Mrs. Kathy Gallagher ‘Radiated Positivity’ in the Dean’s Office
Officially, Mrs. Kathy Gallagher served as the Attendance Officer in the Dean’s Office. But in reality, she had a ready smile and genuine interest in the many students who stopped by her office throughout the day.
Mrs. Gallagher retired this year after nearly 20 years in the building. She began in 2006 as a part-time greeter at the reception desk at the front door, long before it was known as security. She went full-time in 2009 as the attendance officer.
“Kathy wore many hats in that position, and she answered more phone calls than anyone in the building,” says her good friend and fellow staff member, Mrs. Carolyn Gerbatsch.
Outside of the office, Mrs. Gallagher stepped up to coach, including the girls' lacrosse and field hockey teams, water polo, and boys' and girls' swimming. She also volunteered at the concession stand during many games, taking tickets.
In recent years, Mrs. Gallagher started the Veggie Lions Club, in which students nurtured a vegetable garden on the grounds of the Viatorian Province Center. They joined other gardeners in growing fresh vegetables for area food pantries.
She also accompanied students on many Kairos retreats over the years, leading one former dean she worked with, Mr. John Fuja, to describe Mrs. Gallagher as a “joy-filled individual with deep faith.”
“She brings so much positivity to the work that she does and shares her joy with everyone she meets,” says Mr. Fuja, now Principal of St. Mary School in Buffalo Grove. “Often, students will stop by the Dean’s office to chat with Mrs. Gallagher because they know she genuinely cares about them.”
Mrs. Maura Haddad ’09, School Nurse, only began working in the Dean’s Office a few months ago, but it didn’t take long to see the impact Mrs. Gallagher had on so many students.
“She had many visitors throughout the day who check in with her routinely,” Mrs. Haddad says. “She shared a special relationship with the students, always asking about how their day is going and being supportive if there is an ongoing family situation.”
Dean Deborah Scerbicke worked with Mrs. Gallagher for 16 years before she retired at the end of last semester, and she fondly remembers the impact Mrs. Gallagher had on the school community.
“She cared for and nurtured thousands of students with care, support, encouragement, and love,” Ms. Scerbicke said. “She was the ‘Mom’ of the school, who touched so many lives with her smile, kindness, and care.”
Saint Viator High School
Located in Arlington Heights, IL, Saint Viator High School is a private, co-ed, Catholic school for grades 9-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.
