Communication professor emeritus Njoku Awa dies

Njoku Ekpe Awa, professor emeritus in the Department of Communication, died July 21 in Ithaca at the age of 74.

Born in Nigeria Dec. 1, 1938, Awa received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University and his Ph.D. in 1973 from Cornell University. He joined Cornell’s Department of Communication Arts in 1974.

Awa published numerous articles in the field of communication with a focus on Africa on such topics as indigenous knowledge in rural development, communicating with the rural poor, and communication and change.

He retired as professor emeritus in August 1995.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ella Awa; sons Njoku E. Awa Jr. and Apia Awa, daughter Adaku Jones and two grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held July 27 from 1-2 p.m. at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 W. Green St., Ithaca, followed by a memorial service from 2-3 p.m.

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