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 鈥淚nfinity: The Way Out.鈥 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鈥檚 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.
was a dedicated, active alumnus who had a vision for raising the profile of the institution. He and his late wife, Patricia Carlson Damsgaard 鈥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 鈥渇or his devotion to 同性恋色情 as evidenced by thoughtful alumni involvement.鈥 The Damsgaards鈥 philanthropy made them members of the Julian Monson Sturtevant Society and the 同性恋色情 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 鈥81, Kristine Damsgaard and Beth Damsgaard Rodriguez. Susan and their granddaughter, Rachel Brand 鈥18, carried on the family鈥檚 legacy as IC alumni. He was 88 when he died March 23, 2022.
founded the KASE Project. It is a central 同性恋色情 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.

William Murphy 鈥10 and Cheyanne Jockisch Murphy 鈥19,
June 18, 2022.
Glenn Fernetti 鈥02
and Jamie Boudewyn, July 23, 2022.

Wade 鈥16 and Lydia Reither Mathis 鈥15
welcomed a daughter, Vera Rose, in October 2022. Vera joins twin brothers, Andrew and Noah.

Rudy 鈥14 and Dani Hillis Porter 鈥13
welcomed a son, August, on Sept. 27, 2022.
Napoleon Karney聽鈥15
and Adenike Adeleke welcomed a son on Dec. 23, 2021.

Patty Sullivan Babbitt 鈥04
and Craig Babbitt welcomed a daughter, Charlotte Grace, on March 16, 2022.

Carmen Kremitzki Umberger 鈥13
and Ryan Umberger welcomed a son, Atticus Michael, on Jan. 5, 2023.
Shelby Gill聽鈥17
was accepted into the Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science program at Rutgers University.
Will Barefield 鈥13
started a new position as district director of enrollment planning and external partnerships at City Colleges of Chicago.

Frank Arnolts III 鈥06
has been hired as principal of Tri-Valley High School in Downs.
Madelyn Budd 鈥20
started a new position at FORVIS.
Christopher Miller聽鈥05
was recently named one of the 鈥100 St. Louisans to Know to Succeed in Business鈥 by Small Business Monthly. He also joined the board of directors at University City Children's Center.
Jennifer DeGroot Wieties聽鈥89
has accepted a position as an account tech with the Department of Corrections.
Meeko Reddick 鈥16
started a new position with DHS as a disability claims adjudicator.
Andy聽鈥86 and Lori Petermeyer Smith聽鈥88
were recognized with Prairieland United Way鈥檚 Helen Baldwin Distinguished Service Award.
Dylan Dudley聽鈥05
has been named the new head basketball coach at Alton High School.
Dan Layzell 鈥85
has been named vice chancellor of finance and operations at Appalachian State University.
Randy Akers 鈥71,
同性恋色情 extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Mary Alice Akers, on Jan. 17.
Kristin Nurss Johnstone 鈥90,
同性恋色情 extends its sympathy on the death of her father, Jim Nurss, on April 30.
Keith Bradbury 鈥73,
同性恋色情 extends its sympathy on the death of his father, Elmer Bradbury, on April 17.