It is with heavy hearts, yet with firm hope in our sovereign God, that Handong International Law School (HILS) announces the passing of our beloved Professor Ed Purnell. Professor Purnell was called home to be with his Lord on June 27, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of faithfulness, diligent service, and profound impact on countless lives touched by God's grace through him.

Professor Purnell faithfully served at HILS from 2011 to 2023, generously sharing the gifts and wisdom God had bestowed upon him with our students. Before his dedicated tenure at HILS, the Lord prepared him through an impressive career in the legal and financial sectors. He began as an associate and eventually rose to become a partner at the esteemed Jones Day law firm from 1990 to 2010, serving in their Cleveland and Chicago offices. Prior to that, he held a banking role at Manufacturers Hanover Trust in both New York and Seoul, where he reached the position of Vice-President of the International Division.

His journey to Korea was part of God's perfect plan, beginning when he served in the US Peace Corps from 1976 to 1978. It was during this time in Korea that, by God's grace, he not only developed a deep affection for the country but was also blessed to meet his beloved wife, Mrs. Inwoo Purnell (née Lee).

Professor Purnell was a man of remarkable intellect and academic achievement, attributes he humbly used for God's glory. He earned his undergraduate degree in English from Princeton University, a Master's degree from the American Graduate School of International Management, and his Juris Doctor (JD) from Harvard Law School.

At HILS, Professor Purnell was not merely an instructor; he was a faithful steward of his calling, a mentor who guided students with wisdom rooted in truth. He taught a diverse range of subjects, including Bankruptcy, Contracts, Contract Drafting, International Tax, and International Commercial Transactions. His courses were consistently oversubscribed, a clear testimony to the effectiveness of his teaching and the high regard in which students held his Christ-like character. His excellence was further recognized through an unprecedented four Teacher of the Year awards (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2023), a testament to the fruit of his academic labor.

Beyond the classroom, Professor Purnell, alongside Mrs. Purnell, was diligent in ministry, leading Bible studies and mentoring numerous students, sowing seeds of faith and wisdom. Many HILS alumni often recount how the practical approach to Contract Drafting he imparted provided them with a distinct advantage in job interviews, a tangible blessing that contributed to their career successes, reflecting the Lord's provision through his teaching.

Professor Purnell truly embodied the fruits of the Spirit as revealed in Galatians 5, living as a true Christian gentleman who walked humbly with his God. He was a wonderful role model, demonstrating steadfast faith and integrity to all HILS students and alumni. We at HILS offer our heartfelt thanks to Almighty God for the life and profound work Professor Purnell poured into our community. We rejoice that he is now at rest, in the presence of our Lord and Savior, and we pray for God's comforting grace upon Mrs. Purnell and all who mourn his passing, knowing we do not grieve as those who have no hope.

링크 공유