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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Lester “Joe” Harrell ’57,
December 29, 2020.
In Memoriam
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Hal F. Olson ’52,
January 31, 2020.
In Memoriam
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Janet Ryrholm Metzler ’51,
January 3, 2021 (Sigma Phi Epsilon).
In Memoriam
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Jack L. Rieke ’51,
November 20, 2020 (Phi Alpha).
In Memoriam
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Harry E. Wegehoft ’50,
July 31, 2020 (Gamma Nu).
In Memoriam
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Barbara Mielke Gregory ’49,
December 15, 2020 (Gamma Delta).
In Memoriam
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Marjorie Sitka Schmutzler ’46,
November 20, 2020 (Gamma Delta).
In Memoriam
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Dr. Helen Waichekauckas Baker ’42,
November 22, 2020 (Gamma Delta).
In Memoriam
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Elizabeth Herndon Hudson Boba ’41,
December 21, 2020 (Sigma Phi Epsilon).
Updates
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Madie Budd
accepted a new role with Sunrise FS as the agronomy marketing assistant and social media coordinator.
Sympathy
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Gary Duffield ’65,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife of 52 years, Peggy Duffield, on Jan. 13, 2020.
Sympathy
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Ross Myers ’65
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife Mary Myers on June 18, 2020.
Sympathy
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Karen Havlin ’62
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, Donald Havlin, on Jan. 29, 2020.
Sympathy
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Judge Richard Mills ’51
Trustee Emeritus, Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Rachel Mills, on Oct. 29, 2020. Also in our thoughts are brother-in-law James Mills ’56, nephews Greg Mills ’77 and Doug Mills ’79 and niece Ann Marie Mills ’85.
Sympathy
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Dr. J. Lee Westrate ’44,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife Judy Westrate on December 14, 2020.
Updates
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Tyler Kozaritz ’20
is an engineer in training (EIT) in civil engineering.
Updates
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Anjali Patel ’19
successfully defended her master’s thesis on April 1, 2021, and on May 7, 2021, she graduated from Illinois State University’s School of Communication with a master’s degree in communication. She was also selected as the winner of the Outstanding University Graduate Student Teaching Award for Level 1-Master's.
Updates
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Noah Yantis ’18
started in the role of legislative director for Representative Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) in January 2021.
Updates
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Christian Flores '18
is now a program administrator at Safer Foundation in Chicago.
Updates
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Samuel Welbourne ’17
started a new position as lean leader at Dot Foods.