Dayana Abraham Elizarraraz, a student employee with CSUSB Libraries at the Palm Desert Campus, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Johnnie Ann Ralph Memorial Library Scholarship, established in memory of longtime University Librarian Johnnie Ann Ralph, who passed away in June 2024.

The scholarship supports CSUSB Libraries student employees who maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, extending Ralph’s longstanding commitment to students and the university.

For Elizarraraz, receiving the inaugural scholarship provides both financial support and encouragement as she continues her education.

“This scholarship means a lot to me because it helps support my education and allows me to focus more on reaching my goals,” Elizarraraz said. “It also motivates me to continue working hard and make the most of the opportunities I have been given.”

Elizarraraz attributes much of her success to the support of her family, professors and the connections she has made during her academic journey. 

“My family has played a big role in my success by always supporting and encouraging me throughout college,” she said. “My professors and the connections I have made have also helped me grow personally and professionally.”

Juan Murillo-Perez, the library services specialist at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, works with Elizarraraz and celebrated the news of her selection. 

“Dayana truly deserves it!  Being the inaugural recipient of the Johnnie Ann Ralph Memorial Library Scholarship makes Dayana’s achievement especially meaningful,” Murillo-Perez said. “Her story highlights the determination and promise of CSUSB’s Palm Desert Campus students and the campus’ vital role as a place of educational opportunity in the Coachella Valley.”

Johnnie Ann Ralph joined the university in 1971 and served CSUSB for more than three decades. In addition to her leadership of the John M. Pfau Library, Ralph was a strong supporter of students and CSUSB Athletics. The student-athlete success center in Coussoulis Arena, the Johnnie Ann Ralph Room, is named in her honor.

After graduation, Elizarraraz hopes to use her experience in hospitality management and marketing to work within her community. “I would like to build a career where I can help others while also using the skills and knowledge I gained throughout college,” she said. “I would also like to help create opportunities for others and use my experience to make a difference in peoples’ lives.”

Rebecca Lubas, dean of CSUSB Libraries, welcomed Elizarraraz’s selection as the scholarship’s inaugural recipient.

“I’m so pleased that Dayana is our first Johnnie Ann Ralph scholarship winner. Student assistants are a vital part of our library team, and Dayana is an outstanding example of how important students are, especially to our Palm Desert Campus library location operations,” Lubas said.

For more information about the Johnnie Ann Ralph Memorial Scholarship, including opportunities to support it, contact Rebecca Lubas at Rebecca.Lubas@csusb.edu.