Giving Stories

Rev. George A. Burn, M. Div, BCC

"My wife, Paula, and I are donors to The Foundation for Mount Nittany Medical Center. This has been important to us because we’ve been able to designate our pledge to my program, Pastoral Care, while showing our encouragement for the people who make our Medical Center great. Further, as a Mount Nittany Medical Center employee, I recognize my significant obligation to set a good example for those who follow me."

"As the Director of Pastoral Care at Mount Nittany Medical Center for the past 18 years, I have experienced the professional and physical growth of our institution from what was a small community hospital into a vibrant and technologically superior Medical Center with high marks for medical skills, as well as consistently high marks from our patients. I am privileged to have been a part of this journey, and I am proud of what has been accomplished during this period."

"When I began working here in December 1990 as the first full-time chaplain, I convened a Pastoral Care Advisory Committee—comprised of key hospital personnel and community clergy—to develop a true Pastoral Care Program."

"There are currently eight Pastoral Care Volunteers who serve in the department visiting newly admitted patients and their families. While that is our principle role, the Medical Center also sponsors the critical Growing through Loss Bereavement Program at no cost to the community. During these sessions, we work toward the emotional healing of those who are dealing with the painful losses associated with the death of a loved one. Hundreds of families have been served during the 11 years we have offered the program."

"We have offered patient funerals and officiated at many community and staff weddings. In short, as the Medical Center has grown, spiritual care has become firmly integrated into the fabric of this Medical Center. Further, our mission extends beyond the building walls and into the community. We give lectures, train congregations and have played a training role in the ordainment of several Episcopal priests. What began as a small dream has become a successful and well-regarded spiritual program that has received both statewide and national recognition."

"Paula and I are proud to have been associated with Mount Nittany Medical Center, and to have had the opportunity to pay tribute to this outstanding Medical Center by making a gift."