EXPLORE THE STAIRWELLS

Emily Sartori ‘11 and Susan Leigh ‘87 teamed up to redesign the school’s main four stairwells to celebrate our storied history and deep Catholic roots. The spaces now reflect the three orders that have been a part of Cardinal Gibbons (Dominican Sisters, Sisters of Notre Dame, and Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn) as well as St. Monica’s, a Catholic school for Black children that served as a key feeder for our school from 1930-1967. Sartori, a fine arts educator, created her design based on archival materials and historic background provided by Leigh, the school’s director of alumni advancement.

DOMINICAN SISTERS 1909-1972

Father Thomas P. Griffin and the Dominican Sisters founded our school as Sacred Heart Academy in 1909. Based in the Pulaski-Cowper mansion on Hillsborough Street, it served about 50 students in grades 1-9. The upper level housed a convent and dormitory. During their 63 years of leadership they saw the small “one room” school grow into a three-story building before moving to the Western Boulevard campus.

ST. MONICA’S SCHOOL 1930 TO 1967

Honoring Saint Monica’s School, which operated from 1930 to 1967, blue is a nod to the student uniforms. The grade school, which served students through 8th grade, was built by the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh for Black students when all city schools were still segregated.

In 1954, Bishop Waters decreed all Catholic organizations in the state of North Carolina would no longer be segregated. Cathedral Latin, once the name of our school, welcomed incoming St. Monica’s 9th graders the following fall. Today, the St. Monica’s school building continues to serve southeast Raleigh as a community center.

St. Martin de Porres, whose likeness hangs above the stairway, was its patron saint and revered by all who attended the school.

Sisters Of Notre Dame 1972 To 2020

Honoring the Sisters of Notre Dame who administered the school from 1972 to 2020, blue and yellow reflect the colors of their order. After closing for the 1971-72 school year, the sisters re-opened the school. By the following year, enrollment had nearly doubled. During their tenure, the number of Advanced Placement courses grew, community outreach expanded, and the school thrived.

The Coesfeld cross on the blue wall above the stairway portrays the crucifix as the Tree of Life showing God taking on our great human suffering. The hands of Christ are turned in the position of a blessing.

Francisican Brothers 1994 To 2006

Honoring the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn who led the school from 1994 to 2006, green reflects their association with the Irish Third Order Regular. The brothers were influential in the design and construction of our current campus.

An image of former principal Brother Michel Bettigole, OSF, hangs above the stairway. During his tenure, he helped grow enrollment and expand the fine arts program while creating an inclusive environment.