CF to Host Naming Ceremony in Memory of Ira Holmes

The College of Central Florida, in partnership with the City of Ocala, will host a special naming ceremony dedicating a Humanities and Social Sciences classroom in memory of Ira Holmes. The event will take place Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m. at the Ocala Campus, Building 8, 3001 S.W. College Road.

The beloved professor, who passed away on June 9 at age 90, joined the CF faculty in 1962. He started the Ira Holmes International Film Series more than 60 years ago to share his lifelong passion with the community. The newly named Ira Holmes Classroom is the location for series film screenings open to CF students and the community.

Holmes, known for his love of art, travel, lifelong learning and cultural studies, led more than two dozen study tours to Europe. He was one of the first members of the Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board, serving more than 40 years and assisting with numerous landmark projects including the Reilly Arts Center and Marion Theatre renovations. Just a few days before his passing, the City of Ocala was preparing a proclamation recognizing Holmes’ years of service.

At the 6 p.m. event, CF President Dr. Jim Henningsen will deliver dedication remarks, and Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano and Ocala City Manager Pete Lee will present the City of Ocala proclamation. 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 series will kick off with a screening of “The Seventh Seal.” The 1957 Swedish historical fantasy film was selected by Holmes as “a message of hope for us all.”

RSVP requested at CF.edu/Ira.