As many of you in our campus community have heard by now, our Interim Director, colleague, and friend Ann Marie Smeraldi passed away on Monday, September 2nd.
During her 16-year career at CSU, Ann Marie served as a reference librarian, head of public services, assistant director, and as interim director of the Michael Schwartz Library.
Motivated by her belief in the vital role libraries play in shaping student success, she was deeply committed to her work as a first-year experience librarian. Throughout her career, she provided guidance and support to first-year students as they navigated their transition to university life, ensuring that new CSU students felt ready for higher education and were aware that the library and its staff were always there to assist them.
CSU President Laura Bloomberg wrote:
"While her leadership was instrumental in creating a library environment where students felt comfortable and supported, her legacy extends well beyond her professional achievements; her kindness, dedication and passion touched the lives of countless people. She will be remembered as both a mentor and a friend, always willing to lend a helping hand and share her wisdom."
We are deeply grateful to our colleagues across campus who have reached out with condolences and shared heartfelt stories about Ann Marie. She was a caring and inspiring leader, whose wisdom, enthusiasm, and compassion guided a generation of college students and enriched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to work with her. She is profoundly missed by all of us.