The cornerstone for Gibbons Hall was dedicated on October 12, 1911 and named for the University's first chancellor, Cardinal James Gibbons (1834-1921). As Apostolic Vicar of North Carolina he attended the First Vatican Council; there he voted in favor of papal infallibility and was the second youngest bishop in attendance. He was Bishop of Richmond (1872-1877) and Archbishop of Baltimore (1877-1921). As Archbishop of Baltimore, he became the second American Cardinal in 1886. Cardinal Gibbons was often seen as the spokesman of the Catholic Church in America. He was an advocate of the labor movement and the right of the working class to protect themselves. Every president from Andrew Johnson to Warren Harding was an acquaintance and Cardinal Gibbons was an adviser to several of them, especially Theodore Roosevelt. Cardinal Gibbons was one of the strongest advocates for the creation of The Catholic University of America.  Though an older, stately building, Gibbons Hall was last renovated in 2009 and the main entry lounge is currently being restored making this a charming location to live on campus.  Gibbons is home to approximately 139 sophomore, junior, and senior students. 

• Hall Information

  Style: Traditional (shared hallway bathroom)

  Campus locations in close proximity: Campus Bookstore, Father O'Connell Hall, Mullen Library 

  Features: Air conditioned; Community lounge (3rd floor); Kitchen facility (3rd floor); Laundry facility (1st floor); Wireless internet access; and located near the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. 

• Room Information

  Room Types: Single (13' x 9'), Double (15' x 12'), and Triple (14½' x 17'). 

  Furnishings include a twin x-long bed frame, twin x-long mattress, dresser, desk, desk chair, and wardrobe/closet per student. One minifridge with microwave unit per room. 

• Making Gibbons Your "Home Away From Home"

  Students are encouraged to decorate their room to reflect individual style and personality!  Housing Services has partnered with a few vendors to help make the decorating, planning, and packing process fun and easy!  Students are also encouraged to use the printable packing list to make sure they bring everything they might need (and leave prohibited items at home). 

  Linen Program: Select your style and have a linen package shipped directly to campus!  With over 40 Value Pak combinations, students can create their room style to include bedding towels, storage bins, accent pillows, and more!

• Residence Hall Staff Information

  Each residence hall is part of a larger community neighborhood on-campus.  The residence hall staff oversees the daily operations of the hall and provides engagement opportunities for students throughout the academic year!  

  Neighborhood: Central 

  Residence Hall Office (RHO) Location: Gibbons Hall

  Office Phone Number: 202-319-5850

Individual Tours

Students and their families wishing to see a typical residence hall room are encouraged to participate in an Admission Tour, view the panoramic tours of rooms in the Campus Map, and visit the Housing Services website for more information regarding the various housing options at Catholic University.