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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Thomas M. “Tom” Burrus
(Gamma Nu) October 28, 2017
In Memoriam
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Kevin P. Hunter '70
January 27, 2018
In Memoriam
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Leonard H. Pivnick '60
March 8, 2018
In Memoriam
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Donald B. Martin '60
February 8, 2018
In Memoriam
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James Donald “Don” Pruitt '59
February 2, 2018
In Memoriam
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Eula M. Gerdes Stierholz '56
(Gamma Delta) March 11, 2018
In Memoriam
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Cyril H. Heselton '56
(Gamma Nu) January 12, 2018
In Memoriam
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Rev. Ronald T. Allin '51
(Phi Alpha) January 20, 2018
In Memoriam
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Ward L. Koehler '50
(Phi Alpha) March 22, 2018
In Memoriam
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David S. Murphy '47
(Sigma Pi) February 26, 2018
In Memoriam
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Dr. Richard Francis Rogal,
78, passed away surrounded by family on April 27, 2018. Richard attended the University of Hawaii, served in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1967 and earned his Ph.D. in psychology at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. While in South Dakota, he met his wife of 46 years, Sue Ellen Moriearty. During his 35-year tenure as a professor of psychology, Dr. Rogal taught, advised and mentored countless Illinois College students. He was also a mentor to many faculty colleagues. He served as department chair and as a member of a numerous committees throughout his tenure at Illinois College.The current chair, Dr. Elizabeth Rellinger Zettler, shared that "Richard was truly an amazing man who inspired our students and shaped a strong psychology department."
In Memoriam
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Dr. James “Jim” Kerbaugh,
who died on February 9, 2018, made a lasting impact on the Illinois College community in his 30 years as a faculty member in the Department of English. He helped his students develop an appreciation for classical and Renaissance literature, and helped many young poets craft their work. The accomplished poet and author of over 60 poems and several works of fiction will also be remembered for his sense of humor and appreciation for classical music, Italy and Renaissance art.
In Memoriam
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George W. “Bill” Horton, Jr.
passed away on September 27, 2017. He led a distinguished 33-year career at Illinois College. In 1952, he earned a teaching certificate at the College and later served as Hitchcock Professor of Mathematics, Emeritus. In addition to spending most of his professional career at IC, a number of his family members have attended or taught at the college. His father, George W. Horton Sr., was professor of physics at IC from 1947 to 1962. The Horton family requested that memorial donations be made to the physics prize in his name. All three of Bill and wife Johanna Horton’s children, Beth Horton Hilleke ’83, Geoffrey Horton ’86 and Sarah Horton ’89, are Phi Beta Kappa graduates of Illinois College. His brother, Edward Horton ’53, his late wife, Charlotte Dietz Horton ’53, their daughter, Ann Horton Busenitz ’81, and Bill’s father-in-law, Walter B. Meyer ’35, are all also proud IC graduates.
In Memoriam
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Tammy Hayes
administrative assistant for IC’s Center for Academic Excellence and TRIO Student Support Services from 2011 to 2017, passed away on February 23. Hayes touched the lives of many students, faculty and staff during her time at Illinois College. Known for her big hair and her even bigger smile, she had a friendly greeting and a word of encouragement for everyone she encountered. Hayes contributed greatly to the welcoming and supportive environment in the Center for Academic Excellence, and she will be missed by many.
In Memoriam
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Dr. William Cross,
emeritus professor of sociology, died on March 2, 2018. Cross is remembered for positive impact he made on generations of IC students. He served the U.S. Merchant Marines, and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Valparaiso University, a Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Chicago in 1951, a Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago in 1954 and a Ph.D. in sociology from South Dakota State University in 1971. Cross enjoyed a 33-year tenure at Illinois College, teaching, advising and mentoring countless Illinois College students. He was named the Pixley Professor of Social Science in 1982 and held that title of distinction until his retirement in 2005. A charter member of the Illinois College Society, Cross and his late wife, Ruth, were ardent supporters of Illinois College directing their generous gifts to the IC Fund, improvements to campus facilities and student scholarships. The couple had two sons, Paul Cross ’79, and John Cross ’82, both of whom graduated from Illinois College.
In Memoriam
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Natalee Yeager
September 20, 2017
In Memoriam
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Dr. Richard Francis Rogal
April 27, 2018
In Memoriam
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Douglas Phillips
March 15, 2018
In Memoriam
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Dr. James “Jim” Kerbaugh
February 9, 2018
In Memoriam
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George W. Horton, Jr. September 27, 2017
September 27, 2017