AAt the end of the 2024-25 school year and after 20 years as a member of the community, Science Department Chair Elizabeth Hegarty announced her retirement.
She joined the staffulty in 2005 to establish the school’s AP Chemistry program. One of her daughters was a student at the time. Hegarty became department chair in 2009. During her tenure, she taught AP Physics and several chemistry courses, most notably AP Chemistry. Over the years, Hegarty became a central figure in the school’s STEM program. Known for her dedication and enthusiasm, she helped shape the way science is taught at NDB.
Many students credit her not only with strengthening their understanding of chemistry and physics, but also with encouraging them to pursue STEM in college and beyond. Even for those who did not pursue careers in this field, many alumnae say her classes left a lasting impression.
For Hegarty, teaching has always been a natural part of life. From helping her siblings with schoolwork to working as a teaching assistant in college, she consistently found herself drawn to guiding others. She says one of the most rewarding moments in the classroom is seeing the excitement on a student’s face when they understand a challenging lesson.
“I loved the times when students walked out of the classroom talking about the lesson, or they really enjoyed that lab, or something resonated, something clicked. They were the best moments … that didn’t change over the years,” shared Hegarty. The conversation about her retirement had been a part of the family discussion for years. She constantly told relatives that she would know when she was ready to start a new phase of her life.
“I stepped away slowly and surely. I’ve got grandchildren, a loving husband and family in the UK, and I recognized I need more time to be with them. I need flexible time, and teachers don’t have flexible time,” said Hegarty.
She noted that, during her time at NDB, she never dreaded going to work and was blessed to have a good support system. She also said teaching high school students was one of the most rewarding parts of her job.
When Hegarty’s child, World Languages teacher Gillian Imazumi-Hegarty ‘07, was informed of her decision, she was not only thrilled for her mother, but also deeply saddened to see her go, given the constant support she offered on campus – a sentiment shared by many staffulty members.
“… And then, on the selfish side, as her colleague, as somebody who really leaned on her, especially when I started teaching at NDB, and even before that, just when I started my teaching career, it felt almost like a limb was being taken away from me,” recalled Imazumi-Hegarty.
As a teacher and colleague, Hegarty was known as an incredibly respected and extraordinary educator. With an extensive background in STEM, including a PhD in chemistry, she focused on supporting current students, while planning for future classes. She was passionate about empowering students to understand science and recognize their capabilities. To Hegarty, teaching was not just a job or a responsibility; she recognized that she was shaping students’ lives and futures.
“She always was really ferocious. Like, I’m talking ferocious about the fact that we’re working with teenagers. We’re working with students who aren’t done growing yet. So give them space, give them grace, give them understanding – And, you better show up and do the dang thing to make sure that you are serving them to the best of your ability … That kind of fierce advocacy for our students, and this knowledge and desire to almost protect the adults on campus, like our peace and our well-being was really like this beautiful blend, where … she made you want to be better,” shared Imazumi-Hegarty.
Despite retiring from teaching, Hegarty remains closely connected to the campus community. Before leaving, she helped coordinate the development of the new STEM wing, working with architects to design a layout that would best serve future classes. The new space will allow future generations of students to experience science in a modern and collaborative environment, reflecting her long-standing commitment to innovation in women’s STEM education. In addition, she occasionally returns to campus to support the science and math departments.
“I think she’s the gift that keeps on giving around here,” explained Head of School Meredith Essalat ‘98.
Her retirement signaled a legacy of passion, empowerment and excellence. While she is no longer actively on campus, her connection to the NDB community will never waver.
“I’ve got a very full and active life outside of Notre Dame. But — once a Tiger, always a Tiger,” reflected Hegarty.
