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.