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.
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Jovanny Nava ’16
accepted a position with Polsinelli as a 2022 Summer Associate.
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Morgan Zytseva ’15
is now staff auditor at Harrington Group CPAs and is a licensed CPA in Michigan.
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Robert Brown ’14
started a new position as director of corporate ticket sales at Pacers Sports & Entertainment.
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Dr. Clare Zimmerman ’11
graduated from pediatric hematology and oncology fellowship from Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis Children’s Hospital with a master’s degree in clinical investigation in June 2021. She started as a pediatric hematologist and oncologist at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in August 2021.
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Cindy Arnold ’07
started a new teaching position at Lincoln Community High School. She is also currently working toward her Certified Lay Speaker License in the United Methodist Church and often speaks as a guest speaker in churches in central Illinois.
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Jenny Carrell ’99
has been promoted to the role of strategic market director of regional and government accounts at Johnson & Johnson.
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Bob Moore ’78
is retiring as CEO of Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City, Illinois. During his 42-year healthcare career, he has also served at hospitals in Florida, Missouri and Pennsylvania.
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Susan Slocum Pecaro ’76
was promoted to supervisory trial counsel and assistant director of the Securities & Exchange Commission's Division of Enforcement in February 2021.
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H.O. Brownback ’72
was elected chairman of the board for West Central Bank (WCB), its holding company and its subsidiaries. Brownback was vice chair and corporate secretary, and served on the WCB board and that of its predecessor organization, since 1985. Brownback is vice president emeritus at Southwestern Illinois College and the retired long-time chairman of the Cass Cass County Board.
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Robert Berry ’64
recently published "David Prince Pioneer Surgeon." The text includes a chapter on the Illinois College medical departments.
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Bob Falkenburg ’53
and Jodie Keiser Falkenburg celebrated their 71st anniversary.
Marriages
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Dr. Clare Zimmerman ’11
and Brian Atlas May 24, 2020.
Births
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Abby Wolter-Cathers ’16
and husband, Dakota Cathers, welcomed twin boys, Finn and Odin, on May 26, 2021. They are the grandchildren of Gina Gillmore-Wolter ’86 of Springfield and Dr. Scott Wolter ’85 of Alton.
Births
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Dan ’14 and Allie ’16 Little Lewis
welcomed a son, Oliver Fitzgerald, on January 13, 2021.
Births
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Sawyer Harrison ’17
and wife, Kailynn, welcomed a son, Aspen Beau, on April 16, 2020.
Marriages
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Andi McCombs ’19 and Dillon Hallemann ’20
on June 12, 2021.
Marriages
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Sarah Franklin Cox ’06
and Josh Cox at Morton Arboretum in Lisle on March 27, 2021.
Marriages
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Patty Sullivan Babbitt ’04
and Craig Babbitt on April 10, 2021.
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Adrializ Acevedo ’20
was recently hired as an editorial assistant for GW Publishers in Tinley Park, Illinois.
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Karina Donayre ’19
started a new position as director of communications at Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants.