Updates
Updated on:
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.
Updates
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Reg Ankrom '71
will have a three-volume biography about Stephen A. Douglas, who got his start in politics in Jacksonville, published in May. The work covers the politician’s greatest achievements between 1844 -1850.
Births
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Brady and Lanie Cooper Kepler ’12
welcomed their second child, Kirby Jo, on September 29, 2020.
Births
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Constantine ’10 and Taylor McDermott Leontios ’11
welcomed their third child, Thomas Constantine, on October 30, 2020, joining sisters Helani, age 3, and Alexandra, age 2.
Marriages
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Alessandra Capparelli ’15 and Jacob McNamara ’16
on September 19, 2020.
Marriages
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DeVone Eurales ’05
and Lauren Eurales on October 24, 2020.
Marriages
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Dr. Delinda Chapman ’69
and Marco Molder on August 20, 2020.
Sympathy
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Dan Brooks ’72 and Vickie Ware Brooks ’72,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of their mother and mother-in-law, Shirley Brooks ’59, wife of former athletic director and coach Joe Brooks, on November 28, 2020.
Sympathy
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Ryan S. Bradney ’07,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his great uncle, Lester “Joe” Harrell ’57, on December 29, 2020.
Sympathy
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Jacquelyn Prickett Rieke ’52,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, Jack L. Rieke ’51, on November 20, 2020.
Sympathy
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Robert G. Gregory ’50,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Barbara Mielke Gregory ’49, on December 15, 2020, and to her daughter Rebecca Gregory Ruby ’74.
In Memoriam
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Roberto “Robbie” Lopez ’20,
November 29, 2020 (Alpha Phi Omega).
In Memoriam
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John “Brad” Ivers ’81,
November 2, 2020.
In Memoriam
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Diane Moore Tenhouse ’78,
December 2, 2020 (Gamma Delta).
In Memoriam
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Kevin L. Stafford ’76,
December 18, 2020.
In Memoriam
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John G. Langdon ’76,
December 19, 2020.
In Memoriam
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Darrel Balmer ’71,
October 11, 2020.
In Memoriam
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Cheryl Pillsbury ’69,
November 18, 2020 (Gamma Delta).
In Memoriam
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Lewis “Steve” Shelton ’69,
March 1, 2019 (Gamma Nu).
In Memoriam
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Roberta Wheelan Clark ’68,
November 11, 2020.
In Memoriam
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Larry P. Smith ’68,
January 23, 2020.