On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Mark Brandenburg, Benedictine College Class of 1996, to explore an extraordinary career built on faith, grit, and public service. From his days protecting the football field at Benedictine to protecting presidents on Air Force One, Mark shares how the lessons of teamwork, perseverance, and humility from football shaped his path as a police officer and ultimately as a U.S. Secret Service agent.

Mark opens up about his journey from growing up in Texas, adjusting to college life at Benedictine, and finding his calling in law enforcement. Listeners will hear firsthand stories of high-stakes pursuits, presidential security details under Obama and Pence, and the intense preparation and teamwork that go into protecting the highest office in the nation.

Through it all, Mark emphasizes the role of faith, character, and community in staying grounded and effective in his work. This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into a life of service, the parallels between sports and public protection, and the enduring impact of Benedictine College on its alumni.

In this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Deacon Dave DiNuzzo ’04 to explore the remarkable, full-circle path that shaped his faith and vocation. Dave shares how a deep but often misdirected desire for God carried him from youthful pride and spiritual self-reliance into a hard-won humility formed through grace.

He opens up about the years he stepped away from the Church, the intellectual and spiritual wrestling that challenged his assumptions, and the joyful witness of his fellow Ravens that ultimately drew him back. From a career-ending injury to profound questions of identity and purpose, Dave’s story offers an honest, moving look at how God patiently reshapes a life from within.

Now a newly ordained deacon, Dave reflects with Janelle on the surprising joys of ministry, the beauty of offering blessings, and the long discernment that prepared him for both marriage and Holy Orders.

Dave also shares insights from his new book, The Steep Upward Climb: Practical Knowledge about Virtue and Becoming a Saint, giving listeners a deeper look at the path of holiness and the virtues that shaped his journey.

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Denise Pratt ’94, a devoted alumna whose journey from Benedictine College to a 25-year career at Boys Town demonstrates the power of faith, community, and purpose.

Denise shares how her path—from discovering Benedictine through a Presidential Scholarship to embracing the lessons of her small, tight-knit college community—prepared her for a life dedicated to service. At Boys Town, she has helped transform the lives of countless children, carrying forward the legacy of Father Flanagan and the mission to “Teach Love” through evidence-based care, mentorship, and unwavering compassion.

Through reflections on the parallels between Benedictine and Boys Town, the importance of intentional community, and the power of nurturing hearts and minds, Denise’s story offers a moving testament to resilience, mentorship, and the enduring impact of faith-driven institutions.

This conversation is a reminder of how places rooted in purpose and values can shape not only careers but lives, leaving a generational legacy of hope and service.

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Faith Harding, a 2020 graduate and former Benedictine College softball player whose senior year was unexpectedly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Faith’s journey at Benedictine began with softball but quickly grew into a deep appreciation for community, friendships, and mentorship. She reflects on the enduring bonds with teammates, professors, and the campus community, and shares how the lessons she learned at Benedictine shaped her path to graduate school and her career as a speech pathologist in Kansas City.

From navigating an abbreviated senior year to translating her college experiences into a meaningful role in education, Faith’s story is full of resilience, gratitude, and the lasting impact of Benedictine’s community-centered values. Her reflections highlight how the friendships, mentorship, and memories made on campus continue to influence her life today.

Faith’s story is a powerful reminder of the enduring connections, mentorship, and sense of belonging that define the Benedictine experience.

On this episode of Always a Raven, Janelle Menz sits down with Colton and Alicia Martin, two Benedictine College alumni whose love of music—and of each other—carried them from the brick streets of Atchison to the concert halls of New Jersey. Colton (BC ’15) and Alicia (BC ’09) share the story of their unexpected connection, navigating graduate school together in a shared U-Haul, and discovering how the Benedictine values of hospitality, community, and service continue to shape their lives.

From sacred music careers to founding their own performing arts nonprofit, they reflect on defining success on their own terms, the power of mentorship, and the lessons that guide them as they raise two boys, nurture their musical ministries, and remain rooted in the callings that first brought them together. Along the way, they reveal how faith, creativity, and community have intertwined to create a life and career that are as fulfilling as they are inspiring.

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Brian Roder, Benedictine College Class of 1993, to explore a life shaped by faith, community, and the enduring Raven spirit. From stepping onto the Benedictine campus as a freshman to unforgettable experiences on the baseball field and a transformative trip to the Dominican Republic, Brian shares how purpose, humility, and heart have guided his journey.

He reflects on the tight-knit community of Benedictine, the mentors and friendships that shaped him, and the lessons that continue to influence his personal and professional life—including his decade-long career at Dimensional Innovations, where he manages large-scale, creative projects that leave lasting impressions. Along the way, Brian emphasizes the power of connection, the impact of a simple invitation, and the joy of giving back.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about finding your path, embracing uncertainty, and carrying the values of Benedictine College into every chapter of life.

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz sits down with Patrick Hodapp, Benedictine College’s longtime Director of Sports Medicine. Patrick never imagined Benedictine College would be the place where he’d build his career, but over the past 23 years, he’s discovered it’s the perfect fit.

From his early days as the second full-time athletic trainer on a small campus team to leading a growing department supporting over 800 student-athletes, Patrick shares how he’s watched programs, facilities, and the athletic culture evolve while staying rooted in family and community. He reflects on pivotal moments, including life-threatening injuries, mentoring students, and fostering a holistic approach to athlete care that includes mental, physical, and emotional wellness.

Patrick’s story is one of perseverance, heart, and commitment—not just to athletics, but to the students he considers family. It’s a reminder of the profound impact that dedication, vision, and compassion can have on a community, and why Benedictine College continues to inspire those who call it home.

In this episode of the Always a Raven podcast, host Janelle Menz welcomes Bob Slater ’54, a lifelong journalist, devoted family man, and proud Raven whose journey from the halls of Benedictine College to covering national events reveals the power of faith, integrity, and community.

Bob came to Benedictine with a scholarship in the journalism department, running the College newspaper almost single-handedly. Through rigorous work, formative professors, and enduring friendships, he developed a commitment to excellence, personal responsibility, and the value of getting along with people — lessons that guided him through a distinguished career reporting on politics, national conventions, and historic moments in American history.

Bob’s story is full of gratitude, humility, and dedication, and it’s a powerful reminder of how the Benedictine experience shapes lives long after graduation