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.
In Memoriam
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John Woods ’69,
June 12, 2021 (Phi Alpha).
In Memoriam
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Bill Templin ’69,
June 12, 2021.
In Memoriam
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Margaret Wells Becker ’67,
August 20, 2021.
In Memoriam
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Ralph Steinbarth ’52,
June 25, 2021 (Gamma Nu).
In Memoriam
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James Lentz ’50,
July 26, 2021 (Gamma Nu).
In Memoriam
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Helen Lewis Archer ’50,
June 10, 2021 (Gamma Delta).
Updates
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Alessandra McNamara ’15
started a new position as outpatient nursing supervisor at Amita Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital.
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Joe Rheinecker ’07
was appointed chief financial officer of Great Rivers Bank.
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Brant Bess ’18
graduated and received his doctorate in May 2021. Brant got married to Miranda on July 2, 2021. He also started working at Citizens Memorial Hospital in August.
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Martha Bryan Schmitt ’73
retired in May 2021 from her position as academic coordinator for the Slane College of Communication and Fine Arts at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Martha was subsequently granted emerita status by Bradley University for her distinguished years of service. Martha was also the recipient of Bradley University's 2020-2021 Staff Excellence Award for her "significant contributions to the Bradley University community."
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Greg and Nona Bickel Neff ’71
celebrated their 50th anniversary on Aug. 1, 2021.
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Wendy Good Henry ’83
was named the 2020 PRIDE Award recipient during BKD CPAs & Advisors annual leadership conference. The PRIDE Award recognizes individuals who emulate the BKD PRIDE values of passion, respect, integrity, discipline and excellence. Wendy was St. Louis managing partner and retired June 2021.
Updates
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John Kirkham ’13
became a licensed customs broker in January of 2021. He is an import broker with STIHL USA in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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Dave Jacobs ’87
received the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame distinguished Ray Eliot Award for his service to high school football in the state on June 19, 2021.
Updates
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Dale Bellovich ’62
and his wife, Lisa-Marie, moved from San Diego, California, to the Charleston, South Carolina, area in May of 2021. They are living on Johns Island, South Carolina.
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Abby Isham ’21
was recognized by the Springfield Fire Department for helping to save a man’s life at Colony West Swim Club Pool, where she was a lifeguard. Abby and two others received the department’s Protecting Our Neighbors awards for their efforts after a man went into full cardiac arrest at the pool.
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Lauryn Thornton ’21
started a new position as the new membership manager at the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.
Marriages
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Lisa Fay Seaway ’99
and Daniel Seaway on June 10, 2021.
Births
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Mouna Soumahoro ’12
welcomed a son, Liam, in June 2021.
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Christian Flores ’18
is studying at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. He will be earning a master of global policy studies, with a specialization in Latin American regional politics as part of the D.C. concentration. He will be taking classes in Austin and then working on a policy apprenticeship with a non-profit or government organization in Washington D.C.