$1M donation to Centenary establishes John Garrett Ratcliff Endowed Chair of Philosophy
Centenary College of Louisiana is proud to announce the establishment of the John Garrett Ratcliff Endowed Chair of Philosophy, made possible by a $1,000,000 gift from John Garrett Ratcliff and Joy Fair Ratcliff. The chair is established in loving memory of their son, Thomas Kalford Ratcliff (1994–2021), whose passion for philosophy, social justice, and the fight against homelessness and the criminalization of poverty and race continues to inspire all who knew him.
“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 Ratcliff Endowed Chair of Philosophy will strengthen our philosophy department and carry Thomas’s spirit of compassion and intellectual courage into the lives of our students and community for generations to come.”
Thomas Ratcliff was remembered by those close to him as funny, quirky, and deeply loving — a son who valued his relationships with family and friends above all else. Drawn to philosophy, religion, and sociology, he was most passionate about confronting homelessness, the criminalization of poverty and race, and oppression in its many forms. The Ratcliff family’s gift reflects their desire to ensure Thomas’s values and commitments endure at an institution he would have admired.
“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. “All students should learn ‘to think deeply and clearly about the most fundamental questions: what matters, what is true, and how should we live.’ We are extremely grateful to the Ratcliffs for strengthening our philosophy program for generations to come.”
The endowed chair will provide ongoing support for faculty research, travel, and professional activities, as well as salary and benefits for its occupant. In keeping with Thomas’s passions, the Ratcliff family has expressed their preference that the chair be held by a scholar who works at the intersection of philosophy and advocacy on behalf of the oppressed. Funds will also support the Thomas Kalford Ratcliff Library—a collection of philosophy books and texts on the struggle against oppression donated by John Garrett Ratcliff—as well as departmental classrooms and a dedicated reading room for students and faculty.
To further memorialize Thomas’s life, a plaque will be installed in Smith 202, formally designating it the Thomas Kalford Ratcliff Room—a space that will serve as both a comfortable reading room and a classroom for the philosophy department. The Ratcliff family will be consulted on all significant matters related to the room, the library, and the chair in perpetuity.
“Thomas cared deeply about the world and the people who are too often left behind by it,” said John Garrett Ratcliff. “We hope this chair inspires students and scholars at Centenary to think boldly, ask hard questions, and stand up for those who need it most—just as Thomas did.”
For more information on Centenary’s Department of Philosophy please call Dr. Christopher Ciocchetti at 318.734.9015 or email him at cciocchetti@centenary.edu.