All schools typically have someone considered “the mother of the school.” They go out of their way to bring warm and comforting energy to students and, for NDB, that figure is Student Service Coordinator Barbara Tauskey. She has played a significant role in students’ lives over the past 18 years, beginning in 2008 as the substitution coordinator before moving into her current role. After nearly two decades of welcoming students and all those who enter NDB, Tauskey is retiring.
Throughout her time, one of her favorite experiences has been watching freshmen grow and mature into young adults as they progress through high school. Her motivation to keep coming back year after year was the relationships that she built with students as well as the tight-knit supportive community, which she will miss the most as she begins retirement.
“I try to be uplifting and I try to be as positive as I possibly can,” explained Tauskey. “This is sort of the hub of the wheel at times and greeting people, not just our community, with regard to teachers and faculty, but the students as well. And, I always like it when they scoot by and say good morning to me. So, I try to have a sense of greeting, welcoming and being warm.”
It is undeniable that she has made a positive impact on all students by showing up every morning with a comforting presence that helps convince students that everything will be alright when they need it the most. Whether greeting students with a smile in the hallway, offering words of encouragement about the day ahead, or simply being there to brighten someone’s day, she has created an environment filled with kindness and understanding.
It is especially meaningful to the current seniors that Tauskey decided to retire when they graduated, making the goodbye even more bittersweet for the Sharks. After years of supporting, guiding and inspiring students throughout their high school journey, Tauskey has left a lasting impact on the Class of 2026. For many seniors, it feels like they are not only saying goodbye to their school, but also to someone who helped shape their experience at NDB and made it feel like home, knowing that when they visit, they will be greeted by someone else.
“I’d probably just want to really stress to her how much like she’s meant to everyone in Notre Dame and what big impact she’s had on everyone just being such a friendly face and, like, a genuinely, just good, sweet person,” said senior Kylie Fernandez when asked what her final message to Tauskey would be.
Even though some students have not been here for all of the past four years, they recognize the irreplaceable energy and enthusiasm she brings to the community. Her ability to listen without judgment and to offer support during both stressful and exciting moments has made her someone students can always rely on.
“She’s such a kind and wonderful person,” explained sophomore Kaya Gersick. “Every day, you go in there if you don’t feel well, and she’s just so nice about it. She doesn’t make you feel guilty about leaving or anything.”
In her role, no two days are the same as she greets students who are each navigating different challenges in their lives, and she finds deep fulfillment in being a consistent source of support for them – a true reflection of her character.
Tauskey also emphasized that respect is one of the most important values she strives to build with students, noting that “you don’t command respect, you earn it.”
She also encourages students to continue forming meaningful connections, something she has witnessed firsthand through the relationships built throughout her work. She believes the friendships and bonds created during high school can have a lasting impact and become an important source of support and encouragement throughout life.
“Be compassionate. Be kind to one another. Talk to one another. Have conversations that are meaningful,” advised Tauskey. “Don’t stick your nose on your phone … There’s a saying that’s on my desk or on my table over there that says, ‘One day, I’ll look up from my phone and see my life. Look up and see your life soon.’”
In retirement, Tauskey plans to spend time with her granddaughter, Quinn, and support her daughter-in-law while her son is deployed in the Middle East. She is also looking forward to traveling and having more time to volunteer at hospitals and libraries, where she hopes to read to children and give back to the community. After years of dedicating herself to education and the NDB community, Tauskey is excited to begin this new chapter filled with family, service, adventure and meaningful experiences.
While her time is ending at NDB, her legacy of compassion, warmth and positivity will be remembered among students and staff. The countless number of students’ lives she has touched through her dedication, encouragement and genuine care have left a lasting impact on the community. Whether students stopped by her office for advice, support or simply to grab a piece of candy from the bowl that is sitting on her desk, she created a welcoming space where everyone felt comfortable and cared for. Although she may be leaving campus, the kindness and support she shared each day will continue to inspire students long after her time at NDB has ended. It is without question that she will always be “the mother of NDB.”
