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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Cheri Callahan Bustos '83
won re-election in Illinois 17th Congressional District.
Updates
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James Alexander '69
completed a 200 mile race across the state of Minnesota in 15 consecutive days of racing. He has now completed a marathon in each of the 50 states.
Updates
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James Alexander '69
completed a 200 mile race across the state of Minnesota in fifteen consecutive days of racing. He has completed a marathon in all 50 states.
Updates
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Bill Hitt '63
is pastor at Pathway Church for a revival group in the School of Supernatural Ministry in Redding, California.
Sympathy
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Judge Richard Mills ’51,
trustee emeritus, Illinois College extends its sympathy to him on the death of his wife, Rachel Mills, on October 29, 2020.
Sympathy
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Patricia Asuncion ’68,
Illinois College extends its sympathy to her on the death of her husband, George Phillips, on September 10, 2020, from complications from Parkinson's Disease and PD Dementia. He retired as an IT analyst after 30 years at the University of Miami, Florida but was also a fine musician at the same time.
Updates
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Hope Quarles ’17
was named the interim executive director of the Jacksonville Symphony Society in October. She has been a member of the symphony for six years.
Updates
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Susan Leonard Emelander ’04
was recently hired as a high school special education teacher in Knoxville, Illinois.
Updates
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Kelly Brockhouse ’99
was named the head girls’ softball coach at Jacksonville High School.
Updates
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Kathy Petitte Novak ’91
is acting as associate dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois-Springfield through August 2021. She became a professor of journalism and media in August 2020.
Updates
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Doug Dorsey ’79,
project manager, recently celebrated 20 years of service at Hanson Professional Services Inc.
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Gary Elliott ’78
will retire as president and CEO of Superior Choice Credit Union later this year. He has more than 40 years of experience in the financial services industry and has been with Superior Choice Credit Union for 15.
Sympathy
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Melvin Peters ’92, Karl Peters ’94 and Donald Peters ’95,
Illinois College extends its sympathy to them and to Kathleen Peters Cross ’81 on the death of their sister and cousin, Nancy Peters Flach ’95, on June 24, 2020.
In Memoriam
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Bennett Moulder,
January 19, 2020.
In Memoriam
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Joan Miller Larson,
June 2, 2020.
In Memoriam
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Joan Hicks ’92,
October 3, 2020.
Sympathy
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Lisa Orr Taylor ’08 and Beth Orr ’08,
Illinois College extends its sympathy to them on the death of their mother, Tracy Wallbaum Orr ’83, on September 13, 2020.
In Memoriam
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Tracy Wallbaum Orr ’84,
September 13, 2020.
Sympathy
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Cory Foster ’07,
Illinois College extends its sympathy to him on the death of his father, George Douglas Foster ’71, on September 10, 2020.
In Memoriam
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George Douglas Foster ’71,
September 10, 2020.