This past July, the late David Farr, a beloved History Professor and colleague, was honoured with a bench installed on campus, located near the Richcraft Building.
Read more about Professor Farr in “The Late David Farr, Admired Carleton Professor, Honoured with Bench Installation” by Matt Gergyek of the Carleton Newsroom. Some excerpts of the article are included below.
“The bench symbolizes more than anything David’s devotion to Carleton,” says Duncan McDowall, a close friend and colleague of Farr.
Even after officially retiring in 1987, Farr maintained a strong presence on campus, a sort of “welcoming office on his own,” says Dominique Marshall, current chair of Carleton’s History Department.
“He was the most faithful retired colleague you can imagine,” she adds. “Every time a new faculty member was hired, he would have lunch with them to chat about their interests, their work.”
In 2002, Farr received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Carleton at Spring Convocation, where he gave a memorable address to graduates – passing on all the advice he had picked up on his journey through life.
Farr encouraged the graduates to try and understand other people’s point of view, even if it is hard to swallow, and pushed the students to make their own path in life while recognizing the achievements and hard work of others. He also touted the importance of good communication and writing skills in any discipline.
“As you go out into the world remember Carleton, speak well of it and cherish it … you are inheritors of a proud tradition,” he said in his speech.