Our history
Alumni have kept Roman going
Roman’s graduates have organized since the first class finished in 1894. Here are some of the moments when they stepped in for the school.
- 1890
Roman Catholic High School opens at Broad and Vine, founded with the fortune of Philadelphia merchant Thomas E. Cahill.
- 1894
Roman’s first graduating class founds the Associated Alumni of Roman Catholic High School, which lasts until 1897.
- 1897
The Cahill Club takes its place, open to anyone who attended Roman for any length of time.
- 1915
For the school’s 25th anniversary, alumni form the Alumni Association. They obtain the use of a city-owned tract at 29th and Clearfield Streets and turn it into Cahill Field. The Association holds the lease for 83 years.
- 1981
The Association resolves to use its resources to cover the school’s deficit so Roman can keep operating.
- 1986
Facing closure, Roman is allowed to stay open if alumni guarantee 250 incoming freshmen and keep covering the deficit. They do, and enrollment climbs to 750 within three years.
- 1996
With leadership from the school’s Board and the Alumni Association, Roman’s first capital campaign, the Renaissance at Roman, reaches its high point: the Archdiocese approves Renaissance Hall, a $3.5 million expansion funded by alumni, friends, and foundations.