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.
Births
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Josh Cox ’14 and Casi Strode Cox ’16
welcomed a son in March 2024.
Births
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Patty Sullivan Babbitt ’04 and Craig Babbitt
welcomed a daughter, Jillian Sarah Babbitt, on October 22, 2024.
Births
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Lauren Caster Wegner ’03 and Tim Wegner
welcomed a daughter, Isadora May, on July 12, 2024
Marriages
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Ace Robinson ’22 and Kayla Brown ’23
were married on October 21, 2023.
Marriages
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Hannah Turner ’19 and Hayden Coats ’20
were married on November 9, 2024.
Marriages
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Brittany Fanella Ryan ’15 and Dylan Ryan ’15
were married on November 9, 2023.
Marriages
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Josh Cox ’14 and Casi Strode Cox ’16
were married in June 2023.
Updates
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Elise Griffin ‘24
started a new role as manager of the Jacksonville Area Museum and Coordinator of the MacMurray Archives and Collection.
Updates
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Carlos Limon ’24
started a new position as a math tutor at the Chicago Military Academy.
Updates
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Annie Schimpf ’23
started a new role as audit and assurance associate at Anders CPAs + Advisors in St. Louis, Missouri.
Updates
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Fidel Chilchoa Merino ’22
started a new position as real estate analyst at Berkadia.
Updates
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Delani Dillard ’22
started a new position as account manager at MetLife.
Updates
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Dominic Caldieraro ’20
started a new position as accountant- FP&A at Caterpillar Inc.
Updates
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Anjali Patel Amin ’19
started a new position as accommodation specialist at Emory University.
Updates
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Noah Yantis ’18
was named chief of staff for U.S. Congressman Dan Newhouse.
Updates
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Kirsten Henderson ’18
started a new role as office manager in sales and marketing at Hydromat, Inc.
Updates
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Braedon Sheppard ’17
appeared on BeastGames, a reality TV game show where he competed against 999 other contestants.
Updates
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Shafer Soars ’16
started a new position as R&D manager for emulsions at Arkema Global.
Updates
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Brianna Klein ’16
started a new position as director of deal strategy at Cencora.
Updates
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Hunter Bryant ’16
started a new role as professional development and communications associate with the office of student health and well-being at John Hopkins University.