The Geneva College community is sad to hear of the passing of Professor Emeritus Harry Farra on September 24, 2024.
Farra, 1978
Dr. Farra served in many roles during the 41 years he was at Geneva College but may be best known as Chair of the Communications Department.
Notably, Harry served the College in expanding the communications department; including establishing the theatre program, developing campus broadcasting stations, supporting the visual communications programs, and facilitating the creation of the communication disorders program. In 1988, he served as the establishing faculty member of what was then known as the Degree Completion Program.
Dr. Farra with his fellow Speech Department Faculty, 1981
Dr. Farra received a BA in Communication from Northwestern College, an MDiv from Bethel Theological Seminary, and a Master's in Communication from the University of Minnesota. He studied for his doctorate in Theater at the University of Pittsburgh and received his PhD in Rhetoric and Communication from Pennsylvania State University.
Beyond his rigorous academic training and service, Harry Farra regularly served as a visiting pastor, published four books, regularly contributed to news sources, and worked with his wife (Vonnie) in Haiti to provide educational opportunities for children.
This quote from Barry Davis ’75 best communicates the tremendous impact that Dr. Farra had on many of his students:
