The California State University San Bernardino Department of Athletics is deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of longtime supporter and friend Johnnie Ann Ralph.

Johnnie Ann, university librarian and dean emeritus of the John M. Pau Library, joined Cal State San Bernardino in 1971 and served in various capacities, including the head of material services. In 1989, she was named associate university librarian and, ultimately, the university librarian. 

She wrote bibliographies on local material in the university's library collection and is also a specialist in local history, having compiled many of the memorabilia from the region. Johnnie Ann's passion for her beloved library and CSUSB student-athletes is legendary. 

The athletic department's student-athlete success center, located just off the main lobby of Coussoulis Arena, is named the Johnnie Ann Ralph Room, or the JARR, in her honor.

Johnnie Ann gave generously of her time, talents, and resources, leaving a legacy that will be forever felt at CSUSB.

A few of the people who knew Johnnie Ann best at CSUSB reflected on the way she impacted their lives:

"It was a true pleasure getting to know Johnnie Ann over the few years I have spent at CSUSB. She was always quick to talk about her love for John Wooden's UCLA basketball and how much she cared for CSUSB Athletics. Sitting in her backyard, which she affectionately dubbed her 'sanctuary,' and talking college athletics was her happy place. We would not be where we are today at CSUSB if it were not for the dedication and support of Johnnie Ann Ralph. She will truly be missed." - AJ Keefe, CSUSB Senior Associate Athletics Director for Philanthropy

"Johnnie was an exceptional person. She was deeply kind and upheld the highest standards. I have known her since I was a student, and she has always been a steadfast champion of those around her. When I was first appointed as Director of Alumni Relations, Johnnie Ann sent me a heartfelt handwritten congratulations note along with a gift. She gave me a glass candy dish she had purchased during a trip to her beloved Ireland, which she kept on her desk from the mid-1970s until her retirement. This vase now holds paper clips on my desk, a constant reminder of her thoughtfulness and enduring support. Johnnie Ann's legacy of kindness will always be remembered, and I will miss her deeply." - Crystal Wymer-Lucero '07, CSUSB Director of Alumni Relations

"The Johnnie Ann Ralph Room is a safe space that was tailored with care for our student-athletes in mind. It has been a very important and beneficial space for our student-athletes to study in, relax their bodies, and recharge their minds when needed. It has also been a highlight when recruits come to visit our campus and hear about who has made this valuable space possible. Recruits, student-athletes, and their families love that the JARR was created specifically to use as a resource to support their academic development inside and outside of the classroom and their overall success. The development and growth the JARR has provided CSUSB student-athletes goes beyond the walls of the space and lives within the wonderful students who are able to take advantage of such a wonderful resource." - Ashli Gamboa-Clark, CSUSB Athletics Academic Advisor, whose office is located within the Johnnie Ann Ralph Room