OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The College of Central Florida (CF) honor a “beloved” professor at a special naming ceremony.
The college will be hosting the ceremony in partnership with the City of Ocala in memory of Professor Ira Holmes, who passed away on June 9 at the age of 90.
Holmes joined the faculty at what was then known as Central Florida Junior College back in 1962. There is where he started the Ira Holmes International Film Series to share his lifelong passion of filmmaking with the community.
CF remembers Holmes for his love of art, travel, lifelong learning and cultural studies. During his time at CF, he led more than two dozen study tours to Europe. He is also recognized as one of the first members of the Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board, a position he served for more than 40 years.
Holmes also assisted with landmark projects including the Reilly Arts Center and Marion Theatre renovations.
The City of Ocala says it was preparing a proclamation recognizing Holmes’ years of service just a few days before his passing.
The college will now be dedicating a humanities and social sciences classroom in his memory. CF says the classroom will be the location for series film screenings that will be open to its students and the community.
The event is scheduled to take place Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m. at CF’s Ocala Campus, Building 8, 3001 S.W. College Rd.
CF President Dr. Jim Henningsen is set to deliver dedication remarks.
Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano and Ocala City Manager Pete Lee will present the City of Ocala proclamation.
CF says at 6:30 p.m., Ira Holmes International Film Series director Wendy Adams will lead the sharing of memories, and at 7 p.m., the 2024-2025 edition of the series will begin with a screening of “The Seventh Seal,” a fantasy film that Holmes said is a “message of hope for us all.”
Those who wish to attend the event can RSVP here.