Thank You, Dr. Colosimo

After more than 30 years at the Skaggs Catholic Center, Dr. Galey Colosimo has retired from his role as Principal of Juan Diego Catholic High School.

Dr. Colosimo is a founding figure of the Skaggs Catholic Center. His story with our schools begins in the early 1990s, when the growing Catholic population in the south Salt Lake Valley began asking for a Catholic school for their children. Judge Memorial was at capacity, and the daily commute was long for many families.

The Diocese of Salt Lake City listened to this request and soon began working to fulfill it. Dr. Colosimo was brought on as the project manager to begin the development of a new K–12 Catholic school. He, along with Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald, immediately got to work.

In August 1995, the team placed a bid to purchase the old Jordan High School, promising to renovate the building while preserving its historic character. The bid was rejected. Though discouraged, the team returned to the drawing board, unaware that God had other plans.

The very next day, Monsignor Fitzgerald received a phone call from Mr. Sam Skaggs, who generously offered the funds to build a school from the ground up.

Over the next four years, the Skaggs Catholic Center came to fruition. Our buildings and Sacred Spaces were constructed, and additional leaders joined the team, including Sister Karla McKinnie (Principal of Saint John the Baptist Schools), Sister Patricia Riley (Director of Campus Ministry), and Mr. John Colosimo (Vice Principal and Head Football Coach).

Together, the four of them worked daily from trailers on an active construction site, preparing to open the Schools of the Skaggs Catholic Center. In August 1999, the center officially opened its doors.

Dr. Colosimo’s brother, John, was his partner from the very beginning of this work, walking alongside him in helping to bring this school to life. The two of them entrusted this community with their families, forming their own children here. In that way, what they helped build was never something they led, it was something they lived, as families, alongside all of you.

In 26 years, Dr. Colosimo’s impact can be seen and felt throughout the campus. In the rich traditions we uphold, the sacred art that adorns our buildings, and the lasting success of our schools. Through it all, he has led with clarity of vision, steadfast commitment to our mission, and Christ at the center. Few believe more deeply in the gift of Catholic education than Dr. Colosimo.

When Mr. Skaggs offered the funds for the Skaggs Catholic Center, he asked Dr. Colosimo and Monsignor Fitzgerald to keep one promise: That no student who wants to attend our schools be turned away simply because they could not afford it. In 26 years, this promise was kept. Thousands of students who would not otherwise be able to attend our schools were aided in tuition through endowments, grants, and scholarships.

In the latter part of his career, Dr. Colosimo recognized that access to Catholic education would become increasingly important as the world continued to change. He championed School Choice initiatives in Utah, helping to pass several scholarship programs that have benefitted thousands of Utah families.

Among the most impactful for our community is the Utah Fits All Scholarship, which provides private school students an $8,000 scholarship to aid their tuition. Families across the state gained greater access to private education and the opportunity to choose a school that best fits their children’s needs.

For all of us who have been part of this community in any way, we owe Dr. Colosimo a profound debt of gratitude. The lessons learned, the relationships formed, the triumphs celebrated, and the memories we carry would not have been possible without his dedication, vision, and leadership.

In a letter addressed to JDCHS parents, Dr. Colosimo shared a powerful reflection on the legacy of Juan Diego Catholic High School. It is only fitting that the man who helped build this place we call home has the final word:

“When this work first began, there was no campus—only a belief that something could take root here. Over time, that belief became something real, shaped not only by those who helped build it, but by the families who brought it to life. You entrusted us with your children. You believed this could be more than a school—that it could be a place where young people are known, formed, and guided in faith. That trust has shaped everything this community has become.

Over these many years, I have had the privilege of watching students grow—intellectually, spiritually, and personally. I have seen them discover who they are, face challenges, form friendships, and begin to understand the kind of lives they are called to lead. That has always been the heart of this work. As I step away, I want to say this clearly: students at Juan Diego will continue to be known, cared for, and formed in the same spirit that has always defined this community. The mission of this school is strong, the people who carry it forward are deeply committed, and the foundation that supports students is secure.

As I look ahead, I ask the Lord to bless us and keep us all in his hand. Thank you—for your trust, your partnership, and the gift of your children. It has been an honor to serve your families.”