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.

Matt '05 and Kris McDonald Marcum 鈥06,
a son, Ethan Reesor, July 11, 2016.

Graham and Angie Gazdziak '05,
a son, Lucas Daniel, July 1, 2016. He joins big sister Hannah Grace, 6.

Dan and Kristen Shekleton Zachwieja '04,
a daughter, Grace Elizabeth, February 21, 2017.
Kevin and Rebecca Hess Leahr '01
a son, Jacob Andrew, October 3, 2016.
Neil and Gabriela Werries '97,
a son, Henry, November 4, 2016.
Matthew Martin and Amanda Greenwood '15,
July 30, 2016. Amanda teaches first grade at Our Saviour School in Jacksonville, Ill.

Austin Feigl and Paige Meyer '14,
October 17, 2015. Paige is a registered behavior technician for Alternative Behavior Strategies in Oceantown, Calif.

Kody Stricklin and Melissa Mennenga '14,
November 19, 2016. Melissa is a district sales manager for Dot Foods in Chesterfield, Mo.

Colt Gerdes '14 and Emily Langheim 鈥15,
October 1, 2016. Colt is a patrolman for the South Jacksonville Police Department, and Emily is the office assistant for the Office of Residential Life at 同性恋色情.

Matt Korte '12 and Kortney Sargent 鈥10,
November 5, 2016. Kortney works in administration at OSF Saint Anthony鈥檚 Health Center in Alton, Ill. Matt works for Cott Beverages Inc. as a regional supply planner in Maryland Heights, Mo.

Brandon Hott '12 and Kelsea Battefeld 鈥15
October 22, 2016. Brandon is employed by the Pawnee School District and Kelsea is pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in community counseling at University of 同性恋色情 Springfield.

Brady Kepler and Lanie Cooper '12,
December 31, 2016. Brady works for Midwest Underground Technology Inc. as a field services manager in Champaign, Ill. Lanie is the executive assistant for projects and programs at the 同性恋色情 Public Health Association in Springfield, Ill.

Joshua Kirchgesner and Brittney Meyer '11,
August 13, 2016. Joshua is a mortgage production supervisor with Navy Federal Credit Union in Arlington, Texas.

Tressman Goode and April Harman '11,
October 22, 2016. April is a child and adolescent outpatient therapist at Locust Street Resource Center in Carlinville, Ill.

Cody Vipond and Jessica Verdick '10,
November 5, 2016. Jessica is a universal banker for First Trust and Savings Bank in Geneseo, Ill.

Damien Oliver and Lydia Martin '10,
October 15, 2016. Lydia is a buyer for Howdens Joinery in Howden, South Yorkshire, England.
David Heneisen and Danielle McLaughlin '10,
October 15, 2016. David is a client solutions executive for AT&T small business solutions in Champaign, Ill.
Norman Hairston and Roxanna Marie Norfleet '81,
January 14, 2017. Norman retired Sergeant First Class from the U. S. Army.
Brody Pogue '16
Brody Pogue was promoted to offensive line coach for the St. Ambrose University football team in Davenport, Iowa. Brody is also pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in organizational leadership at St. Ambrose.
Garrett Barr '16
Garrett Barr is a programmer analyst at Dot Foods in Mt. Sterling, Ill.