Introducing the John Cosgrove Members' Lounge

John Cosgrove is an institution at the National Press Club.

Serving as president in 1961, and as an active member since 1949, most -- if not all -- of our Press Club family know and admire Mr. Cosgrove.

Cosgrove often speaks of how President John F. Kennedy came to his Press Club inaugural, where Cosgrove was sworn into office by Chief Justice Earl Warren. When you inevitably note how amazing it was that President Kennedy came to his swearing in, Cosgrove is known to deadpan: “Well, I went to his.”

Cosgrove turned 98 years old on Sunday, and a few of us toasted him at his residence downtown for being such a revered member of the Press Club, a Navy veteran and all-around friend to all.

And the Board of Governor's of the National Press Club had one more honor to bestow on Mr. Cosgrove: By a unanimous vote, the Board decided recently to rename the newly renovated Games Room the John Cosgrove Members' Lounge.

Mr. Cosgrove and his family couldn't have been more excited – I'm sure I caught his eyes welling with tears at one point in utter pride.

The Press Club's rules say that rooms and other parts of the clubhouse cannot be named for someone until at least one year after their passing. But with Mr. Cosgrove, the Board felt it would be a much better honor for us to name a room now for our long-time member and leader of the Owls, allowing him to relish in the moment.

The Games Room had fallen into disrepair not long ago, and the Club took the initiative – with input from the House Committee and Young Members – to renovate the space to make it more inviting. It now boasts a new brick facade, a wood floor and a large window overlooking the main lobby of the Club. A giant TV is mounted on the wall, lights can be dimmed and speakers allow music to be played by members.

The improvements have really opened up a once-hidden room, making it a wonderful space for members to work temporarily, hold a birthday party or a meeting or watch a game.

The Club owes a great deal to our long-time member and senior Owl, Mr. Cosgrove, and perhaps the John Cosgrove Members' Lounge, a name that will live on for generations to come, will help note the contributions of one of our favorite people.