GIC director follows "calling"

Burnley resigns afterBurnley resigns aftertwo years as directorBurnley resigns aftertwo years as directorfor ministry in Ohio After two years of serving the University community as the Greenfield Intercultural Center Director, Lawrence Burnley is following a "calling" to Cleveland, Ohio. Burnley said he has accepted an appointment to become Secretary for Racial and Ethnic Constituency Education and Development for the Common Global Mission Board of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church. "I did not plan to leave Penn so soon," he said. "I greatly enjoyed being here, but I missed being able to work with spirituality." According to Burnley, GIC sponsors lectures, films and other activities for students at the University. GIC also houses offices of the United Minorities Council's organizations. The GIC, which is located at 3708 Chestnut St., is a center of cultural resources, a center for stimulating intergroup dialogue and discussion and a center for advocating the needs of students of color, according to Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta. "It is a warm, comfortable and inclusive place," Moneta said. But not all students take advantage of the GIC, Burnley said. He explained that there is a common misconception that the GIC is only for students of color. As a result, students of color are the primary students that utilize the facility. "We are always trying to find ways to get the word out that the center is here," he said. "The location makes the task difficult." Burnley, an ordained minister, initially worked for the University as the Associate Director of the Christian Association. Beginning July 1, Burnley will be based at the United Church of Christ International Headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. "I wasn't even searching for a new job," he said. "I think God was calling for me to take this position. It is definitely going to be difficult to leave because of the many close ties I have formed with faculty and students here at Penn." Moneta is heading a search for the new GIC director . Although Burnley says he has no idea who might fill his void, he hopes that a replacement will be found by the beginning of the fall term. "The place is always bustling in the evenings," Burnley said. "Student groups hold their meetings, rehearsals, discussions and movie nights at the GIC."