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 Infinity: The Way Out. 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, Jims 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 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 for his devotion to Illinois College as evidenced by thoughtful alumni involvement. The Damsgaards philanthropy made them members of the Julian Monson Sturtevant Society and the Illinois College 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 81, Kristine Damsgaard and Beth Damsgaard Rodriguez. Susan and their granddaughter, Rachel Brand 18, carried on the familys legacy as IC alumni. He was 88 when he died March 23, 2022.
founded the KASE Project. It is a central Illinois 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.
Drew Clark 68, Tony Clark 72, Martha Clark 78 and Molly Clark Daniel 78,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of their mother, Roberta Wheelan Clark 68, on November 11, 2020.
Philip D. Shelton 65,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Diane Berthoux Shelton 63, on January 6, 2020, and on the death of his brother, Lewis Steve Shelton 69, on March 1, 2019.
Dale A. Schaefer 65,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Carole Ostermeier Schaefer 65, on February 23, 2020.
Gail Fuller Olson 63,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, Robert G. Olson 62, on November 1, 2020.
Kenneth R. DeFrates 63,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Anna Daveronas DeFrates 69, on January 26, 2021.
Martha Behr Miller 48,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, William Miller, on January 11, 2021, and to her daughter Hilda Miller Radcliffe 77 and son-in-law Jeff Radcliffe 77.
Bob Downer 64,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his daughter Susan Downer 88 on June 10, 2021. Also in our thoughts are her siblings Beth Downer Lewis 86 and Bob Downer 90, and her uncle Jim Downer 66.
Susan Downer88,
June 10, 2021 (Gamma Delta).
Jeff Williamson 75,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his brother John M. Williamson 78, Trustee of Illinois College, on May 13, 2021. Also in our thoughts are his cousins David Robson 83 and Glen Robson 84, and his niece Kristin Williamson Bruce 98.
John M. Williamson78,
Trustee of Illinois College, May 13, 2021 (Pi Pi Rho).
David Forsythe68,
May 17, 2021.
Mitsuyo Ohsuga68,
April 2021.
John Bucky Sullivan67,
May 7, 2021.
Carolyn Davidson Broadhead 61,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her brother Earl Lynn Davidson 62 on October 31, 2020.
Earl Lynn Davidson62,
October 31, 2020.
Tom Zobus 88 and Rick Zobus 92,
Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of their father Bill Zobus 60 on June 5, 2021.
Bill Zobus60,
June 5, 2021 (Alpha Phi Omega).
Robert Ridgway57,
April 1, 2021.
Gert Jacobsohn52,
February 14, 2021 (Gamma Nu).

Kyle '14 and Chloe Neisler Lucca '14
welcomed their first child, Joseph Steven, on March 20, 2021.