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.
In Memoriam
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Joy Alamar-Pulvers ’56,
January 25, 2022 (Chi Beta).
In Memoriam
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Dovie Sooy Sittler ’55,
March 26, 2022 (Gamma Delta).
In Memoriam
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Bruce Samoore ’55,
July 27, 2022.
In Memoriam
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Fred Gemoules ’54,
June 13, 2022.
In Memoriam
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Marilyn Horn Black ’54,
March 23, 2022 (Chi Beta).
In Memoriam
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Joan Harber Roberts ’53,
April 28, 2022 (Chi Beta).
In Memoriam
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Don Polzin ’51,
September 14, 2022 (Phi Alpha). SS
In Memoriam
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Jerry Murphy ’51,
September 2, 2022.
In Memoriam
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Elaine Athey Spizzo ’50,
April 2, 2022 (Chi Beta).
In Memoriam
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Morley Piper ’45,
May 12, 2022.
In Memoriam
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Warren Musch ’43,
July 27, 2022 (Phi Alpha). MM
In Memoriam
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Robert Britz ’42,
December 11, 2021 (Gamma Nu).
Updates
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Leslie Smith DeFrates ’89
is the new executive director for the Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation.
Births
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Dillon ’20 and Andi ’19 McCombs Hallemann
welcomed a daughter, Elsie Lynn Hallemann, on March 26, 2022.
Updates
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Ellie Abell ’22
has accepted a position at Waverly School District as a junior- and senior-high school math teacher.
Updates
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Fidel Chilchoa ’22
started a new position as a currency analyst at Mesirow.
Marriages
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Leilani Pecher ’17
and Michael Reyes, April 15, 2022.
Updates
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Nazar Otunchiev ’20Â
started a new position as front-end developer at Ernst & Young Global Consulting Services.
Updates
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Morgan Zytseva ’15
started a new position as staff accountant at National Mortgage Insurance Corporation, also called National MI.
Updates
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Jovanny Nava ’16
started a new position as summer associate at Polsinelli.