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
Updated on:
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
Updated on:
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
Updated on:
Sergio Peña ’21
graduated from Penn State with a Master’s of Arts in Communication Arts and Sciences in August 2025, continuing on to the PhD with a dual title in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
Updates
Updated on:
Olivia Dobbs Flores ’20
returned to the Hilltop as IC’s Director of Alumni Engagement.
Updates
Updated on:
Mikaela Morrison Brown ’19
was promoted to Illinois College’s Director of Recruitment and Outreach in the Office of Admission.
Updates
Updated on:
Brant Bess ’18
started a new job as a professor of the physical therapy program at Southwest Baptist University.
Updates
Updated on:
Grace Graunke San Diego ’18
started a new position as Law Clerk at American Center For Law & Justice while earning her JD at Regent University School of Law.
Updates
Updated on:
Jovanny Nava ’16
joined the Hispanic Bar Association of St. Louis’s Board of Directors.
Updates
Updated on:
Gabrielle Esparza, Ph.D. ’16
started a new position as Scholarly Acquisitions Editor at Vanderbilt University Press.
Updates
Updated on:
Josephine Oshiafi ’14
earned certificates in Hospitality Management and Hotel Revenue from Cornell University. She serves as Head of Business Development and Investor Relations at Amber Hospitality Services Limited, building an African hospitality brand focused on stays and experiences.
Updates
Updated on:
Kelly McCormick ’14
was promoted to Registrar at Illinois College.
Updates
Updated on:
Audrey Knight, Ph.D. ’14
was promoted to Regulatory Affairs Scientist I at Allucent where her work focuses on drug development consulting and regulatory affairs.
Updates
Updated on:
Leslieann Harris, Ed.D. ’14
started a new position as Assistant Director of Student Success - Armstrong Campus at Georgia Southern University.
Updates
Updated on:
Amy Anderson Kralik ’12
has been promoted to Human Resources Director at Medline Industries.
Updates
Updated on:
Paul Jamali ’11
was promoted to vice president, video and production at Marino.
Updates
Updated on:
Rachel Macon ’11
obtained a certification in strategic workforce management from Human Capital Institute.
Updates
Updated on:
Megan Bettis Kirkhart ’10
started a new role at Parkland College as career services manager.
Updates
Updated on:
Taylor Baucom ’10
has been promoted to Vice President and Creative Director at The Players’ Tribune.
Updates
Updated on:
Dan Scott ’09
has been named principal of South Elementary School in Jacksonville School District 117.
Updates
Updated on:
Sarah Schierer Keller ’07
joined Country Financial as Director of Accounting Operations.
Updates
Updated on:
Christopher Miller ’05
is the Vice President at ATB Technologies in Chesterfield, MO.
Updates
Updated on:
Scott Stewart ’02
is the director of advancement for the Chicago Academy for the Arts.