SHREVEPORT, La. — Centenary College of Louisiana has established the John Garrett Ratcliff Endowed Chair of Philosophy through a $1 million gift from John Garrett Ratcliff and Joy Fair Ratcliff.
The chair was created in memory of the couple’s son, Thomas Kalford Ratcliff, who died in 2021. The college said Thomas Ratcliff had a strong interest in philosophy, social justice and issues related to homelessness, poverty, race and oppression.
The endowed chair will support faculty research, travel, professional activities, salary and benefits. The Ratcliff family has expressed a preference that the position be held by a scholar whose work connects philosophy with advocacy for oppressed communities.
“This extraordinary gift reflects the deep love John and Joy Ratcliff have for their son and their commitment to ensuring his legacy lives on,” said Dr. Christopher L. Holoman, president of Centenary College of Louisiana.
The gift also will support the Thomas Kalford Ratcliff Library, a collection of philosophy books and texts on struggles against oppression donated by John Garrett Ratcliff. Funds will support departmental classrooms and a dedicated reading room for students and faculty.
Centenary also plans to install a plaque in Smith 202, formally designating the space as the Thomas Kalford Ratcliff Room. The room will serve as both a reading room and classroom for the philosophy department.
“At a time when other schools are trimming their Humanities programs, John and Joy’s gift reminds us that philosophy should not be a luxury reserved for a few,” said Dr. Christopher Ciocchetti, chair of the Centenary Philosophy Department.
John Garrett Ratcliff said the family hopes the chair will encourage students and scholars to “think boldly, ask hard questions, and stand up for those who need it most.”