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.
Sympathy
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John Williamson '78,
Illinois College extends its sympathy to him on the loss of his mother, Patricia Marilyn Shaffner Williamson on February 21, 2020.
In Memoriam
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John "Jack" Bostic '55,
Illinois College Society member, January 12, 2020.
In Memoriam
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Patricia Marilyn Shaffner Williamson ’52,
Gamma Delta, February 21, 2020.
In Memoriam
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Leonard Kaufman '51,
October 22, 2019.
Sympathy
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Keith Bradbury '73,
Illinois College extends its sympathy to Keith Bradbury on the death of his wife, Nancy Utter Bradbury ’75, on May 7, 2020.
Sympathy
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Megan Jagodzinski ’13,
Illinois College extends its sympathy to her following the death of her mother Barbara Jagodzinski on January 28, 2020.
Sympathy
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Matthew Jagodzinski ’15,
Illinois College extends its sympathy to him following the death of his mother Barbara Jagodzinski on January 28, 2020.
Updates
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Matthew Murphy '16
is earning his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and was recently awarded the Hackleman Fellowship in the Department of Crop Sciences.
Updates
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Jordan Washington '16
recently completed a service year as an AmeriCorps VISTA with Campus Compact Illinois.
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Abigail Bruner '16
graduated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences with Doctorate of Physical Therapy. She started job at Passavant Area Hospital as a Physical Therapist.
Updates
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Ryan Flynn '15
is a board representative for Prairieland United Way that serves Cass, Northern Greene, Scott and Morgan Counties.
Updates
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Jennifer Phebus '07
moved to a new role at Illinois College as the office manager for the Office of Information Technology.
Births
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Wade '16 and Lydia Reither Mathis ’15,
twin boys, Andrew James and Noah Bradley, December 14, 2019.
Updates
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Casey Grant '06
is campus minister at The Crossing Monmouth, where he has served since September of 2018 when the location opened. He previously worked in banking before transitioning to a successful ministry career 10 years ago
Updates
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Kathy Thomas '98
received a master’s degree in human service with a concentration in child and family from the University of Illinois Springfield and she was promoted to assistant regional manager for the Springfield and St. Clair Regional Office for Division of Specialized Care for Children in May 2019.
Updates
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Keith Bradbury '73
was named the 2020 Circle of Excellence Award winner by the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Births
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Levi ’15 and Jill Friedrich Haley ’16,
a daughter, Harper Rae, January 20, 2020.
Births
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Jeremy ’04 and Sarah Strack Briggs ’06,
a daughter, Harper Eleanor, December 11, 2019.
Marriages
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Shannon Bonjean Beiermann ’02 and Rick Beiermann,
February 2, 2020.
Updates
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Ka-La Harris ’19
was nominated in November and December to be the Residence Life Professional Staff of the Month at Truman State University.