Always A Raven Podcast

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Bob Slater ’54, a lifelong journalist, devoted family man, and proud Raven whose journey from the halls of Benedictine College to covering national events reveals the power of faith, integrity, and community.

Bob came to Benedictine with a scholarship in the journalism department, running the College newspaper almost single-handedly. Through rigorous work, fo...

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Ryan Lobb, class of 2020, for a powerful conversation about the impact of community and resilience. Ryan shares his journey to sobriety, which began during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, and reflects on the transformative support he received from the Benedictine community — from faculty mentors to fellow students and co-workers.

He also discusses his path ...

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with lifelong Raven Sheila Gartenmayer, whose Benedictine roots run generations deep. From childhood memories cheering in the old Raven gym to decades spent serving students as an advisor and educator, Sheila’s story is a testament to love, loyalty, and legacy.

She shares how her family helped bring Benedictine spirit to life — including her mother’s role in reviving ...

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz heads to the Louisiana Bayou to reconnect with 1997 Benedictine College graduate Rusty Welch — a football-loving, gator-hunting southern gentleman whose journey from Louisiana to Kansas began with one unexpected phone call from Coach Larry Wilcox. Rusty shares how that call led to a life-changing experience at Benedictine, where he discovered faith, family, and a sense of purpose...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Natalie Stifter ’16, a dedicated full-time nurse and proud Benedictine alum whose journey is defined by courage, resilience, and unwavering faith. Natalie shares how her family, Benedictine roots, and personal tenacity shaped her path in nursing — from navigating early career challenges to uplifting colleagues and patients alike. She opens up about standing ...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Terry Hanson ’69. From coaching both baseball and soccer at Benedictine (even before he fully knew the game) to becoming an executive who helped pioneer sports on cable TV, Terry’s story is one of courage, adaptability, and saying “yes” to challenges that others might have turned down. 

In this conversation, Terry reflects on the mentors who shaped him and th...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Joan Charbonneau, Class of 1990—an entrepreneur whose journey from Benedictine recruiter to CEO of Perfect Promotions is marked by resilience, mentorship, and purpose.

Joan shares how her Benedictine experience shaped her confidence and community, from memories with lifelong friends to mentors who believed in her before she believed in herself. She opens up a...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Fr. Robert Williams, Class of 2015—a newly ordained priest whose journey from Raven soccer player to missionary to seminary in Rome reveals the beauty of God’s providence.

Fr. Williams shares how his time at Benedictine and years with St. Paul’s Outreach deepened his call to the priesthood, and how family legacy, prayer, and missionary work shaped his...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with John Minnis '92—author, entrepreneur, and proud Raven whose connection to Benedictine runs deep.

From memories of baseball road trips and family ties to the college, to lessons learned as a business leader and mentor, John shares how Benedictine shaped his outlook on life and work. He reflects on the discipline instilled by his father, the hard-working ...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Rob Herringer ’00—Raven alum, former head coach of the men’s soccer team, and a leader whose legacy extends far beyond the field.

As a student-athlete in the late ’90s, Rob found more than just a place to play soccer—he found a community that shaped his faith, leadership, and life. Returning as head coach in 2004, he led the Ravens to an impressive 12...

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with longtime music faculty member and beloved mentor Ruth Krusemark '73 to talk about her decades at Benedictine College.

Ruth shares how she first came to the college, the moments that shaped her career, and the joy she’s found in watching generations of students discover their gifts. She reflects on the friendships, traditions, and unexpected opportunit...

In this episode of The Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Melinda Pregont ’09—former Lady Raven basketball player, healthcare leader, and owner of Trusted Care, a holistic wellness clinic. Melinda’s Benedictine journey began with a life-changing community scholarship that brought her to campus and kept her rooted in Atchison. On the court, she learned humility, resilience, and the value of hard work. Off the ...

In this episode of The Always A Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Keith Hertling ’79—Raven Hall of Famer, and current Senior Vice President of Coaching and Culture at Jersey Mike’s Subs Franchise Systems. At Benedictine College, Keith combined athletic excellence with a deep passion for service and faith. From coaching in the Special Olympics and working in Campus Ministry to earning a degree in Special Education wit...

In this episode of the Always A Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Pat Henneberry ’84—author, motivational speaker, and diamond industry executive with a career that’s taken her from Benedictine College to the mines of South Africa. Pat shares insights from her book, “My Soul Showed Up”, her journey through chronic pain and recovery, and how she now inspires others through her speaking. Wi...

In this episode of The Always A Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Chris Tabor ’93—NFL coach, former Raven player, and a powerful example of quiet leadership shaped by faith, discipline, and character.

In this episode of The Always A Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Clare Hansen ’18—head coach of the Benedictine College women’s lacrosse team and one of the most unlikely success stories in Raven athletics.

Clare arrived at Benedictine having never played lacrosse. But within just a few seasons, she became a standout player in the fledgling program. By 2021, she had stepped into the head coaching role—and in only fou...