Always A Raven Podcast

Denise Pratt '94

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Denise Pratt ’94, a devoted alumna whose journey from Benedictine College to a 25-year career at Boys Town demonstrates the power of faith, community, and purpose.
Denise shares how her path—from discovering Benedictine through a Presidential Scholarship to embracing the lessons of her small, tight-knit college community—prepared her for a life dedicated to service. At Boys Town, she has helped transform the lives of countless children, carrying forward the legacy of Father Flanagan and the mission to “Teach Love” through evidence-based care, mentorship, and unwavering compassion.
Through reflections on the parallels between Benedictine and Boys Town, the importance of intentional community, and the power of nurturing hearts and minds, Denise’s story offers a moving testament to resilience, mentorship, and the enduring impact of faith-driven institutions.
This conversation is a reminder of how places rooted in purpose and values can shape not only careers but lives, leaving a generational legacy of hope and service.

Faith Harding '20

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Faith Harding, a 2020 graduate and former Benedictine College softball player whose senior year was unexpectedly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Faith’s journey at Benedictine began with softball but quickly grew into a deep appreciation for community, friendships, and mentorship. She reflects on the enduring bonds with teammates, professors, and the campus community, and shares how the lessons she learned at Benedictine shaped her path to graduate school and her career as a speech pathologist in Kansas City.
From navigating an abbreviated senior year to translating her college experiences into a meaningful role in education, Faith’s story is full of resilience, gratitude, and the lasting impact of Benedictine’s community-centered values. Her reflections highlight how the friendships, mentorship, and memories made on campus continue to influence her life today.
Faith’s story is a powerful reminder of the enduring connections, mentorship, and sense of belonging that define the Benedictine experience.

Colton '15 and Alicia Martin '09

On this episode of Always a Raven, Janelle Menz sits down with Colton and Alicia Martin, two Benedictine College alumni whose love of music—and of each other—carried them from the brick streets of Atchison to the concert halls of New Jersey. Colton (BC ’15) and Alicia (BC ’09) share the story of their unexpected connection, navigating graduate school together in a shared U-Haul, and discovering how the Benedictine values of hospitality, community, and service continue to shape their lives.
From sacred music careers to founding their own performing arts nonprofit, they reflect on defining success on their own terms, the power of mentorship, and the lessons that guide them as they raise two boys, nurture their musical ministries, and remain rooted in the callings that first brought them together. Along the way, they reveal how faith, creativity, and community have intertwined to create a life and career that are as fulfilling as they are inspiring.

Brian Roder '93

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Brian Roder, Benedictine College Class of 1993, to explore a life shaped by faith, community, and the enduring Raven spirit. From stepping onto the Benedictine campus as a freshman to unforgettable experiences on the baseball field and a transformative trip to the Dominican Republic, Brian shares how purpose, humility, and heart have guided his journey.
 
He reflects on the tight-knit community of Benedictine, the mentors and friendships that shaped him, and the lessons that continue to influence his personal and professional life—including his decade-long career at Dimensional Innovations, where he manages large-scale, creative projects that leave lasting impressions. Along the way, Brian emphasizes the power of connection, the impact of a simple invitation, and the joy of giving back.
 
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about finding your path, embracing uncertainty, and carrying the values of Benedictine College into every chapter of life.

Patrick Hodapp

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Patrick Hodapp, Benedictine College’s longtime Director of Sports Medicine. Patrick never imagined Benedictine College would be the place where he’d build his career, but over the past 23 years, he’s discovered it’s the perfect fit.
From his early days as the second full-time athletic trainer on a small campus team to leading a growing department supporting over 800 student-athletes, Patrick shares how he’s watched programs, facilities, and the athletic culture evolve while staying rooted in family and community. He reflects on pivotal moments, including life-threatening injuries, mentoring students, and fostering a holistic approach to athlete care that includes mental, physical, and emotional wellness.
Patrick’s story is one of perseverance, heart, and commitment—not just to athletics, but to the students he considers family. It’s a reminder of the profound impact that dedication, vision, and compassion can have on a community, and why Benedictine College continues to inspire those who call it home.

Bob Slater '54

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, formative professors, and enduring friendships, he developed a commitment to excellence, personal responsibility, and the value of getting along with people — lessons that guided him through a distinguished career reporting on politics, national conventions, and historic moments in American history.
Bob’s story is full of gratitude, humility, and dedication, and it’s a powerful reminder of how the Benedictine experience shapes lives long after graduation

Ryan Lobb '20

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 after graduation, earning an MBA, navigating his career, and ultimately pursuing a calling in addiction counseling to help others. Through his story, Ryan shows how challenges, faith, and community can inspire personal growth and a commitment to pay it forward.
Join us to hear a story of perseverance, purpose, and the enduring power of Benedictine College.

Sheila Gartenmayer

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 the pep band and creating the very first Raven mascot — and reflects on raising a family intertwined with the college community. Together with her husband, longtime coach Charlie Gartenmayer, Sheila has poured her heart into the people who make Benedictine feel like home.
 
Through endless and timeless stories, Sheila reminds us what it means to belong — and why, for so many, Benedictine isn’t just a college, but a way of life. Because once a Raven, always a Raven.

Rusty Welch '97

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 that still guides him today.
 
He reflects on adjusting to life up north, the lifelong friendships built through football and biology, and the lessons that shaped both his career and character.With a strong background in biology and expertise in wildlife management, Rusty continues to live out the Benedictine values he learned in Atchison — proving that no matter how far life takes you, once a Raven, always a Raven.

Natalie Stifter '16

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 firm in her beliefs in a secular work environment, the lessons learned from difficult situations, and the profound impact of bringing joy, authenticity, and compassion to every interaction.Her story is a powerful reminder of how bravery, faith, and kindness can transform both your career and the lives of those around you, and a testament to the enduring influence of the Benedictine experience.