New computer lab brings Cosgriff School up to date

photo courtesy of Mary Hunt

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Roger and Mary Lowe cut the ribbon for the new computer lab at J.E. Cosgriff Memorial School. ?This far exceeds our expectations,? said Mary.

SALT LAKE CITY — Students at J. E. Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School have a lot for which to be thankful. They have 38 brand new computers to be exact.

"In order to win a game or to feel good about something you’ve done takes team effort," said Betsy Hunt, principal, during the ribbon cutting ceremony, Nov. 13. Hunt, students, and staff from Cosgriff thanked those, who in a team effort, financed, planned, built, and decorated the new computer lab. "Without these people who worked diligently since the beginning of August, we would not be sitting here celebrating the opening of our lab," said Hunt.

She thanked Roger and Mary Lowe for the computers donation; Bob and Lana Martino for choosing "a good spot," and helping build the computer lab; Architect Peggy McDonough for designing it; Computer teacher Alicia Braner for being so patient in waiting for a place to teach and making the lab a "wonderful place;" Rachael Crosswhite for making it a cool and interesting place for students; and technician Jed Brian for creating the connection for the computers.

"It is ingenious the way Mrs. Hunt convinces people to get involved," said Vicar General Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald during his remarks. He then went on to talk about Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first American citizen to be canonized by the Church. She established hospitals, orphanages, and Catholic schools on the East Coast in the late 19th century, said Msgr. Fitzgerald.

"She made the commitment to better the world because of her vision of life," he said. At the same time, the Holy Cross Sisters were building Catholic Schools in Utah, he added.

"You are the beneficiaries… You’ve been given so much by those before you. Be grateful when you go in for the fact that this space was a gift to you," he said.

Msgr. Fitzgerald gave his typewriter to the lab as memorabilia. "Some of you have no idea of what it is," said Hunt alluding to a fast and ever changing technology. She also highlighted that computer skills are "right next to reading" in the level of importance to be successful.

"The new computer lab is amazing. It is exactly what we need to be in the current technological world," said Kay Bush, J. E. Cosgriff Memorial counselor.

It is the opposite of what the school used to have.

"We noticed the old lab needed a lot of help. The computers were old and none were the same," said the Lowes, who decided to contribute to a new computer lab after seeing the condition of the former lab. "The computers would not always work," said Bush.

"It was frustrating for the students and teachers, but everyone stayed positive with what we had," said Bush.

"Our vision was to remodel the room, but this is a much better place," said Roger Lowe.

The new computer lab is now next to the library instead of being in the basement. It is brightly colored and it has quotes on the walls such as "I do not fear computers. I fear the lack of them," by Isaac Asimov, and "The important thing is not to stop questioning," by Albert Einstein.

"This far exceeds our expectations," said Mary Lowe.