Alumni gift supports vocation and self-discovery

For the last five years, the Living Well Center for Vocation and Purpose has helped students discover how their unique talents can make the world around them a better place. Now, thanks to the generosity of the Rev. Palmer Clemmer ’74 and wife Cynthia Long Clemmer ’73, Lenoir-Rhyne will be able to ensure and expand the center’s mission for years to come.

The Center for Vocation and Purpose is dedicated to supporting students in finding their calling. The Lutheran understanding of vocation affirms that every person regardless of background or belief is uniquely gifted and called to serve others.

“Vocation is more than work. Your vocation is where your gifts intersect with the community’s greatest needs,” said Laura Crawley, Ph.D., vice president for mission, engagement and innovation. “Thanks to their generosity, the center will now be able to nurture every student as they develop their sense of vocation throughout their educational journey at LR.”

The Clemmer-Long Center for Vocation and Purpose will remain located in the Rhyne Building at the heart of campus. The space will undergo a renovation that will improve physical accessibility, comfort and access to technology, including a purpose-built entrance with a front patio. The center will continue to host activities, conversations, group activities and guests to guide students as they learn and grow into their authentic selves and explore ways to serve others.

“We’re preparing students for life beyond LR through sharing stories and through reflection, intentional thought about who they are as individuals. Through this process we discern how our abilities can be used to serve others — whether that happens on a small or large scale, it’s about using what you have to make the world better,” explained Debbie Tonnesen, director of the Center for Vocation and Purpose.

The added funding will allow the center to expand these efforts across all three Lenoir-Rhyne campuses and integrate reflective practices, leadership strategies and effective communication approaches for a unified student experience and sustained impact.

Students like Sarah Attalla ’23 have already found the benefit of the experience and service the center provides. “My career goal is physical therapy. It’s what led me to major in exercise science, and it’s what I want to study in grad school, but vocation is about purpose, God’s purpose for me, and for me that is to be the sunshine on a rainy day for other people. I love making people happy.”

Chris Wilson ’24 has always been active in his church, but the Center gave him a space to see how he could best follow his vocation to give a voice to younger generations.

“I was a music education major when I started at LR, and it took some time for me to figure out my calling. I always wanted to work with young people, but I decided I wanted to do that from the angle of youth and family ministry,” he said.

While the processes of learning, reflection and spiritual development, and the drive to serve others, are rooted in Lutheran theology, the center encourages interfaith and intercultural dialogue. The Clemmer-Long Center for Vocation and Purpose will continue to support vocational discernment for all students regardless of their personal beliefs. Tonnesen points out the process of discernment is relevant to all faiths and systems of belief, and the center welcomes everyone.

“We all have unique talents and skills, and whether you’re religious or not, you’re called to use those skills and talents to improve the world around you.”