ECU sociologists donate, dedicate computing lab

A gift from two East Carolina University sociologists has provided a state-of-the-art computer-training lab for students pursuing degrees in sociology.

The dedication for the Linda A. Mooney and John R. & Ruth G. Maiolo Sociology Computing Lab was held Nov. 10 at the site of the new lab, at the Brewster Building. More than 50 faculty, students and friends of the Sociology department came to the event.

The instructional laboratory will allow students to learn statistics in sociology while also gain experience with the most widely used software programs. The new lab includes 30 student computers, an instructor’s computer and other equipment designed to facilitate the teaching of statistical skills.

“I feel very fortunate that the ECU’s Sociology Department has such involved faculty members willing to make such a substantial contribution to our students and their future,” said Lee Maril, chair of the department of Sociology at ECU.

ECU sociology professor Ken Wilson said countless numbers of students have benefited in the past from Mooney and Maiolo’s commitment to teaching, research and service, and their gift of the computer lab will provide many more students with access to that level of scholarship.

“Enabling students to engage in research requires hands-on, one-on-one training and the good thing is that we can now train them in batches,” he said.

Mooney has been teaching sociology at ECU since 1986. She has won several teaching awards, including the UNC Board of Governors’ Distinguished Professor teaching award. She has been a major contributor to the development of the Sociology department’s concentration in Law and Society and has served as faculty advisor to the Undergraduate Sociological Society at ECU. In 1987, she founded East Carolina Friends, a mentoring program that pairs young children with college students.

Maiolo was named professor emeritus of sociology in December 2000 after 25 years at ECU. While serving as chair of sociology and anthropology through December 1990, Maiolo supervised the development of the university’s economics department. In addition to his extensive academic work, Maiolo served as a professional consultant for his expertise in fisheries and served as president of the North Carolina Sociological Association. Ruth Maiolo was a longtime public school teacher.