Graduate Students & Young Adults (GYA)
Welcome
GYA (Graduate students and Young Adults) is a group created for graduate students, postdocs, and young adults in the surrounding Evanston community who are in their 20s and 30s. GYA gathers regularly for a variety of events built around social, spiritual, educational, and service initiatives to help you stay connected.
Get Connected
We welcome you to sign up with Sheil via the button below to receive the weekly e-newsletter and other announcements about the community. Then, join GYA during the academic year on most Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. at Sheil Catholic Center, Evanston. Please see the list of our meetings and events below. We invite all graduate students and young adults to join us and newcomers are always welcome! Questions about GYA? Questions? Contact Tim Higgins, Campus Minister, here(opens in new tab) or call 847.328.4648.
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GYA Winter Retreat
If you are seeking a chance to get away and grow spiritually alongside other young adults, this is your opportunity! The theme of the retreat this year is "Word made flesh." We'll be reflecting on the gift of Christ's self-giving love we receive from the altar and the call we have to share that love beyond the walls of the church. We will be staying in a peaceful setting in Zion, IL and leave around 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2027 and return around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 7, 2027. The cost is $75 for Northwestern graduate students and $125 for young adults. Scholarships are available! Questions? Contact Tim Higgins, Campus Minister, here(opens in new tab) or call 847.328.4648.
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Schedule of Events
Sunday, September 13, 12:00 p.m. - GYA End-of-Summer Cookout
Tuesday, September 22, 5:30 p.m. - GYA Fall Kick-Off Bonfire - Meet at Sheil Catholic Center, Evanston and we'll walk together to Lighthouse Beach for an evening of s'mores and conversation!
Tuesday, September 29, 6:00 p.m. - GYA Gathering (Cocoa, Cookies, and Content)
Sunday, October 4, 2:30 p.m. - Service Opportunity (Margarita Inn Meal Prep)
Tuesday, October 6, 5:00 p.m. - Service Opportunity (Serving at Margarita Inn, Meet at Sheil for Transportation)
Tuesday, October 13, 6:00 p.m. - GYA Gathering (Rosary: History and Mystery)
Tuesday, October 20, 6:00 p.m. - GYA Gathering (Rosary: Making Rosaries)
Tuesday, October 27, 6:00 p.m. - GYA Gathering (Rosary: Praying)
Saturday, November 7, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - Service Opportunity (Food Pantry, Meet at Sheil for Transportation)
Tuesday, November 10, 6:00 p.m. - GYA Gathering (Puzzle Social)
Tuesday, November 17, 6:00 p.m. - GYA Gathering (Mini Retreat)
Tuesday, December 1, 6:00 p.m. - GYA Gathering (Christmas Party)
All events take place at Sheil Catholic Center, unless otherwise noted. To see a full list of upcoming events with the Sheil Catholic community at Northwestern, click here(opens in new tab)
Leadership Team
The GYA leadership team includes (pictured from left to right): Drew Meinecke (service chair), Michael Clark (chair of spiritual life), Pia Rodriguez (chair of small group study), Maddie Joseph (chair of social life), and Tim Higgins (campus minister). Not pictured: Katherine Ellis (communications).