Always A Raven Podcast

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.

Dr. Andy Swafford '04

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Dr. Andy Swafford ’04—professor, author, speaker, and proud Raven whose journey from the football field to the classroom reveals the power of faith and authenticity.
 
Andy came to Benedictine College with one goal: to play football. But through unexpected twists—including a devastating injury overseas, transformative professors, and life-changing friendships—he discovered a deeper calling. His time in Atchison not only led him to his wife Sarah and a vocation in teaching but also sparked a passion for sharing faith through storytelling, whether in the classroom, on national media, or in Benedictine’s new video series Christ the Storyteller.
 
In this conversation, Andy reflects on his evolution as both a teacher and a leader, the importance of authenticity, and why consistency—not perfection—is the key to greatness. He also shares candid insights on raising his family in Atchison, mentoring the next generation of Ravens, and how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become an unexpected spiritual teacher.
 
Andy’s story is full of grit, gratitude, and grace—and it’s a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of the Benedictine experience.

Terry Hanson '69

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 the moments when faith and grit carried him through. His journey is a testament to what can happen when you’re willing to take risks, lean into the unknown, and never be afraid to try.

Joan Charbonneau '90

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 about the challenges of buying and leading a company, the lessons learned through setbacks, and the importance of knowing your “why” in business and in life.
Her story is one of legacy, leadership, and faith-filled determination, and a reminder that success is about more than reaching the top; it’s about lifting others along the way.

Fr. Robert Williams '15

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 vocation. He reflects on the joy of spiritual fatherhood, the challenges of surrendering to God’s will, and the universal call to holiness for all Christians.
 
Listen in for an inspiring conversation about vocation, prayer, and what it means to live with joy in the presence of God.

John Minnis '92

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 culture of the Raven community, and the power of giving first in relationships.
Listen to hear John's timeless advice on leadership, networking, and staying true to your values.Learn more about John's book, Journey to Leadership: Timeless Lessons for Today's Leaders.

Rob Herringer '00

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 124 wins, multiple championships, and lasting impact on generations of players.
From the story of how a chance invitation led him to Benedictine, to the lessons he carried into coaching and beyond, Rob reflects on the values, people, and moments that continue to guide him today. This is a conversation about family, faith, and the transformative power of the Raven experience.

Ruth Krusemark '73

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 opportunities that have kept her rooted in the Benedictine community for so many years.
 
It’s a warm conversation about calling, connection, and the lasting harmony between a teacher and the place she’s called home.