Meet Our G.R.A.s
Matthew Shaw
Fischer Hall
Tyndale University
B.A., Biblical Studies & Theology
Wheaton College Graduate School
M.A., Higher Education and Student Development, in progress
Matthew Shaw is very excited to start his time as a GRA in Fischer Hall. Matthew is from the Toronto area in Canada where he served at Tyndale University as an RA for three years. As an RA, Matthew discovered his love for getting to know and serving his brothers and sisters in Christ. He loves BBQing, board games, and spending time in community and conversation. Matthew is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get to know new people and make new friends at Wheaton and he is happily anticipating all that God has in store.
Contact Matthew by email
Fischer Hall info
Jessica Connors
Smith-Traber Hall
Wheaton College
B.A., Christian Formation and Ministry
Wheaton College Graduate School
M.A., Higher Education and Student Development, in progress
Jessica Connors is thrilled to be returning to Smith-Traber Hall as a GRA while pursuing a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Development. Originally from Apple Valley, Minnesota, Smith-Traber holds a special place in her heart, as she lived there for two years during her undergrad and loved being part of the Res Life team. She’s passionate about building community through fun events and intentional conversations—preferably over a good cup of coffee! In her free time, she enjoys watercolor painting, being silly with friends, and taking full advantage of Chicago’s vibrant theater scene.
Contact Jessica by email
Smith-Traber Hall info
Sam Erickson
Smith-Traber Hall
George Fox University
B.A., Communication Studies
Wheaton College Graduate School
M.A., Higher Education and Student Development, in progress
Sam Erickson is so excited for his first year as a GRA in Smith-Traber. Sam graduated from George Fox University in Oregon, getting a degree in Communication Studies while working in any part of student life he could, including Residence Life, Spiritual Life, and the Athletic Department. He is a proud PNW-kid, growing up in Western Washington across the water from Seattle, and living in Oregon the past three years. Sam loves being outside (preferably near Mountains), getting coffee with his people, and watching baseball any time, any place. He loves learning more about Jesus through the people around him and playing Uno with his three younger brothers. Sam is super pumped to get to join the Wheaton community this year!
Contact Sam by email
Smith-Traber Hall info
Katie Smith
Williston Hall
Bethel University
B.S., Business Marketing & Missional Ministry
Wheaton College Graduate School
M.A., Higher Education and Student Development, in progress
Katie Smith grew up on a farm in Hannibal, Missouri but spent the second half of her life in the suburbs of Minneapolis. She spent a significant amount of time in the country of Poland over the last ten years and has loved building relationships with the local church there and teaching English. Katie enjoys being outside, spending time with people, and has recently gotten into running.
Contact Katie by email
Williston Hall info
Ashley Seymour Schill
Fischer Hall
Wheaton College
B.A.,Biblical and Theological Studies
Wheaton College Graduate School
M.A., Higher Education and Student Development, in progress
Ashley Schill is so excited to be back in Fischer Hall to serve as the first-year GRA. Ashley is from a little bit all over the country but has lived in the suburbs of Chicago for the last 10 years, where she also attended Wheaton for four of those. During her time at Wheaton, she quickly discovered a passion for vocational ministry, and as time went on, a stronger passion for college ministry. Ashley loves to extend hospitality through a good cup of tea, meals, games, movies, and conversation. She is so excited to continue learning alongside her Wheaton community!
Contact Ashley by email
Fischer Hall info
Andrew Benyamin
Williston Hall
Moody Bible Institute
B.A., Nonprofit Management
Wheaton College Graduate School
M.A., Higher Education and Student Development, in progress
Andrew Benyamin is starting his first year as GRA in MacEvans Hall this fall. He grew up as a third culture kid, originally from Egypt but raised mostly in Sudan as a missionary kid, which means "where are you from" has never had a short answer for him. That upbringing is a big part of why he cares so much about hearing people's stories. Everyone's carrying a different version of home in their head, shaped by wherever they grew up, and Andrew genuinely wants to know what that looks like for the people around him. He got his first real taste of leadership at Moody Bible Institute, serving as a First Year Experience Leader and an International Student Fellowship leader, on top of ministry involvement across the Middle East and North Africa. Those experiences are what convinced him to keep pursuing higher education and student development. What actually drew him to this specific role is the relational side of it, getting to know students and building bridges between people whose backgrounds don't naturally overlap. When he's not working, you'll probably find him watching soccer, at the gym, or gaming with friends. He also won't say no to a good conversation over coffee, pour-overs to be specific.
Contact Andrew by email
Upperclass Hall info