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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Warren Musch ’43
celebrated his 100th birthday on October 25, 2021. He is a WWll flight veteran. Warren is a very special American treasure who honorably served his country, then led a full civilian life of family, business and further public service.
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Abby Matson McCarty ’08
was promoted to accounting manager at ADM.
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Dr. Rebecca Vortman ’05
was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Perioperative Education Award.
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Jennifer Sunley ’98
recently celebrated 15 years of service at Hanson Professional Services Inc., where she is currently the natural resources discipline manager. She joined the firm in 2006.
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Sarah Christian ’19
graduated with a masters degree in public health from the University of Illinois Springfield May 2021. She obtained the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification from the National Health Education Credentialing (NHEC).
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Jordan Washington ’16
started a new position as the development communications coordinator for the Goodman Theatre in downtown Chicago.
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Carmen Kremitzki Umberger ’13
started a new position as associate director, Smith Career Center, career advisor for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Bradley University.
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Eric Hiatt ’11
has been elected to be the 91st president of the Illinois Jaycees.
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Brian McKenna ’74
recently published his second book. Sunbury Press published "Cops Under Fire!" which is a compilation of 12 stories of real police shootings and the lessons we can learn from them. Brian's website is www.authorbrianmckenna.com.
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Nancy Hull ’73
went back to teaching after being retired for 10 years when her district reopened for in-person learning in October of 2020. They needed a long-term substitute and it was a small class and shortened day. She truly enjoyed her six months of fourth grade. The kids were so happy to be out of the house and back with friends, even with social distancing and masks.
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Bill Hitt ’63
led the Judah Lion Ministry team on a trip in October to Sparta, Wisconsin, to preach and pray to Acres of Hope retreat ministry, near the Wisconsin Dells. God performed many healings and miracles.
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Dalitso Sulamoyo ’96,
Champaign County Regional Planning Commission chief executive officer, has been elected as new chair of the National Community Action Partnership (NCAP), the largest anti-poverty network in the country. The partnership is a national, nonprofit membership organization that provides technical assistance, training and other resources to over 1,000 community action agencies around the country like the regional planning commission, as well as nonprofit and public groups funded by the Community Services Block Grant.
In Memoriam
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Robert Engebrecht ’58,
July 14, 2021 (Sigma Pi).
In Memoriam
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Hilma Ivey Mortell ’61,
April 1, 2021.
In Memoriam
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Richard Woods ’72,
May 14, 2021 (Alpha Phi Omega).
In Memoriam
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Joseph “Mark” Tomlovich ’76,
August 4, 2021.
In Memoriam
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Les Switzer ’77,
June 27, 2021.
In Memoriam
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Debra Garlisch Phebus ’77,
July 10, 2021 (Alpha Kappa Phi).
In Memoriam
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Jim “Wally” Waltrip ’78,
August 4, 2021.
In Memoriam
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William Hess ’71,
July 1, 2019.