Memorial services were recently held for Elizabeth Ann Alexander, known as Beth and who was a longtime supporter and friend of the Veterans Success Center (VSC) at Cal State San Bernardino. She passed away after a battle with cancer on May 21 at the age of 78.
“We are all grieved,” said Agustin Ramirez, director of the VSC. “Beth was more than a donor. She was a dear friend, and a familiar face that brought joy and good cheer to our center. I will miss her terribly. We all will.”
Born and raised in San Bernardino, a graduate of Pacific High School Class of 1965, she was the grant writer for the San Bernardino Elks Lodge No. 836, a longstanding fraternal organization in the city that focuses on, among other things, community service and supporting military veterans. Alexander, who chaired the lodge’s Veterans Services Committee for most of her 20 years as a member, wrote a grant in 2020 in support of the students at the VSC, and it was funded annually since then.
Alexander contacted the VSC in the fall of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced many educational institutions into remote learning, seeking to help veteran students. She purchased tabletop printers and printing supplies and materials for the students who needed printing services at home.
Through the grant, she was also able to purchase items for the center’s food and hygiene pantries at both the main campus and Palm Desert Campus, along with meal card vouchers from Yotie Eats. She also supported VSC projects, including its Paint-n-Sips, military CARE packages and the VSC’s graduation celebration.
All that earned the San Bernardino Elks Lodge the CSUSB Division of Student Affairs Community Partner Award in 2025.
The Elks Lodge served as Alexander’s platform for her community service, in addition to her work with veterans and as a grants coordinator. A longtime employee to the San Bernardino Unified School District who retired as a resource aid at San Bernardino High School, she served as the lodge’s treasurer for 10 years, chair for volunteer services, as well as volunteering for service projects, including the Christmas Can Tree at Feeding America events. Her service earned her Elk Lady of the Year, Elk Citizen of the Year and Elk of the Year for 2008-09.
An avid traveler, she and friends formed an RV club and would organize six to eight campouts a year; her last with them took place eight months ago.
She is survived by two sons, Keith and Brian Alexander, six grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
A celebration of her life took place on June 4 at the Highland Congregational Church in Highland and at the Elks Lodge in San Bernardino. In lieu of flowers, donations were requested to be made to the San Bernardino Elks Lodge Veterans Services Committee.