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.

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 court, she balanced a biology major, Spanish minor, and a year-round athletic schedule. Today, Melinda leads a multidisciplinary health practice focused on women’s wellness, blending chiropractic care with mental health services, massage therapy, and more. She credits the Benedictine community and the relationships it fostered with shaping her life, career, and commitment to giving back.

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 with a Theology minor, Keith was never one to settle for the sidelines. Now a national leader in corporate culture, Keith shares how his Benedictine foundation continues to shape his life. This is a conversation about purpose, perseverance, and the power of living a “sub-above” life.