Pauline Milano

Director of Institutional Advancement, 1988-2010

Inducted 2010-11

Pauline Milano's role at Cardinal Gibbons High School over the past 22 years defies description. No title or job description could accurately convey the contributions she made to her Cardinal Gibbons family. On a personal level, she was always available with an open heart and an open mind for anyone seeking support, advice, or just a sympathetic ear. Her office was a refuge for hurting students, concerned parents, anxious teachers and good friends. She built a network of important relationships within the school and in the community that was based on trust and mutual respect. She brought a touch of class to everything we did here at Cardinal Gibbons.

Pauline's first real association with Cardinal Gibbons began when her own two children, JoJo, Class of 1983, and Tony, Class of 1985, joined the Cardinal Gibbons family. At that time Mrs. Milano began as a parent volunteer with the girls' sports program and then took a leadership role in the PTF. After Jo Jo and Tony graduated, they would have to learn to share their mom with hundreds of other students who became like sons and daughters to her.

Pauline Milano wore many hats at Cardinal Gibbons. From the hardhat of the construction manager to the soft hat of Santa's Helper, her range of expertise, creative energy, and enthusiasm for everything "Gibbons" is unparalleled. She left no stone unturned in her efforts to make Cardinal Gibbons a great place to grow and learn. When it came time for capital improvements, she led the fund-raising efforts, worked with the architechts on design, supervised the construction foreman, and picked out the carpet! She did it all, and she did it all with a smile. Gibbons Hall, an air-conditioned Gym, the second story of C Wing, the Gym Lobby, teachers' lounge, an expanded cafeteria, remodeled science classrooms and media center, all exist because Pauline had a vision and was willing to invest the time and energy and love necessary to make that vision a reality.

The time, energy and enthusiasm that Mrs. Milano brought to her job were never about fundraisers, buildings, or events, but always about the relationships she established with other people, and particularly with the students. Who else but Pauline Milano could get senior boys to dress in tights and green felt outfits to play the role of Santa's elves for the kids from the Children's Home Society? Grandparents Day at Gibbons was a sellout each year and Mrs. Milano smiled and wiped a tear away as our students escorted their grandparents to the gym floor for a dance. The Dinner Auction raised needed funds for capital improvements at Cardinal Gibbons while at the same time creating a lifetime bond among a group of moms who worked tirelessly alongside their leader and friend, Pauline Milano.

The administration, faculty, coaches, students, parents, and alumni are all better people because of their association with Mrs. Pauline Milano. Our lives have been enriched and forever changed because of the love of a woman who understood that at a great school it is "all about the kids."