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B.J. Schneck (wschneck@greenville.edu)
Assistant Director of Public Relations
Greenville College
(618) 664-6621

Greenville College Presents Minshall Servant Leadership Award to Ruth and the Late Frank Joy, Sr.

GREENVILLE, ILL. - Greenville College recently honored the 2001 recipients of the John and Shirley Minshall Servant Leader Award - Ruth and the late Frank Joy, Sr. of Greenville. They are fifth couple to receive the award, succeeding the Minshalls, Howard and Anita Krober, Jake and Maxine Whitlock, and Watson and Bonnie Tidball.

Established by former president Robert E. Smith in 1996, the award recognizes people who embody humility and service as exemplified by Jesus Christ when He took the towel and washed the feet of His disciples. Greenville College displays an on-campus reminder of this act with a statue of the "Divine Servant" in the center of Ganton Circle. Each year, Greenville College grants the Minshall Award to people who serve in commendable ways - often behind the scenes or in ways that recognition is less likely to occur.

The association of the Joy family with Greenville College dates back to the earliest years of the institution. Frank was the third generation of his family to serve on the Greenville College Board of Trustees, spending twenty-six years (1968-1994) as a member. He was treasurer of the board as well, following his father and grandfather in the capacity. In 1992, the Alumni Association presented Frank with their Distinguished Alumnus Award. He passed away October 17, 2001 at the age of 86.

Members of the Greenville College classes of 1937 and 1938, Frank and Ruth have also been active in the Greenville community. They taught Sunday School at the First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, and Frank served as an elder and trustee. Frank was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club in Greenville and a past school board member. Most of Frank's working career was spent at the Bradford National Bank where he was a senior vice president, trust officer, and board member.

Generous contributors, the Joys have not only provided financial resources but they have also offered their time, talent, and prayer in support of their family, the church, and the college. They have three children - Emily (Joy) Watson, Anne (Joy) Rimer, and Frank Joy, Jr. - five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Last updated: November 27, 2001