Updates
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Jim Spizzo ’74
was recently awarded first place and a cash prize in the architecture category in the 2021 juried exhibit sponsored by the Midwest Center for Photography in Wichita, Kansas, for his photo “Infinity: The Way Out.” Jim has also received honorable mentions by juries for his photography in the annual Minimalist Photography Awards, as well as in other exhibits at the Midwest Center for Photography. In the past few years, Jim’s photos have been selected by juries for inclusion in a dozen exhibits in Chicago; Wichita; Scottsdale, Arizona; and online. He was invited to do a show at the Pharmacy Gallery in Springfield as a guest artist in September.
In Memoriam
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Conrad Damsgaard ’57
was a dedicated, active alumnus who had a vision for raising the profile of the institution. He and his late wife, Patricia Carlson Damsgaard ’53, remained active supporters of the College throughout their lives. Over the years, Conrad Damsgaard served on the Board of Trustees and as president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. In 1987, he was honored with a distinguished service award “for his devotion to Illinois College as evidenced by thoughtful alumni involvement.” The Damsgaards’ philanthropy made them members of the Julian Monson Sturtevant Society and the Illinois College Society.
As a student, Damsgaard was elected student body president and was an active member and leader in Phi Alpha. He was also a member of Alpha Phi Omega, economics club, the Hilltoppers dramatic organization, student forum, social committee and intersociety board.
He was first sergeant of the Army Reserve unit on campus and served in the Army from 1954 to 1956. He started his career in sales with Shell Oil Company and went on to have a long career in sales and marketing management at Shell, Swank Motion Pictures and Psychological Associates.
The Damsgaards had three daughters, Susan Damsgaard-Brand ’81, Kristine Damsgaard and Beth Damsgaard Rodriguez. Susan and their granddaughter, Rachel Brand ’18, carried on the family’s legacy as IC alumni. He was 88 when he died March 23, 2022.
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Lanie Cooper Kepler ’12, Brady Kepler ’12 and Bailey Cooper ’18
founded the KASE Project. It is a central Illinois non-profit dedicated to supporting the autism community. They installed a playground communication board at Southwind Park in Springfield for children with limited verbal speech to enjoy the park with their peers.
In Memoriam
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Ann Hammond Callahan '55
(Chi Beta) October 30, 2022
In Memoriam
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Roberta Flynn McNeely '54
(Chi Beta) May 20, 2022
In Memoriam
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Bernice Hardin Simmermaker '54,
December 20, 2022
In Memoriam
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Jodie Keiser Falkenburg '53
(Chi Beta) December 24, 2022
In Memoriam
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Dewey Gronau '52
(Phi Alpha) December 27, 2022
In Memoriam
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Richard H. Mills ’51 H’03,
July 16, 2023
In Memoriam
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Margaret Chapin Gill '50
(Chi Beta) March 29, 2023
In Memoriam
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Josephine Gerdes Cannon '48
(Gamma Delta) December 13, 2022
In Memoriam
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Marian Rees Russell '48
(Gamma Delta) February 13, 2023
In Memoriam
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Majorie Colwell Weber '48
(Gamma Delta) December 13, 2022
In Memoriam
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J. Lee Westrate '44
(Phi Alpha) October 22, 2022
Sympathy
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Joe Calmese ’07,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his mother Susan Calmese on Nov. 17, 2022. The Susan L. Calmese Memorial Scholarship Fund has been created in her honor.
Sympathy
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Lisa Lucassen Pierce ’91
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, Ronald A. Pierce, and her father, Robert W. Lucassen, in March 2021.
Sympathy
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Jim Spizzo ’74 and Joanne Spatz,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of Joanne’s mother, Mary Gerry Spatz, on Dec. 18, 2022.
Sympathy
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Ed Johnson ’74,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Connie Johnson, on Oct. 17, 2020.
Sympathy
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Barbara Ater Surratt ’72 and Julie Surratt Wilkinson ’05,
Illinois College extends its sympathy to on the death of Ronald Surratt ’72 on Nov. 19, 2022. Ronald was Barbara’s husband of 50 years and Julie’s father.
Sympathy
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Bob Lukeman ’51,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Jodie Lukeman, on Oct. 2, 2022.
Updates
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Grace Yaunches ’21
started a new position as the assistant women’s basketball coach at Millikin University.
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Zach Hackert ’21,
a navy veteran, wrote his first book "Destruction: How the Democratic Party & RINOs Almost Destroyed America." It was published by Defiance Press & Publishing and released in December.
Updates
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Katelyn Tabit ’21
started a new position as revenue tax specialist trainee at the Illinois Department of Revenue.