Father William McEvoy, C’83
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What have you been up to since graduating from Saint Mary?
Four years after graduating from Saint Mary in 1983, I was ordained and served in Topeka, Overland Park, Leawood, Kansas City, and Lansing. I returned to Saint Mary in 2010 to serve as chaplain, and being here is a real blessing. Especially being an alum it’s inspiring to walk alongside students as they navigate faith, life, and their future.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
What I enjoy most about serving as chaplain at Saint Mary is the people. The daily conversations with students, faculty, and staff are what make this ministry so rewarding. It’s emotional to watch the students make progress and grow from the time they arrive until they graduate. I especially enjoy and appreciate being with students as they wrestle with important questions about purpose, vocation, and faith. Sunday evening Mass remains one of the highlights of the week because it brings the community together in such a prayerful way.
How did your time at Saint Mary prepare you for your career?
My years at Saint Mary helped shape both my priesthood and my understanding of ministry. The strong sense of community here, along with the balance of faith and learning, left a lasting impact on me. The relationships I formed during those years still influence how I serve today.
What is a memorable experience you had during your time at Saint Mary?
One of my strongest memories as a student is simply feeling known and connected. Saint Mary has always been a place where friendships and mentorships grow naturally, and those relationships often last long after graduation.
Have you stayed in touch with any of your professors or classmates?
Over the years, I’ve stayed connected to Saint Mary in different ways, but serving here as chaplain has deepened that connection even more. Returning to campus has allowed me to reconnect with both people and the spirit of the place that first helped shape my vocation.
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates?
To current students and recent graduates, I would simply say: invest in the community around you. Get to know people well, stay open to where God may be leading you, and don’t shy away from the bigger questions in life. Saint Mary is a place that can shape both your mind and your heart if you let it.
Are there any achievements or milestones you would like to share with the Saint Mary community?
One milestone I’m grateful for is nearing 40 years of priesthood. At this point in my life, being able to serve at Saint Mary feels less like an accomplishment and more like an opportunity to give something back to a community that has given so much to me.
What hobbies or interests are you currently pursuing?
Outside of ministry, I still enjoy reading and taking time for reflection, but most of my energy is happily spent being present to campus life and the people here.
Do you have any favorite Saint Mary traditions that you still cherish?
Of all the Saint Mary traditions, the sense of community is still what stands out most to me. Even now, gathering together for liturgy—especially Sunday evening Mass—still carries that same spirit I remember from my student days.