David McFarland, emeritus professor and former department chair, passed away in late October 2016 here in Chapel Hill. David received his A.B. degree from Millsaps College in 1953 and his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in 1963. He came to UNC in 1964 after a year on the faculty at Princeton University. He served as chair of the department from 1968 to 1975, and retired from the faculty in 2002 after 38 years of influential teaching and research.
Christina Benson, class of 1977 and Economics major, is a former student of David’s. Her thoughts are shared by many who knew him: “Professor McFarland epitomized what makes UNC a special place. He brought humor and warmth to his classrooms and took a keen interest and pleasure in his students’ well-being and successes after they left UNC. His wise counsel and advice were instrumental in my career, and for that I am ever grateful.”
There will be a celebration of his life at the Carolina Inn on 15 January 2017 from 1 to 3 pm. If you have memories of David that you’d like to share, please come join in.