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February 11, 2008

To Members of the Emory Community:

It is with great sadness that I share with you the news that one of Emory's
most respected teachers and leaders, Eleanor C. Main, has passed away after
a short illness.

There is no way to fully prepare for the death of a friend, colleague,
mentor or teacher. In every instance it just seems too soon. I join the rest
of the community in mourning the death of our dear Eleanor.

Like all of us who were so profoundly touched by Eleanor Main there is a
vacant place in my heart that only time will heal and memories will fill.

As we slowly move to that point in time I am reminded that Eleanor
exemplified the very best that this institution has to offer: an unflinching
love and commitment to the place, its people and values; a belief that the
future, with hard work and bold action, would be better than the past; and
a caring, yet, honest, realism.

Over more than three decades Eleanor was a leader, whether as scholar,
teacher, administrator or mentor. The mark of a leader is that they made
the place better.  Because of her Emory is better and because of her we are
better, too.

Eleanor, thank you for your easy laugh, generous heart, profound leadership,
and love of this place called Emory.


Sincerely,

Earl Lewis
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs