s editor of THE RECORD it is my responsibility to shape the direction of each issue – to take the pulse of campus and try to determine the best stories to share with our alumni and friends. We could have told you about Stephanie Smith ’06 and her recent label signing with Gotee Records as well as the ministry to teen girls I believe God has in mind for her. We could have featured The Rwanda Project and other student missions efforts with the local Habitat for Humanity project, Katrina relief and in Guatemala.

We could have directed your attention to the numerous awards garnered by our Management students this past year, including first place in the St. Louis Collegiate Investment Management Contest, a four-year competition in which GC topped second place St. Louis University. Or we could have given you a behind-the-scenes look at the 30th AgapeFest held April 27-28.

Greenville College and community leaders from “TEAM ELLEN” surround Jim and Ellen Mannoia (center) with support prior to participating in the St. Louis Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

We did sneak in a news brief or two regarding some of these noteworthy events and achievements, but for others you’ll have to wait for the fall issue. It became clear to me late this spring that it was time to tell another story ... one that recognizes suffering, perseverance, character and – above all – HOPE (Romans 5:3-4).

In this issue we chose to share a well-written, frontpage article detailing Ellen’s battle with recurring breast cancer, reprinted with permission of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, in addition to Board of Trustees Chairman Craig Tidball’s comments honoring Ellen with the naming of Ellen J. Mannoia Hall (formerly College Avenue Residence Hall) and Ellen’s own words about her journey in an excerpt from her
2000 Baccalaureate address.

Romans 5:5 reminds us that “hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” As Ellen’s physical body continued to decline – and many of her friends, family and members of the college and city communities struggled with disappointment and sadness – Ellen’s spirit called us to hope. Her smile, evident in many photos on her blog (see www.splashblog.com/ellenmannoia), honesty and strength put a mesmerizing face on endurance, pain and fear.

With Ellen’s family and friends we “rejoice in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2) as He continues to reveal Himself through this journey. I am sad Ellen did not get to see the final version of what was the “Honoring Ellen” issue, but she did get to see the proofs and was aware of our plans to share her story. As we grieve the loss of Ellen on this earth, we also celebrate her life … and pray for the Spirit of God to bring His hope en masse – to Jim, to their son, Jim, and wife Lyla, to their daughter, Eva Marie, and husband Brandon, to their extended family and to the many GC alumni and friends who have offered their support and prayers.

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