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.
Updates
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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.
Marriages
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William Murphy ’10 and Cheyanne Jockisch Murphy ’19,
June 18, 2022.
Marriages
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Glenn Fernetti ’02
and Jamie Boudewyn, July 23, 2022.
Births
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Wade ’16 and Lydia Reither Mathis ’15
welcomed a daughter, Vera Rose, in October 2022. Vera joins twin brothers, Andrew and Noah.
Births
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Rudy ’14 and Dani Hillis Porter ’13
welcomed a son, August, on Sept. 27, 2022.
Births
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Napoleon Karney ’15
and Adenike Adeleke welcomed a son on Dec. 23, 2021.
Births
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Patty Sullivan Babbitt ’04
and Craig Babbitt welcomed a daughter, Charlotte Grace, on March 16, 2022.
Births
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Carmen Kremitzki Umberger ’13
and Ryan Umberger welcomed a son, Atticus Michael, on Jan. 5, 2023.
Updates
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Shelby Gill ’17
was accepted into the Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science program at Rutgers University.
Updates
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Will Barefield ’13
started a new position as district director of enrollment planning and external partnerships at City Colleges of Chicago.
Updates
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Frank Arnolts III ’06
has been hired as principal of Tri-Valley High School in Downs.
Updates
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Madelyn Budd ’20
started a new position at FORVIS.
Updates
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Christopher Miller ’05
was recently named one of the “100 St. Louisans to Know to Succeed in Business” by Small Business Monthly. He also joined the board of directors at University City Children's Center.
Updates
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Jennifer DeGroot Wieties ’89
has accepted a position as an account tech with the Department of Corrections.
Updates
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Meeko Reddick ’16
started a new position with DHS as a disability claims adjudicator.
Updates
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Andy ’86 and Lori Petermeyer Smith ’88
were recognized with Prairieland United Way’s Helen Baldwin Distinguished Service Award.
Updates
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Dylan Dudley ’05
has been named the new head basketball coach at Alton High School.
Updates
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Dan Layzell ’85
has been named vice chancellor of finance and operations at Appalachian State University.
Sympathy
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Randy Akers ’71,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Mary Alice Akers, on Jan. 17.
Sympathy
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Kristin Nurss Johnstone ’90,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her father, Jim Nurss, on April 30.
Sympathy
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Keith Bradbury ’73,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his father, Elmer Bradbury, on April 17.