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.
Miles Genrich 鈥22 and Abby Isham 鈥21
got married on July 27, 2024.
Lauren Sinclair 鈥25
started a new role as an event planner at Third Avenue Events in Kansas City.
Paige Bruce 鈥25
started a new position as social media coordinator at Home Instead 545.
Matea Aleksandrovska 鈥25
is a human resources coordinator at Dubak Electrical Group.
Austin Schaffer Snider 鈥24
was just promoted to help desk technician at the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.
Shannon Engmann 鈥24
is now the head keeper of primates at the Scovill Zoo in Decatur, IL.
Nicholas Parsley 鈥23
is athletic director for the IndyMet.
Jacob McQueen 鈥21
started a new position as major account executive at Priority1.
Hateeyat Salifu 鈥20
will be attending Howard University School of Law this fall.
Nickolas Rentschler 鈥20
started a new position as lead software engineer at Mastercard.
Nely Munoz 鈥20
was promoted to consultant and Sikich.
Lauren Estes 鈥19
started a new position as clinic operations manager at ProHealth Care.
Noah Yantis 鈥18
volunteered for the 60th presidential inauguration and was the staff escort for former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush.

Nick Smith 鈥18
started a new position as senior manager of brand, marketing and communications at Armstrong Teasdale LLP.
Rachel Helmich 鈥18
started a new position as a research associate within the Institute for International Crop Improvement at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center.
Ally Kjellander 鈥17
started a new position as associate general counsel at Life Flight Network.
Leilani Pechar Reyes 鈥17
started a new position as communications and engagement manager at Bay Area Center for Faith, Work & Tech.
Morgan Rush Zaytseva 鈥15
started a new position as senior external reporting analyst at National MI.
Robert Brown 鈥15
is now a certified exit planning advisor from the Exit Planning Institute.
Chandler Polyte 鈥14
started a new position as vice president of underwriting at PayerAlly.
