Distinguished Service Award

William Farrar

Dr. William B. Farrar dedicated nearly five decades to The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) as a surgical oncologist, cancer researcher and medical administrator, helping elevate the cancer program to an internationally recognized institution.

During his tenure, Dr. Farrar served as Director of the Division of Surgical Oncology for 28 years and established the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, the first free-standing, multi-disciplinary breast center at OSUCCC – James. He was appointed interim CEO of the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute in 2017 and assumed the permanent role in 2019, serving until his retirement in May 2022. Over his career, he performed more than 20,000 cancer operations, treating nearly every type of cancer except brain cancer.

In that time, Dr. Farrar led the oncology fellowship program at Ohio State and The James, training more than 71 fellows who have since become leaders in the field.

On a national level, Dr. Farrar served as President of the U.S. National Committee for the International Union Against Cancer and as Principal Investigator for the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Clinical Trial group at Ohio State. He also contributed to numerous national committees, including the Training Directions Committee for the Society of Surgical Oncology, the Joint Council for Advanced Training in Head and Neck Oncology Surgery, the American College of Surgeons Committee on Cancer, and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.

Beyond his professional contributions, Dr. Farrar has been a steadfast supporter of The James, building strong relationships with donors, board members, and colleagues and inspiring others to join his efforts. Even in retirement, he continues to serve on The OSUCCC – James Foundation Board, contributing his experience and expertise.

Dr. Farrar earned his bachelor's degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and his MD from the University of Virginia. He and his wife of fifty years, Kathryn, have four children and seven grandchildren.

Elizabeth B. Germain and Richard B. Germain

Libby and Rick Germain have devoted their philanthropy, talents and energy to a wide variety of programs and initiatives at The Ohio State University, including Student Life, Athletics, The James Cancer Hospital, Pelotonia and the Foundation Board.

Mrs. Germain actively supports The Ohio State University in a variety of ways. She currently serves as a director on The Ohio State University Foundation Board and has served as a member of The James Foundation Board since 2015. Beyond her involvement with Ohio State, she serves as Board Chair for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation, among other community activities.

Mr. Germain spent his career experiencing progressive growth in the automotive industry. He is the owner of Germain Automotive Partnership, which currently operates 17 locations with 1,300 employees across Ohio, Florida and Michigan. He serves as a board member of Recreation Unlimited. Under his leadership, Germain Automotive formed a Pelotonia team that will celebrate its 10th year in 2025.

A high philanthropic priority for the Germains has been supporting Ohio State’s efforts to recruit and retain top physicians. They contributed generously to the Cancer Strategic Support Fund, allowing The James to embark upon a bold recruiting process to attract top talent. The Germains also supported the Cellular Therapy and Cancer Immunology Program, a collaboration with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 

The Germains have devoted significant time and resources to the Office of Student Life and the development of an exceptional student experience. Mrs. Germain is particularly interested in programs that foster student leadership, such as BuckeyeThon, Ohio State’s largest student-run philanthropy. Mrs. Germain mentors students, helps them fundraise, and supports events to benefit patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

As passionate supporters of Ohio State Athletics, the Germains have made leadership gifts to scholarships, the football program, Olympic sports, and contributed to the creation of first-class facilities for Buckeye student-athletes. They are also strong advocates for students involved in the Brutus Buckeye mascot program.

Mrs. Germain is an alumna of The Ohio State University, while Mr. Germain graduated from the University of Denver. The couple have four children and 11 grandchildren. They reside in Columbus, Ohio, but enjoy spending time in Naples, Florida, and at their farm in Knox County.