Ann Garry ’65

THE BACKGROUND: Ann Garry of Beverly Hills, California, is an emerita professor of philosophy at California State University, Los Angeles, where she was the founding director of the Center for the Study of Genders and Sexualities. An early entrant into feminist philosophy, she was responsible for a significant amount of foundational work in the new field—including the development of early courses in feminist philosophy, early efforts to integrate feminist philosophy into other philosophical areas, and the creation of a new journal, Hypatia: A Journal of Feminist Philosophy, which remains the premier journal in the field.

THE GIFT: Her planned gift will “benefit students and faculty participating in socially engaged study and work.” Said Garry, who came to campus in 1961 from Jacksonville, Illinois, “I got a scholarship to attend Monmouth. People long ago gave money to fund that scholarship, and I want to give something back too.”

MONMOUTH RELATIONSHIPS: “He treated students with respect,” said Garry as she recalled her days as a philosophy major studying under the legendary Sam Thompson. “He didn’t make you do silly assignments that were trivial or petty. His assignments really made sense for what you should be learning. And that’s something I tried to emulate when I taught.” She continued other aspects of Thompson’s teaching as well. “He was critical, but supportive also. That’s an important combination to have. He was a good mentor.”

WHY SHE GIVES: “I’ve been back to Monmouth a few times in recent years for a variety of reasons, and I like the spirit of the place,” said Garry. “The College is doing a really good job these days of trying to stay abreast of what students need and doing that within the framework of a liberal arts education.”