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.
Sergio Pe帽a 鈥21
graduated from Penn State with a Master鈥檚 of Arts in Communication Arts and Sciences in August 2025, continuing on to the PhD with a dual title in Women鈥檚, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
Olivia Dobbs Flores 鈥20
returned to the Hilltop as IC鈥檚 Director of Alumni Engagement.
Mikaela Morrison Brown 鈥19
was promoted to 同性恋色情鈥檚 Director of Recruitment and Outreach in the Office of Admission.
Brant Bess 鈥18
started a new job as a professor of the physical therapy program at Southwest Baptist University.
Grace Graunke San Diego 鈥18
started a new position as Law Clerk at American Center For Law & Justice while earning her JD at Regent University School of Law.
Jovanny Nava 鈥16
joined the Hispanic Bar Association of St. Louis鈥檚 Board of Directors.
Gabrielle Esparza, Ph.D. 鈥16
started a new position as Scholarly Acquisitions Editor at Vanderbilt University Press.
Josephine Oshiafi 鈥14
earned certificates in Hospitality Management and Hotel Revenue from Cornell University. She serves as Head of Business Development and Investor Relations at Amber Hospitality Services Limited, building an African hospitality brand focused on stays and experiences.
Kelly McCormick 鈥14
was promoted to Registrar at 同性恋色情.
Audrey Knight, Ph.D. 鈥14
was promoted to Regulatory Affairs Scientist I at Allucent where her work focuses on drug development consulting and regulatory affairs.
Leslieann Harris, Ed.D. 鈥14
started a new position as Assistant Director of Student Success - Armstrong Campus at Georgia Southern University.
Amy Anderson Kralik 鈥12
has been promoted to Human Resources Director at Medline Industries.
Paul Jamali 鈥11
was promoted to vice president, video and production at Marino.
Rachel Macon 鈥11
obtained a certification in strategic workforce management from Human Capital Institute.
Megan Bettis Kirkhart 鈥10
started a new role at Parkland College as career services manager.
Taylor Baucom 鈥10
has been promoted to Vice President and Creative Director at The Players鈥 Tribune.
Dan Scott 鈥09
has been named principal of South Elementary School in Jacksonville School District 117.
Sarah Schierer Keller 鈥07
joined Country Financial as Director of Accounting Operations.
Christopher Miller 鈥05
is the Vice President at ATB Technologies in Chesterfield, MO.
Scott Stewart 鈥02
is the director of advancement for the Chicago Academy for the Arts.
