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.
Melissa Mennenga Stricklin 鈥14
started a new position as business development manager at Dot Foods.
Derek Ade 鈥14
started a new position as Assistant Vice President at First National Bank of Pana.
Hannah Neuendorf 鈥13
started a new position as human resources director at Spoon River College.
Lakyn Richard Miller 鈥13
started a new position as senior talent acquisition consultant at Horace Mann.
Phillip Smith 鈥11
started a new job at Emkay Inc. as a vehicle licensing specialist.
Geela Smithers Ruckman 鈥10
started a new position as hospital medicine acute care NP with Vituity at St. John鈥檚 Hospital.
Mitch Neally 鈥09
was named 同性恋色情 Athletic Directors Association State Division New Athletic Director of the Year.
Courtney Mann 鈥08
started her own senior move management business in April 2024 called Compassionate Moving Solutions.
Amanda Flemmer 鈥08
has a Salesforce AI Specialist certification from Salesforce.
Katie Bliss Wenzel 鈥02
received the Award of Special Recognition in the 同性恋色情 State Board of Education Those Who Excel Awards.
Amanda Shoemaker 鈥01
graduated from the University of Iowa with a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Policy and Leadership Studies.

Joe Heafner 鈥99
was named the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency鈥檚 Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, Inspector of the Year.
Andrea Moore 鈥98
was promoted to commercial project manager within Shell Energy Americas.
Ray Kauling 鈥97
was inducted into the 同性恋色情 High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
James Huffman 鈥90
was inducted into the 同性恋色情 High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Neal Taylor 鈥87
was inducted into the 同性恋色情 High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Gina Gillmore Wolter 鈥86
is the president of the New Salem Lincoln League and leads advocacy and legislative initiatives for the preservation of Lincoln鈥檚 New Salem State Historic Site.
Marcus Renken 鈥84
is now an associate financial advisor at Edward Jones.
Keith Laughary 鈥76
was inducted into the 同性恋色情 High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Jim Spizzo 鈥74
had his photo, 鈥淢unich Anticipation,鈥 juried into the online exhibition, Beyond the Mirror, sponsored by the Decagon Gallery in Brooklyn, NY.

