The Lilly Center: Vocational resources for the Furman community
by Ann Quattlebaum

We want to extend a special invitation to interested members of the Furman staff to take advantage of resources available through the Lilly Center (Center for Theological Exploration of Vocation) in Furman Hall 116.

Specific programs are already in place for faculty and students, and more are in the planning stage. The second of three 10-month faculty seminars is under way, and applications are currently being accepted from sophomores for a third service-learning trip to Cuba during spring break. A 12-day residential theology institute for incoming freshmen will be held in June of 2003. A Student Advisory Council is being formed to complement the work of the Center Advisory Council, a 30-member group composed of community members and Furman faculty and students. These councils will determine future programs of the center, including the establishment of intergenerational teams who will work within the local community to alleviate social needs.

Funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the center plans programs and provides materials to help individuals think about life's meaning and purpose. The center's hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Center coordinator Ann Quattlebaum is a licensed counselor with a special interest in the impact of one's religious/spiritual beliefs and values on one's decisions about life. She welcomes anyone interested in short-term personal consultation.

An instrument often used in this process is the Enneagram, a valuable tool that aids in identifying personal gifts and limitations. You are welcome to visit the center to borrow books, videos and periodicals.

A small library in the center contains a variety of popular books on topics relevant to theology and vocation, including Let Your Life Speak by Parker J. Palmer and Callings by Greg Lavoy. Videos that explore contemporary vocational themes, such as Billy Elliott, October Sky and Contact, are also available.

The center maintains subscriptions to The Christian Century and Religion in the News. Copies of articles that students or faculty are reading for the center's seminars are available as well. The center sponsors an annual public colloquium, presenting well-known lecturers who encourage theological exploration of calling.

The next presenter will be Parker J. Palmer, author of The Courage to Teach, Let Your Life Speak and other significant books. His lecture will be April 2 at 8 p.m. in Daniel Chapel. You are invited to attend.