For nearly six decades, George Cosmos ’60 touched the lives and hearts of thousands of members of the SHC community. As a student at Sacred Heart High School, a teacher, and SHC parent, Cosmos’ story is one of tireless commitment, steadfast dedication to Lasallian and Vincentian values, and acceptance of each his students.
His SHC story began in 1956 when he entered Sacred Heart High School as a freshman. As an athlete at SH Cosmos excelled as a member of the baseball team, named twice to All City teams, and Co-Player of the Year in 1959. He was twice selected to the All Northern California Baseball Team and played in the San Francisco Examiner All Star Game that integrated the Bay Area’s best high school, college and professional baseball players. After graduating in 1960, Cosmos served in the US military before moving on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees from San Francisco State University and eventually a doctorate in education from the University of San Francisco.
In 1969, Cosmos returned to his alma mater to give back to the community that shaped him into adulthood. He was one of the very first lay teachers entrusted to sustain the school’s mission as modeled by our Founders. He was an integral member of the mathematics faculty for 44 years, serving as department chair for 10 years and as a member of the curriculum committee for 11 years. In 1997 he was awarded the distinction of Lasallian Educator of the Year, the highest honor bestowed by his colleagues and peers.
He was a masterful teacher who cared deeply for his students. Alumni remember Cosmos as an instructor that could make complex and often difficult mathematical concepts accessible. Tim Chu ’07 reflects, “I had Mr. Cosmos for Advanced Algebra/Trigonometry. It was a very hard class, but he always made himself available to make sure that every student understood the material. I’ll always remember him as someone who wanted to make sure every student had a grasp of the material, no matter how late he had to stay after school.” Cosmos’ entire teaching career at SHC was marked with examples such as this, illustrating the above-and-beyond dedication for which he is known.
Cosmos’ commitment to his students was not reserved for only those that excelled at math. He generously gave of his time to all students to ensure their success. Nor was his commitment solely confined to the semester during which they were enrolled in one of his classes, as Sophia Sauvageau ’15 shares, “Mr. Cosmos was happy to help me with my math even after I completed his class.”
“He was always one of the first teachers on campus in the morning and one of the last to leave. He appreciated all that the Brothers did for him in his formative years and dedicated his life to ensuring that others would be provided the same guidance and opportunity.”
- President Emeritus John F. Scudder, Jr. ’73
Cosmos married his high school sweetheart, Judy, who is also a dedicated, life-long Catholic school educator. Judy presently serves as Principal of Holy Name School, where she spends some of her time supervising her new part-time math teacher, George Cosmos. Their sons, Chris and John, continued the Cosmos family legacy as SHC alumni. Cosmos retired in June of 2013 completing a remarkable tenure of service at his alma mater.
We are honored to have known George for more than 50 years. He is a true embodiment of our motto, “Enter to Learn. Leave to Serve.” It is with much gratitude and fondness that we we wish George all the best in his retirement.
