As veteran leaders in the nonprofit sector, Lynne and Christopher Ramsey are no strangers to embedded community organizing. From local Orange County early childhood art programs to Olympic sports arenas, they have dedicated their careers to serving in the education and arts sectors.

Regular attendees of UCI Libraries events, the Ramseys became Gateway Society members in 2017 in order to support the continued growth of our collections, services, and public programming.

Here, Lynne and Christopher share more about why they joined the UCI Libraries Gateway Society and how the Libraries’ mission aligns with their personal and professional values.

UCI Libraries: How did you become involved with UCI Libraries?

Lynne and Christopher: Friends invited us to one of the UCI Libraries events, and we were impressed with the depth and professionalism of the event and the library facilities. At the time, our oldest son, who was attending a conservatory in New York City, needed to do research on a summer project. He was able to use the UCI Libraries facilities and was surprised and impressed at the texts available, especially since his topic involved opera scores.

As long-time supporters of UCI Libraries, why do you feel libraries are important to our communities?

Libraries are profound because they were created to preserve and share knowledge rather than to hoard it. In a world where information is power, having open-source knowledge is more important than it has ever been. We support libraries and their evolution because our society relies on libraries for stewardship of truth.

Why did you decide to become Gateway Society members?

We wanted to do our part. The impact of the UCI Libraries system goes far beyond the campus itself, and we wanted to help that vision. We also know the magic that happens in great libraries, and that magic is meaningful to us. Watching the faces and sharing the experience of first-time visitors to one of the Libraries’ exhibits showed us how important a library’s contribution to the university campus and local community can be.

Since we became more involved with UCI Libraries, we have valued the knowledge and kindness of the librarians and faculty and their openness to sharing their expertise with the community.

What role do you feel libraries play in our communities?

The role of libraries is evolving, from preserving texts to providing spaces for social interaction. Oxford and Cambridge Universities were designed as fortresses to keep knowledge and those who possessed it safe from the townspeople. Today, with public university libraries opening their doors to make knowledge widely accessible, that model has been turned on its head.

Although our institutions are changing, the need for a place where individuals can access honest information has become increasingly important. Sharing knowledge is critical if we are to help future generations reach their potential.

You both have dedicated your professional and personal lives to working in nonprofits. What inspires you to continue this work?

Resources are important, but purpose is defining. We have been fortunate to have our lives intertwined with remarkable people and institutions that have shaped our beliefs in wonderful, unexpected ways. We only wish we could do more.

Meet the Ramseys

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Lynne Ramsey’s first summer job was at her high school library. In addition to working in television production and as an elementary school teacher, Lynne’s career has included nonprofit fundraising for PBS, the American Museum of Natural History, and the March of Dimes. She currently works as a fundraising consultant and volunteers with local homeless programs and educational foundations.

Christopher Ramsey is the CEO and general secretary for Team USA’s Olympic Water Polo program. Prior to that, he worked as director of external affairs for the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center and was director of public affairs for MacNeil/Lehrer Productions.

About the UCI Libraries Gateway Society

Gateway Society members value the Libraries’ mission to provide high-quality services and resources that support research, teaching, and patient care. Through their annual membership gifts, they support the Libraries’ public programming, collections, and continued excellence and growth as a world-class institution. Visit lib.uci.edu/gateway to learn more.

Top photo shows Gateway Society members Lynne and Christopher Ramsey.