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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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Maxine E. Geiger '42
(Sigma Phi Epsilon) July 13, 2023
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Elise Griffin '24
started a new position as the seasonal interpreter at Cahokia Mounds State Historical Site.
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Michael Finley '24
was promoted to associate people partner at Independence Pet Group.
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Sierra Brewer '24
started a new position as an outpatient mental health therapist at Locust Resource Health Center.
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Alessandra Capparelli McNamara '15
is a nursing faculty instructor at Harper College.
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Laten Wayer '23
started a new position as a financial planner at Prudential Financial.
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Kayla Kolis '15
was promoted to project manager of Natural Resources at SWCA Environmental Consultants.
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Willie Terry '23
began teaching at Kewanee High School, and and earned a certification to teach driver’s education.
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Corey Foulon '15
has obtained a certification for Azure AI Fundamentals from Microsoft.
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Juta Wowoe '22
completed a master’s degree in environmental science in sustainable development and policy at the University of Illinois at Springfield.
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Renee Colley '15
started a new position as foster care liaison at Centene Corporation.
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Brynne Wallace '22
started a new position as leaning and organizational development analyst at Core & Main.
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Josephine Oshiafi '14
was voted as a Rising Star in the Nigerian 40 under 40 legal awards by My ESQ Legal.
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Mckenna Servis '22
was awarded the Russell L. Lewis Young Museum Professional Award at the Illinois State Historical Society.
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Nathan Kohler '14
started a new position as a recruiter at The Jonus Group.
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Carly Stroud '13
completed her MBA with an emphasis in marketing at the University of WisconsinWhitewater.
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Hannah Neuendorf '13
earned a certification for human resources professionals.
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Ryan Blesse '13
is the new human resources manager leading strategic projects for Springfield Clinic.
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Ross Barker '13
earned a certified crop specialist designation.
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Colin Gwillim '22
started a new position as a legislative assistant at the U.S. House of Representatives.