CF to host rescheduled naming ceremony in memory of Ira Holmes

The late Ira Holmes. [Photo courtesy College of Central Florida]

The College of Central Florida, in partnership with the city of Ocala, will host a special naming ceremony on Oct. 29 to dedicate a humanities and social sciences classroom in memory of Ira Holmes. The event previously was set for Oct. 8. The beloved professor passed away on June 9 at the age of 90.

Holmes 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 will be the location for series film screenings, which are 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.

The naming event will begin at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Ocala Campus, Building 8, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala. CF President Jim Henningsen will deliver dedication remarks and Ocala City Manager Pete Lee will present a city of Ocala proclamation. Ira Holmes International Film Series director Wendy Adams will lead the sharing of memories plus a special presentation by Holmes’ daughter, Amanda Concha-Holmes, 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.”

Guests are asked to RSVP at cf.edu.ira