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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 ¶¶Ňőpro as evidenced by thoughtful alumni involvement.” The Damsgaards’ philanthropy made them members of the Julian Monson Sturtevant Society and the ¶¶Ňőpro 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.
Marriages
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Miles Genrich ’22 and Abby Isham ’21
got married on July 27, 2024.
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Lauren Sinclair ’25
started a new role as an event planner at Third Avenue Events in Kansas City.
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Paige Bruce ’25
started a new position as social media coordinator at Home Instead 545.
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Matea Aleksandrovska ’25
is a human resources coordinator at Dubak Electrical Group.
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Austin Schaffer Snider ’24
was just promoted to help desk technician at the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.
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Shannon Engmann ’24
is now the head keeper of primates at the Scovill Zoo in Decatur, IL.
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Nicholas Parsley ’23
is athletic director for the IndyMet.
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Jacob McQueen ’21
started a new position as major account executive at Priority1.
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Hateeyat Salifu ’20
will be attending Howard University School of Law this fall.
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Nickolas Rentschler ’20
started a new position as lead software engineer at Mastercard.
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Nely Munoz ’20
was promoted to consultant and Sikich.
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Lauren Estes ’19
started a new position as clinic operations manager at ProHealth Care.
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Noah Yantis ’18
volunteered for the 60th presidential inauguration and was the staff escort for former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush.
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Nick Smith ’18
started a new position as senior manager of brand, marketing and communications at Armstrong Teasdale LLP.
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Rachel Helmich ’18
started a new position as a research associate within the Institute for International Crop Improvement at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.
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Ally Kjellander ’17
started a new position as associate general counsel at Life Flight Network.
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Leilani Pechar Reyes ’17
started a new position as communications and engagement manager at Bay Area Center for Faith, Work & Tech.
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Morgan Rush Zaytseva ’15
started a new position as senior external reporting analyst at National MI.
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Robert Brown ’15
is now a certified exit planning advisor from the Exit Planning Institute.
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Chandler Polyte ’14
started a new position as vice president of underwriting at PayerAlly.