On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Mintz welcomes Larry Buessing, class of 1960, longtime board member, mentor, and pillar of Benedictine College, to share his journey of faith, service, and lifelong dedication to Raven Nation.

Larry reflects on his time at Saint Benedict (now Benedictine College), arriving from Axtell, Kansas, and leaving with friendships, memories, and a deep connection to a community that shaped his life. From his freshman hall adventures to memorable stories of campus life in the 1950s, Larry brings the history of Benedictine to life with warmth, humor, and insight.

He shares how he and his wife, Theresa, established an endowed legacy scholarship for the first member of a family to attend Benedictine, helping students like Calvin Tosi, a Navajo graduate making an incredible impact across 47 states. Larry reflects on the joy of mentorship, welcoming students into his home, and seeing firsthand how generosity and guidance can transform lives.

Listeners will hear thoughtful conversations about community, leadership, paying it forward, and witnessing the growth and evolution of Benedictine College from its historic brick streets to a thriving modern campus. This episode is perfect for alumni, students, and anyone inspired by stories of service, legacy, and the enduring spirit of Raven Nation.

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Derek Lyssy, a 2011 Benedictine College graduate and Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, to share his journey of faith, leadership, and discovering purpose beyond his original career plans.

Derek reflects on his time at Benedictine College, arriving as a business student considering corporate sales and leaving with a formation that would shape his faith, friendships, and future. He shares memories of campus hospitality, lifelong friendships, meeting his wife in Scholastica Hall, and the culture that made Benedictine feel both deeply personal and transformative.

Through mission trips to El Salvador, playing basketball inside a state penitentiary, and growing in conviction about his Catholic faith, Derek explains how Benedictine prepared him not just for a career, but for a life of service. What began as an interest in business evolved into missionary work with FOCUS, advancement roles in Chicago and Tulsa, and ultimately leadership in Catholic philanthropy.

Listeners will hear a thoughtful conversation about vocation, mission-driven leadership, marriage, and what it truly means to live with purpose. This episode is perfect for alumni, young professionals discerning their path, and anyone inspired by stories of formation, service, and paying forward the gift of a Benedictine education.

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Angela Chronister, a Benedictine College alumna, to share her journey of faith, family, loss, and purpose.

Angela reflects on her path to Benedictine — arriving after a year traveling the country in ministry and immediately finding a campus that felt like home. She shares memories of dorm life, the spirit of hospitality that defined her experience, and the community that helped shape her confidence and convictions.

As her life unfolded, Angela navigated unexpected turns — transferring to pursue nursing, becoming engaged as a sophomore, and experiencing the profound loss of her first child while still in college. She speaks candidly about grief, the role of faith in carrying her through unimaginable hardship, and the strength she found in community during life’s most difficult moments.

From thirteen years as an emergency room nurse to homeschooling her children and launching a birth and bereavement doula business, Angela reflects on how Benedictine’s formation prepared her to be “in the world, but not of it” — seeing the dignity in every person and leading with compassion.

Listeners will hear a heartfelt conversation about resilience, vocation, family life, and the lasting impact of a Benedictine education. This episode is perfect for alumni, parents, and anyone inspired by stories of faith woven through every season of life.

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Dr. John Dolan, lifelong educator, devoted father and grandfather, and proud graduate Raven from the class of 1981. John’s career has been shaped by faith, mentorship, and a commitment to community. 

John’s journey with Benedictine College began as a student influenced by coaches and professors who saw potential in him before he did. From completing his degree to becoming a director of admissions for Benedictine, his path demonstrates the transformative power of guidance, perseverance, and purpose. Today, John applies those lessons as he leads Saint Mary’s School in Boston, helping students and families thrive in a mission-driven, faith-centered environment.

Through heartfelt stories of mentorship, family, and the enduring connections that define the Raven community, John’s story reminds us that the Benedictine experience extends far beyond the campus.

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Greg Doring to reflect on a unique and unexpected journey into the Benedictine College community. Greg shares how a single bus ride to the March for Life while he was a student at Kansas State introduced him to the joy, hospitality, and unmistakable spirit of the Ravens.

Greg talks about forming lasting friendships and how those early encounters led him back to Atchison as a residence hall director. From learning to lead students well to discerning his next steps, Greg’s story highlights the impact of authentic relationships and joyful witness.

Greg also reflects with Janelle on returning to Benedictine as a FOCUS missionary, walking alongside students during a season of growth on campus, and the mentors and friendships that shaped his years of ministry.

Now an entrepreneur, husband, and father, Greg shares how the Benedictine community continues to influence his approach to leadership, faith, and service,  and why the Raven network remains so strong!

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Sister Truth, a 2009 Benedictine College graduate, to share her journey of faith, discernment, and learning to trust God’s call.

Sister Truth reflects on her time at Benedictine College, arriving on campus unsure of her path and finding a community that shaped her spiritually, academically, and personally. She shares memories of campus life, friendships, prayer, and the subtle moments that helped her grow in confidence and openness to God’s will.

After graduation, Sister Truth walks listeners through her discernment process, explaining how daily prayer, mentorship, and a willingness to surrender control ultimately led her to religious life. She speaks candidly about fear, trust, and learning to say yes even when the future felt uncertain.

Listeners will hear a thoughtful conversation about vocation, faith, and the lasting impact of Benedictine College. This episode is perfect for alumni, students discerning their next steps, and anyone inspired by stories of trust, purpose, and following a greater calling.

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Todd Nugent ’92 to reflect on the relationships, resilience, and moments that defined his time at Benedictine College and continue to shape his life today. Todd shares how arriving at Benedictine to play football nearly turned into a short stay, until he chose to give it one more year and never looked back.

He opens up about the lifelong friendships formed on the football field and in the residence halls, and how those bonds became a source of strength long after graduation. From navigating career changes to facing a leukemia diagnosis, Todd’s story offers an honest, powerful look at how Benedictine’s foundation of community and support carries Ravens through life’s hardest seasons.

Now living back in Atchison, Todd reflects with Janelle on returning to campus in a new role as a photographer, capturing the moments, emotions, and spirit of today’s Ravens through his lens. He shares how seeing Benedictine from the sidelines, and behind the camera has deepened his appreciation for the college and its enduring heart.

Todd also reflects on what it means to live fully in the present, cherish the people who walk alongside you, and remain connected to the place that helped form who you are, proving once again that Once a Raven, Always a Raven.

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes DeMaria Walters, a 2018 graduate from Oklahoma City, to share his inspiring journey from student-athlete to nonprofit founder and youth mentor.

DeMaria opens up about his college experience at Benedictine College, transferring sight unseen, navigating football, academics, and building lifelong friendships. He reflects on how mentors like Coach Papa George and Charlie Gartenmayer shaped his values, encouraged personal growth, and inspired him to embrace community leadership.

After graduation, DeMaria’s path took him from professional football in Istanbul, Turkey, to coaching and creating his own nonprofit, the Young Achievers Youth Organization. Over five years, his program has mentored and supported more than 127 students across seven states, helping them access athletic opportunities, scholarships, and life guidance.

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Carol Shomin ’71 to reflect on a lifetime of connection, leadership, and service to Benedictine College. Carol shares how the community and hospitality she first encountered as a student became the foundation for a lifelong commitment to the Mount and the mission it represents.

She opens up about the friendships, simplicity, and spirit that defined her student years, from walking everywhere on campus to learning alongside women from all over the country. From studying chemistry to beginning a career in early computer programming at AT&T, Carol’s story offers a thoughtful look at how Benedictine formed both her intellect and her sense of purpose.

As the first female chair of the Board of Directors, Carol reflects with Janelle on stepping into leadership during one of the most challenging seasons in the college’s history, the generosity and courage of those who showed up when it mattered most, and what it meant to help guide Benedictine through a time of uncertainty into renewal.

Carol also shares why giving back has always been central to her story — from honoring the help she received as a student to ensuring that future generations have the same opportunity to discover community, vocation, and belonging at Benedictine.

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Durell Anthony, Benedictine College Class of 2008 and acclaimed musician, to explore his inspiring journey from small-town Atchison to the national stage of The Voice.

Durell shares how his time at Benedictine College shaped his confidence, work ethic, and creative spirit that helped him transform physically, personally, and artistically. From late-night jam sessions at The Roost to his first CD and eventual move to California, he reflects on the formative experiences that prepared him for a career in music.

Listeners will hear about Durell’s leap of faith into the music industry, the pivotal role of family and community, and his unforgettable experience competing on The Voice. Beyond the spotlight, Durell discusses the importance of staying grounded, serving others through his music, and pursuing passion with purpose.

Learn More About Durell’s Music: Durell Anthony | Official Website