Nina Gray '24

Nina Gray '24

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Nina Gray, a 2024 Benedictine College graduate, to share her story of choosing Benedictine at the last possible moment, beginning college during the uncertainty of 2020, and discovering a community where faith was not confined to chapel, but woven into friendships, late-night conversations, service, and everyday life.    Nina reflects on how Benedictine helped her see Catholicism as something truly universal — lived out in every vocation, every season, and every ordinary moment when people choose to show up for one another. From porch conversations and spontaneous invitations to adoration, to learning that community must be lived in person and not just talked about, she shares how her time on campus formed her courage to act, serve, and trust God more deeply.   Now living in Kansas City after graduation, Nina opens up about leaving the traditional work path to pursue a season of prayer, creativity, writing, and surrender — not because she has every answer, but because she refuses to live with the regret of never trying. Her story is a powerful reminder that being a Raven means remembering who you are, stepping into the world with faith and purpose, and trusting that God can work even in the half-baked, uncertain, and unfinished parts of the journey.

Fr. Meinrad Miller '89

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Father Meinrad Miller, a 1989 graduate of Benedictine College, to share his journey from discerning student to beloved priest and monk at Saint Benedict's Abbey — reflecting on how his time at Benedictine deepened his calling and set the foundation for a vocation rooted in prayer, community, and service. Father Meinrad shares stories from a life well-lived in the Church — from celebrating sacraments and serving as state chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, to traveling with the Missionaries of Charity in Washington D.C. and Calcutta — offering candid wisdom that it doesn't take an hour of prayer to encounter God, just a willing heart and the faith of a mustard seed. Beyond his travels and ministries, Father Meinrad's greatest joy remains right on campus, where he teaches Benedictine spirituality and witnesses students finding their way to Christ year after year — proof that the mission of Benedictine College lives on in the monks and mentors who never stopped believing in it.

Janelle Menz '06

On this special episode of Always a Raven, guest host Joe Wurtz turns the tables on the podcast's own creator, Janelle Menz, a 2006 Benedictine graduate, to celebrate one year of Always a Raven. Janelle shares the inspiration behind the podcast and how her time at Benedictine gave her the foundation to show up with integrity — even when it cost her everything. Janelle takes us inside one of the most defining moments of her career: a dream event planning job that came with an impossible moral conflict. From tearful cubicles to a face-to-face conversation with the company president, her story of courage — shaped by faith, family, and Benedictine formation — is one that gets told to students year after year. Now serving as Director of Stewardship and Donor Engagement at Benedictine, Janelle reflects on what a year of hosting Always a Raven has revealed about the Raven spirit across every generation and walk of life — and what it truly means to say once a Raven, always a Raven.

Paul Suellentrop '87

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Paul Suellentrop, a 1987 graduate of Benedictine College, to share his journey from student journalist to longtime voice in sports media. From his early days writing for The Circuit to decades in newspaper reporting, Paul reflects on how his time at Benedictine shaped both his career path and his perspective, laying the foundation for a life rooted in storytelling, curiosity, and community. Paul dives into his career across multiple newsrooms, including stops in Oklahoma, St. Joseph, and a 17-year run at the Wichita Eagle, where he covered a dynamic era of Wichita State athletics. Along the way, he shares insights into how journalism has evolved—from traditional print to today’s fast-paced digital landscape—and offers candid advice on navigating an industry now driven by immediacy, versatility, and constant noise, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful reporting and staying grounded in the fundamentals. Beyond the newsroom, Paul’s passion for preserving Raven history lives on through his “Ravens Fly On High” social media presence, where he uncovers stories that connect generations of Benedictine alumni. From mentoring students to opening his home to an international student pursuing her education, Paul’s story is a testament to what it means to carry the Raven spirit forward—proving that the bonds formed on campus extend far beyond graduation and continue to shape lives in meaningful, lasting ways.

Jill Simons '10

On this week’s episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz sits down with Jill Simons, Benedictine College Class of 2010, for a conversation rooted in purpose, discernment, and the power of understanding how you’re uniquely wired. As the founder and executive director of Many Parts Ministries, Jill shares how her work centers on helping people uncover their charisms—specific gifts given to build and serve others in meaningful ways. Jill’s path to Benedictine was anything but conventional. Torn between pursuing musical theater and deepening her faith, she chose a place where she could fully wrestle with life’s biggest questions. That same curiosity carried through her time on campus—studying theology and English, performing in theater, studying abroad, and embracing a wide range of experiences that would later shape her work. After graduation, Jill’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to build multiple successful businesses before ultimately pivoting toward ministry. What began as a personal interest in charism discernment evolved into a calling—one that now helps individuals and organizations find clarity, purpose, and direction in both their personal and professional lives. At its core, this episode is about clarity, identity, and living with intention. Jill’s story is a reminder that when you understand the gifts you’ve been given, you can move through life with greater confidence, deeper purpose, and a clearer sense of how you’re meant to serve.