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.
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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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Sarah Heidemen Wilson ’02
was named educator of the year by Jacksonville (IL) School District 117.
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Christy Heaton, Ph.D. ’01
started a new position as Assistant Vice Provost of Undergraduate Academic Experience at University of Colorado Boulder.
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Tim Chipman ’01
was named 2026 Elementary School Principal of the Year for the Two Rivers District by the Illinois Principals Association.
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Carlton Washburn, Ph.D. ’00
is now Boeing’s Lead Technlogy Integrator for Phantom Works, challenged with improving technology strategy.
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Jaclynn Wessler Shoufler ’00
received the 2025 Herman Graves Award from the Illinois Principals Association, which recognizes outstanding service to the organization. Jacie serves as principal of Riverton Elementary School.
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Melissa Rigsby Cundari ’00
accepted a SNAP Senior Policy Advisor position at the Illinois Department of Human Services.
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Kristin Van Aken Jamison ’99
accepted the position of Foundation Director at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital.
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Alicia Rogers Rawlings ’98
has been promoted to Product Support Manager at Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc.
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John A. Barnerd ’96,
Simmons Hanly Conroy partner and management committee member, was named to St. Louis Small Business Monthly magazine’s “Top People To Know in Southern Illinois” list for 2025.
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Candiss Golaszweski Kumar ’93
published her first children’s book “Cora the Curious Circle.” Her son was the illustrator of the project.
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Douglas Smith ’85
was elected a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 2025 and received Baylor’s Outstanding Professor Award.
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Dan Carie ’82
retired from Routt Catholic High School, where he served as principal.
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Gary Haynes, M.D., Ph.D. ’74
retired from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA., where he worked as the Merryl and Sam Israel Chair in Anesthesiology as a professor and Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology since 2016.
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Glenn Vortman ’73
retired from the Eagle Valley Bank in Bluffs, IL after 52 years of service.
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James Alexander ’69
has raced a full marathon in all fifty states twice and was ranked second nationally for doing the most half marathon races in the US.
In Memoriam
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James Philpott
May 16, 2025
Professor
Illinois College extends sympathy to his son Evan Philpott.
In Memoriam
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Heidy Fry
January 18, 2025
Staff
In Memoriam
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Clyde Steckel
January 11, 2025
Professor
In Memoriam
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Patrick Winters ’16
March 16, 2025
In Memoriam
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James Kraatz ’86
(Phi Alpha) May 23, 2025
Illinois College extends sympathy to his brother Matthew Kraatz ’89 and his sister Ann Kraatz ’91.