Graduate Students & Young Adults (GYA)
Welcome
GYA 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? Contact Tim Higgins, Campus Minister, here or call 847.328.4648.
Sign Up
Annual Winter Retreat
Join us for the annual GYA retreat in the winter, February 8-9, 2025. If you are seeking a chance to get away from normal life and grow spiritually alongside other young adults, this is your opportunity! Arrive at Sheil on February 8th by 9:30 a.m. and we will return to Sheil on February 9th by 4:00 p.m. Cost is $50 for Northwestern students, $100 for non-students. Scholarships are available. If you have any questions, contact Tim Higgins here. The deadline to reserve a space is Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, September 8, 12:00-2:00 p.m. - GYA Welcome Cookout after the 11:00 Mass
Thursday, September 19, 1:00-3:00 p.m. - The Graduate School New Student Resource Fair at Norris
Sunday, October 6, 7:30-9:00 p.m. - Bonfire at Lighthouse Beach, meet at Sheil at 7:15 to go over together
Tuesday, October 15, 6:00 p.m. - GYA Meeting (Transitions Week 1)
Tuesday, October 22, 6:00 p.m. - Spirituality Event: Rosary Making
Tuesday, October 29, 6:00 p.m. - GYA Meeting (Transitions Week 2)
Tuesday, November 5, 6:00 p.m. - Social Event: Ice Skating at Robert Crown Community Center (Meet at Sheil foyer at 6:35 p.m. Bring Wildcard and warm athletic clothes such as a sweater and long pants)
Tuesday, November 12, 6:00 p.m. - GYA Meeting (Transitions Week 3)
Tuesday, November 19, 6:00 p.m. - Service Event
Tuesday, November 26, 6:00 p.m. - GYA Meeting (Transitions Week 4)
Tuesday, December 3, 6:00 p.m. - Social Event
To see a full list of upcoming events with the Sheil Catholic community, click here.
GYA Leadership Team
The GYA leadership team includes (pictured from left to right) Ethan Garvey (co-chair of small group study), Dany Atallah (co-chair of small group study), Drew Meinecke (service chair), Maddie Joseph (co-chair of social life), Michael Clark (co-chair of spiritual life), Rose Haselhorst (co-chair of spiritual life), and Marisa McGettigan (communications chair and co-chair of social life).