cap and gown, and his parents standing beside him.

    Paul Diemer


    With Darden's rigorous education program, it would have been easy to put my faith pursuit on pause, but involvement with DCF consistently compelled me to integrate my study of business with a Christian worldview. As a business leader now with over 20 years of experience, I am so grateful for how my involvement with DCF fostered the passion for integrity, excellence and service that has shaped my career. As a husband and father, I am humbled by the way I was mentored and encourage by DCF leadership to strike a proper balance in my work and family life to faithfully invest in all my relationships.

    With our two sons attending UVA and involved with the Christian community on grounds, we continue to be so grateful for the role the Study Center plays as a safe place for students to "work out their faith" and gain insights that will prove foundational for their educational studies.

  • Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with wavy blonde hair and blue eyes.

    Holly Vradenburgh


    Law School is three years of non-stop, full throttle intensity, so LCF was a cherished opportunity to slow down a little with people who shared my faith and wanted to walk with me through that season. I didn’t have any lawyers in my family, so I am grateful to LCF for facilitating discovery of what it looked like to be a Christian in legal practice and to hear reflections from practicing attorneys about uniques challenges and opportunities in store.