On this week’s episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with David Litkenhus, Benedictine College Class of 1993, for a powerful conversation on purpose, service, and the unexpected paths that shape a life. What began as a singular focus on basketball evolved into a lifelong commitment to something greater; serving his country.

David shares how a pivotal moment during the Gulf War shifted his perspective, leading him from the basketball court to the battlefield, where he built a distinguished career across both the Air Force and Marine Corps. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors, experiences, and values rooted in his time at Benedictine that helped guide every transition.

From lessons in leadership and resilience to the importance of community and asking for help, this episode dives into the mindset that carried David through decades of service—and how the “once a Raven, always a Raven” spirit continues to influence his journey today

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Dr. Diamond Howell, a 2007 Benedictine College graduate, educator, author, and advocate for faith-filled leadership in public education, to share her journey of purpose, perseverance, and learning to trust God’s plan.

Diamond reflects on growing up in Atchison and initially planning to leave home for college before a scholarship led her to Benedictine. What began as a practical decision quickly became a transformative experience. She shares memories of campus life, the close-knit community that made Benedictine feel like its own world, and the mentors who helped shape her confidence and direction.

Now working in public education as a staff health and wellness leader, Diamond speaks candidly about living out her Christian faith in environments where faith is not always openly discussed. Listeners will hear a heartfelt conversation about surrendering personal plans, supporting others through service, and embracing the unexpected paths God places before us. This episode is perfect for alumni, educators, parents, and anyone inspired by stories of resilience, calling, and walking boldly in faith.

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz 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.