SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - The California State University Department of Athletics officially inducted seven new members into its Hall of Fame on Friday evening in a ceremony at the Santos Manuel Student Union South.

The event officially kicked off a year-long celebration of 40 years of intercollegiate athletics at Cal State San Bernardino. Some of CSUSB's original staff members from 40 years ago were in attendance at the event, including then men's basketball coach Jim Ducey, then women's cross country coach Tom Burleson, and Hall of Fame inductee, former athletic trainer Laura Tropila. Special events will take place throughout the year to commemorate the anniversary, as well as a social media campaign. An official anniversary logo was unveiled at the ceremony. 

Former men's basketball coach Larry Reynolds, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017, and longtime university librarian and athletics supporter Johnnie Ann Ralph were both recognized posthumously for their contributions to CSUSB Athletics. Both passed away earlier this year.

The new inductees, women's cross country and track & field's Laura Aceves '17, men's basketball all-time leading scorer Gerald Duncan '90, women's volleyball star Samantha Middleborn '13, softball's Nicole Nobbe '16, the first ever men's soccer inductee Jerry O'Hara, longtime CSUSB athletic trainer Laura Tropila, and women's basketball legend Vanessa Wilt '10 each spoke at the event, reminiscing on their time at Cal State San Bernardino. CSUSB's lasting impact on their lives after graduation was a central theme in each speech.

"We have worked hard to engage alumni and make sure that Cal State San Bernardino is a place they want to continue to be a part of even after they walk across the stage to receive their degree," said AJ Keefe, CSUSB's Senior Associate Athletics Director for Philanthropy. "This is a special place and a special class, and we are thrilled to officially enshrine them in our Athletics Hall of Fame."

"It was an honor to welcome our inductees back to campus, as well as our many esteemed guests who were in the room," said Director of Athletics Shareef Amer. "This event was the perfect way for us to kick off the 40th Anniversary of CSUSB Athletics. Inducting this incredible class and welcoming them back to campus underscored our message that their affiliation with our department and this university is a lifelong connection, and our department is always happy to welcome them back. Congratulations to the Class of 2024!"

A full summary of each inductee can be found by clicking their photo at csusbathletics.com/hof.