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.
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Joshua Sorrells ’07
has been named principal of Triopia High School beginning July 1, 2019.
Births
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Casey and Tara Davis Augspurger ’06,
a son, Huxley Davis, October 1, 2018.
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Tara Davis-Augspurger ’06
Tara Davis-Augspurger teaches Spanish at Illinois State University and completed her Ph.D. coursework in higher education administration in December 2018.
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Reg Gabriel ’06
Reg Gabriel is president of the recently purchased Central Illinois Coatings in Decatur, Illinois.
Marriages
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Ryan Renaud and Samantha Bentley Renaud ’04
Ryan Renaud and Samantha Bentley Renaud, November 16, 2018.
Births
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Derek Ward and Jamie Huber Ward ’04,
a son, Taggart James, November 26, 2018.
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Steven Snyder ’04
had his feature length documentary and sequel mockumentary, “The Giant Steel Wall” and “The Giant Steel Wall 2: The Sequel” approved to launch on Amazon Prime. He also just signed a literary agreement with a literary manager in Hollywood to get his first feature length screenplay made into a movie.
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Jenny Brown Krell ’04
Jenny Brown Krell was promoted to vice president of Hickory Point Bank. She will oversee the training and development of the banking staff for all Hickory Point Bank locations throughout Central Illinois. She will also continue to oversee the daily operations of the Springfield, Illinois branch located at the corner of Wabash and Koke Mill Road.
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Adam Dean ’04
Adam Dean was promoted to superintendent of Triopia School district starting July 1, 2019.
Births
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David and Elizabeth Sturm ’03
David and Elizabeth Sturm, finalized the adoption of daughter, Magnolia Sturm, January 10, 2019. Magnolia was welcomed by two big sisters.
In Memoriam
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Cory Miggins ’03
January 6, 2019
Births
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Anthony and Melissa Evans ’02,
a daughter, Elowen Pearl, January 17, 2019.
Updates
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Kelly Payne ’02
Kelly Payne was promoted to associate professor of English at Olney Central College in Olney, Illinois.
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Dan Wright ’01
was appointed Sangamon County State’s Attorney on October 30, 2018, and will run for election in November 2020.
Marriages
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Jeremy Flynn and Jessica Doak Flynn ’99,
September 22, 2018, in Monument, Colorado. Pictured with Jerry Flynn ’70, Luana Meinders Flynn ’71 and Grant Flynn ’22. The couple resides in Springfield, Illinois, where Jeremy serves as chief of staff for the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Jessica is the associate director of residential life at Illinois College.
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Kristin Van Aken Jamison ’99
began a new position in January as vice president of marketing and communications for the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation.
In Memoriam
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Kristopher Reed ’98
March 4, 2019
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Jeremy Wright ’97
is senior auditor at BJC Healthcare in St. Louis, Missouri.
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Gail Noll ’94
was sworn in to an at-large Circuit Judge in an agreement with a Seventh Judicial Circuit by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Rita B. Garman on January 7, which allows her to hear cases in Sangamon, Morgan, Scott, Greene, Macoupin and Jersey counties.
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Young Brockhouse ’94
was named vice president of professional development for Illinois Realtors. He oversees professional development programs for the statewide association’s more than 50,000 members.