Class Notes

Below are Class Notes for this issue. To see all Class Notes, click here.

1940s

Updates

Warren Musch ’43

celebrated his 100th birthday on October 25, 2021. He is a WWll flight veteran. Warren is a very special American treasure who honorably served his country, then led a full civilian life of family, business and further public service.

Sympathy

John Kurtock ’47,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Doris Kurtock, on Oct 10,  2021, and to her daughters, Julie Kurtock ’74, Debra Kurtock Haynes ’76 and Janice Kurtock Chiaradonna ’78, and son-in-law, Gary Haynes ’74.

In Memoriam

Harry Schnirring ’48,

November 9, 2021 (Phi Alpha).

Ray Montgomery ’48

March 26, 2022 (Sigma Pi).

Paul Rust ’49

February 8, 2022 (Phi Alpha).

1950s

In Memoriam

Helen Lewis Archer ’50,

June 10, 2021 (Gamma Delta).

Robert Homann ’50,

December 21, 2021 (Sigma Pi).

James Lentz ’50,

July 26, 2021 (Gamma Nu).

Wayne Ford ’51,

December 2, 2021.

Marian Hills ’51,

March 3, 2022 (Gamma Delta).

Ralph Steinbarth ’52,

June 25, 2021 (Gamma Nu).

Alice Penewitt Henry ’52,

November 21, 2021 (Sigma Phi Epsilon).

Ed Lawless ’53,

December 6, 2021.

Alice Everette Compton ’53,

December 10, 2021.

Emily Dunstan Martin ’55,

September 6, 2021 (Chi Beta).

Jimmy Frame ’55,

October 26, 2021.

Shirley Thrasher Blair ’55,

December 1, 2021.

Joanne Huffman Ramsey ’56,

December 23, 2020 (Chi Beta).

Ronald Wallace ’58,

February 21, 2022 (Illinois College Trustee Emeritus).

Robert Engebrecht ’58, 

July 14, 2021 (Sigma Pi).

Joseph Millard ’59,

October 31, 2021.

Updates

Bob Falkenburg ’53

and Jodie Keiser Falkenburg celebrated their 71st anniversary.

Sympathy

Herb Sherman ’58,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his sister, Evelyn Feffer, on Dec. 13, 2020. 

1960s

In Memoriam

Laurence Larson ’60,

September 30, 2021 (Phi Alpha).

Myron Jackson ’60,

February 1, 2022.

Judy White Symons ’60,

November 12, 2021.

Henry Kransz ’61,

January 20, 2021 (Alpha Phi Omega).

Hilma Ivey Mortell ’61,

April 1, 2021.

Ronald Ladley ’61,

January 15, 2022 (Phi Alpha).

Warren Sokolis ’62,

October 29, 2021 (Phi Alpha).

Kent Thomas ’63,

September 13, 2021 (Gamma Nu).

Leland Culp ’63,

October 25, 2020 (Phi Alpha).

Ron Short ’64,

September 26, 2021 (Phi Alpha).

Gerald Brockhouse ’64,

March 2, 2022 (Gamma Nu).

Richard Veith ’64,

December 14, 2021 (Sigma Pi).

Gail Kempton ’65,

March 2022 (Gamma Delta). MM

Larry Fortado ’66,

November 9, 2021 (Phi Alpha).

Eugene Aragona ’67,

January 26, 2022.

Richard Robertson ’67,

September 8, 2021.

Margaret Wells Becker ’67,

August 20, 2021.

Mary Jane Halpin Kerns ’67,

March 2 , 2022.

William Kinnett ’68,

October 5, 2021.

Garth Cripe ’68,

October 4, 2021.

Bill Templin ’69,

June 12, 2021.

John Woods ’69,

June 12, 2021 (Phi Alpha).

Kathleen Cline Pettyjohn ’69,

December 18, 2021.

Updates

John Stanger ’61

is the nostalgia columnist for the Oak Park Wednesday Journal.

Dale Bellovich ’62

and his wife, Lisa-Marie, moved from San Diego, California, to the Charleston, South Carolina, area in May of 2021. They are living on Johns Island, South Carolina.

Bill Hitt ’63

led the Judah Lion Ministry team on a trip in October to Sparta, Wisconsin, to preach and pray to Acres of Hope retreat ministry, near the Wisconsin Dells. God performed many healings and miracles.

Robert Berry ’64

recently published "David Prince Pioneer Surgeon." The text includes a chapter on the Illinois College medical departments.

Preston Newell ’65

recently won first, second and third place in the professional digital arts category at the 2021 Colorado State Fair.

Sympathy

Ann Fusselman Showalter ’67,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, Thomas Showalter, on July 6, 2021.

Marilyn Day Mack ’69,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, Christopher Mack, on Feb. 7, 2021.

1970s

In Memoriam

Lloyd Robertson ’70,

October 15, 2021.

Dave Croxton ’70,

September 14, 2021 (Sigma Pi).

William Hess ’71,

July 1, 2019.

Bob Shay ’72,

January 4, 2022.

Hugh McIntire ’72,

January 24, 2022.

Richard Woods ’72,

May 14, 2021 (Alpha Phi Omega).

Karen Barton Bucklew ’72,

February 2, 2021.

Darryl Mayhew ’73,

September 27, 2021 (Phi Alpha).

Carolyn Hubbard Houck ’73,

December 13, 2021.

William Schowengerdt ’74,

September 26, 2021 (Sigma Pi).

Patricia Givens ’74,

December 22, 2021 (Chi Beta).

Joyce Ann Billiot Borne ’74,

January 28, 2022.

Gregory Lister ’76,

March 8, 2022 (Phi Alpha).

Joseph “Mark” Tomlovich ’76,

August 4, 2021.

Debra Garlisch Phebus ’77,

July 10, 2021 (Alpha Kappa Phi).

Les Switzer ’77,

June 27, 2021.

Kevin Brodie ’78,

January 6, 2022.

Jim “Wally” Waltrip ’78,

August 4, 2021.

Jimm Bates ’79,

March 16, 2022.

Updates

Jim Proffitt ’70

published his novel.

Greg and Nona Bickel Neff ’71

celebrated their 50th anniversary on Aug. 1, 2021.

Reg Ankrom ’71

has published the second of a three-volume biography about 19th century U.S. Sen. Stephen A. Douglas, “Stephen A. Douglas, Western Man.” The book is part of what Lincoln historian Douglas Egerton called the “definitive life of Douglas.” IC’s Sigma Pi literary society made Douglas an honorary member in January 1858.

H.O. Brownback ’72

was elected chairman of the board for West Central Bank (WCB), its holding company and its subsidiaries. Brownback was vice chair and corporate secretary, and served on the WCB board and that of its predecessor organization, since 1985. Brownback is vice president emeritus at Southwestern Illinois College and the retired long-time chairman of the Cass Cass County Board.

Robert Lapp ’72

retired from surgical nursing in February of 2021.

Nancy Hull ’73

went back to teaching after being retired for 10 years when her district reopened for in-person learning in October of 2020. They needed a long-term substitute and it was a small class and shortened day. She truly enjoyed her six months of fourth grade. The kids were so happy to be out of the house and back with friends, even with social distancing and masks.

Keith Bradbury ’73

has been named to the Lincoln Land Community College Foundation Board of Directors.

Jean Guilmartin ’73

retired from Raytheon Company at the end of 2021 after spending 20 years there.

Martha Bryan Schmitt ’73

retired in May 2021 from her position as academic coordinator for the Slane College of Communication and Fine Arts at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Martha was subsequently granted emerita status by Bradley University for her distinguished years of service. Martha was also the recipient of Bradley University's 2020-2021 Staff Excellence Award for her "significant contributions to the Bradley University community."

Brian McKenna ’74

recently published his second book. Sunbury Press published "Cops Under Fire!" which is a compilation of 12 stories of real police shootings and the lessons we can learn from them. Brian's website is www.authorbrianmckenna.com.

Jim Spizzo ’74

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, Jim’s 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.

Dan Weinberger ’74,

his deli located in Grapevine, Texas, was named best Deli in Texas by Smart News. This is the third time Weinberger’s Deli has been named best in Texas, once by Eat This Not That and MSN. 

Janet Williams Chipman ’75

has received First National Bank of Arenzville’s Blue Diamond Community Service Award for 2021 for her volunteer work in the community and her dedication to education. 

Susan Slocum Pecaro ’76

was promoted to supervisory trial counsel and assistant director of the Securities & Exchange Commission's Division of Enforcement in February 2021.

Heather Harlan ’76

began a new position as a health educator with Columbia/Boone County Health Department focusing on adult mental health and opioid response.

Dan Foth ’77

was promoted to director of the Certified Public Manager Program and local government specialist at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Bob Moore ’78

is retiring as CEO of Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City, Illinois. During his 42-year healthcare career, he has also served at hospitals in Florida, Missouri and Pennsylvania.

Suzanne Stone Hembrough ’78

retired from 41 years of teaching science kindergarten through graduate school.

Sympathy

Jeffrey Scull ’72,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his father, Enoch “Nick” Scull Jr., on July 19, 2021. Enoch was a decorated World War II veteran who received the Order of Merit medal from the ambassador of Luxembourg in June. Gov. J.B. Pritzker declared June 11 Nick Scull Recognition Day in the state of Illinois for his service at the Battle of the Bulge during WWII.    

Naomi Stuart Duvendack ’75,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her daughter, Laura, on July 25, 2021. Laura leaves behind IC alumni sister Holly Duvendack Saxer ‘06, aunt Becky Stuart Keithley ’76 and cousin Naomi Watkins Neal ’04.

Rix Robinson ’75,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his wife, Frances "Fran" Robinson, on Oct. 14, 2021. Fran and Rix were married for 38 years.

1980s

Sympathy

Martin Schnake ’80 and Marcie Schnake ’92,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of their mother, Marjorie Schnake, on Dec. 23, 2021. 

Winston Rogers III ’82,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his mother, Bobbie Rogers.

Todd Reid ’84 and Amy Reid Turrell ’88,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of their father, Larry Reid, on Dec. 17, 2021, and to his daughter-in-law, Amy Hildebrand Reid ’86.

Mike Bauersachs ’86,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his mother, Linda Bauersachs on Dec. 15, 2021, and to her daughter-in-law, Lisa Lonson Bauersachs ’85.

Updates

Seena Larkins-Friend ’81

retired at the end of January 2022.

Jim Spradlin ’82

retired as GROWMARK’s chief executive officer in 2022 .

Wendy Good Henry ’83

was named the 2020 PRIDE Award recipient during BKD CPAs & Advisors annual leadership conference. The PRIDE Award recognizes individuals who emulate the BKD PRIDE values of passion, respect, integrity, discipline and excellence. Wendy was St. Louis managing partner and retired June 2021.

Dave Jacobs ’87

received the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame distinguished Ray Eliot Award for his service to high school football in the state on June 19, 2021.

Chris Skinner ’88

retired from Jersey Unit #100 after 34 years of teaching and 33 years of coaching.

In Memoriam

Mike Taylor ’81,

October 15, 2021 (Phi Alpha).

Eric Knowski ’86,

March 14, 2022.

Richard Penington ’89,

January 26, 2022.

1990s

Sympathy

Lynne Garrison Force ’90,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her husband, Delbert Force, on Dec. 31,  2021. 

Christine Reid Lansaw ’99,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of her father, Dr. James Reid, on Jan. 10, 2022, and to his son-in-law, Jeremy Lansaw ’99.

Updates

Luiz Guimarães ’91

took on the role of regional director of services and innovation at ERM. 

Selena Elledge ’91

was promoted to director at Sikich LLP in Springfield. 

Kris Williams Houser ’91

received the industry-respected Certification in Fund Raising Management (CFRM) designation through the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI University.

Carrie McCrary Ward ’91

was named by Gov. J.B. Pritzker to the Illinois Forensic Science Commission. Ward is the chief executive officer of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, where she works with legislators at the state and federal level to improve the policies and resources available to survivors of sexual assault.

Lara Drummond White ’95

works for realtruck.com as a category merchandiser.

Bill Cunningham ’96

retired from the US Army after 24 years of service and now resides in O’Fallon, Illinois. He is employed at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Dalitso Sulamoyo ’96,

Champaign County Regional Planning Commission chief executive officer, has been elected as new chair of the National Community Action Partnership (NCAP), the largest anti-poverty network in the country. The partnership is a national, nonprofit membership organization that provides technical assistance, training and other resources to over 1,000 community action agencies around the country like the regional planning commission, as well as nonprofit and public groups funded by the Community Services Block Grant.

Jennifer Sunley ’98

recently celebrated 15 years of service at Hanson Professional Services Inc., where she is currently the natural resources discipline manager. She joined the firm in 2006.

Jenny Carrell ’99

has been promoted to the role of strategic market director of regional and government accounts at Johnson & Johnson.

Marriages

Lisa Fay Seaway ’99

and Daniel Seaway on June 10, 2021.

In Memoriam

Rhiannon Norris-Robinson ’99,

March 2, 2022 (Gamma Delta).

2000s

Updates

Jennifer Travis Quast ’01

has been promoted to director of brand marketing for kid’s portfolio (Pebbles & Honeycomb) at Post Consumer Brands.

Evan Wilson ’01

has been promoted to associate vice president of enrollment management at Illinois College.

Dan Wright ’01

was appointed to the Illinois Forensic Science Commission by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Scott Stewart ’02

had his final day as executive director of the Millennium Park Foundation. He is going to the Dallas, Texas, area to serve as the executive director of Frisco Hall Park Foundation at the Communities Foundation of Texas.

Steven Snyder ’04

had a second book published, "Woke, Banned, Censored & Canceled." It's a compilation of research, news stories, articles and commentary on the "war on everything" in culture.

Dr. Rebecca Vortman ’05

was elected to serve on the AORN Board.

Dr. Rebecca Vortman ’05

was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Perioperative Education Award. 

Casey Grant ’06

was ordained into full-time ministry on July 11, 2021. He has served as the campus pastor for The Crossing in Monmouth since September of 2018. 

Eduard Faith ’07

was promoted to strategy director at Sparks & Honey.

Peter Jennings ’07

is now the head football coach at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Cindy Arnold ’07

started a new teaching position at Lincoln Community High School. She is also currently working toward her Certified Lay Speaker License in the United Methodist Church and often speaks as a guest speaker in churches in central Illinois. 

Joe Rheinecker ’07

was appointed chief financial officer of Great Rivers Bank. 

Abby Matson McCarty ’08

was promoted to accounting manager at ADM.

Sympathy

Josh Ryder ’03,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his mother, Peggy Ryder, on Sept. 16, 2021.

Justin Waltrip ’07,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of his father, James “Jimmy” Waltrip ’78 on Aug. 4, 2021.

Births

Tara Davis Augspurger ’06

and her husband, Casey, welcomed a son, Knox Joseph Augspurger. He was born July 15, 2021, and was welcomed by big brother Huxley (3).

Jessica Brown Galvan ’08

and her husband, Adam, welcomed a daughter, Sloane Penelope Galvan, on Jan. 8, 2022.

Sarah Steinhorst Manicke ’08

and her husband, Matthew, welcomed a son, Matthew John Manicke Jr., on Aug. 29, 2021.

2010s

Updates

Alex Spalding ’10

joined Presbyterian Medical Services as a licensed professional clinical counselor in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Rebecca Gerecke ’10

married Alan Grant Wilson, Jr. on November 13, 2021, in Barry, Illinois. She works as a Certified Child Life Specialist at MercyOne Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Eric Hiatt ’11

has been elected to be the 91st president of the Illinois Jaycees.

Kayla Graven ’11

has been named the new executive director of Downtown Springfield, Inc.

Rachel Macon ’11

has been promoted to manager at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

Dr. Clare Zimmerman ’11

graduated from pediatric hematology and oncology fellowship from Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis Children’s Hospital with a master’s degree in clinical investigation in June 2021. She started as a pediatric hematologist and oncologist at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in August 2021. 

Vivian Obey-Fabiyi ’12

started a new position as people partner at connectRN.

Meagan Wright Duncan ’12

has been promoted to associate financial representative at Northwestern Mutual.

Lanie Cooper Kepler ’12

has been named the new IPHA AmeriCorps director.

John Kirkham ’13

became a licensed customs broker in January of 2021. He is an import broker with STIHL USA in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Ryan Blesse ’13

started a new position as project manager on the Brand and Content Management Team at Country Financial.

Megan Rabe ’13

is lead developer for the 2020 Census Race and Ethnic Diversity dissemination tool.

Carmen Kremitzki Umberger ’13

started a new position as associate director, Smith Career Center, career advisor for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Bradley University.

Cory Washington ’13

has accepted the role of assistant director of admission for Saint Louis University School of Law.

Chandler Polyte ’14

was promoted to financial advisor, PBM underwriting and pricing strategy at CVS Health.

Derek Ade ’14

has been named the Pana Community Hospital Foundation’s executive director.

Samir Adrissi ’14

has been promoted to Director at Michael Page Chicago. This is his seventh promotion in six years at the company.

Elizabeth (Katie) Bernardi ’14

started a new position as account supervisor at Laughlin Constable.

Robert Brown ’14

started a new position as director of corporate ticket sales at Pacers Sports & Entertainment.

Nate Kohler ’14

started a new position as agency success manager at Branch insurance.

Morgan Zytseva ’15

is now staff auditor at Harrington Group CPAs and is a licensed CPA in Michigan.

Allen (Miggins) Coultas ’15

was promoted to K-12 college and career manager at Fort Wayne Community Schools.

Ryan Flynn ’15

embarked on a journey to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.

Aaron Traum ’15

was promoted to part owner at Brynolf Manufacturing, Inc.

Morgan Zytseva ’15

started a new position as Staff Accountant at National Mortgage Insurance Corporation.

Alessandra McNamara ’15

started a new position as outpatient nursing supervisor at Amita Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital.

Dan Lewis ’16

started a new position as advisor in the Office of the Director at Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Jovanny Nava ’16

accepted a position with Polsinelli as a 2022 Summer Associate.

Joe Tooley ’16

is now a senior analyst Learning Employee Engagement at the Kraft Heinz Company.

Renata Gray ’16

started a new position as front end lead at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Frankie Kimmell ’16

is an admission counselor at Illinois College. He began this position in April 2021. He also graduated from Illinois State University with a master’s degree in communications studies where he taught public speaking and interpersonal communication. 

Jordan Washington ’16

started a new position as the development communications coordinator for the Goodman Theatre in downtown Chicago.

Lauren Mense ’16

was promoted to director of ticket sales at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Alexia Helmer ’16

started a new position as digital assets and content manager at Illinois College.

Gabrielle Esparza ’16

had her first peer-reviewed article published in The Latin Americanist.

Guus Duindam ’16

started a new position as a judicial law clerk at US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Karina Espinosa ’16

started a new position as contract administrator at General Dynamics Information Technology.

Shafer Soars ’16

started a new position as research chemist at Arkema-ArrMaz.

Dalton Kerans ’17

started a new position as the south/central IRAP coordinator.

Allison Kjellander ’17

started a new position as corporate healthcare attorney at Holland & Hart LLP.

Megan Zirkelbach ’17

was promoted to procurement agent II at Boeing.

Christian Flores ’18

is studying at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. He will be earning a master of global policy studies, with a specialization in Latin American regional politics as part of the D.C. concentration. He will be taking classes in Austin and then working on a policy apprenticeship with a non-profit or government organization in Washington D.C.

Brant Bess ’18

graduated and received his doctorate in May 2021. Brant got married to Miranda on July 2, 2021. He also started working at Citizens Memorial Hospital in August.

Allison Hewitt Pilarte ’19

started a new position as revenue tax specialist trainee at Illinois Department of Revenue.

Chauntel Vance ’19

started a new position as high school counselor at Taylorville High School.

Sarah Christian ’19

graduated with a masters degree in public health from the University of Illinois Springfield May 2021. She obtained the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification from the National Health Education Credentialing (NHEC).

Ka-La Harris ’19

started a new position at University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis.

Marriages

Rebecca Gerecke ’10

and Alan Grant Wilson, Jr., Nov. 13, 2021.

Dr. Clare Zimmerman ’11

and Brian Atlas May 24, 2020.

Taylor Molandro Koksie ’14

married Eric Koksie in Chicago on September 4, 2021.

Andi McCombs ’19 and Dillon Hallemann ’20

on June 12, 2021.

Chris Moore ’19 and Markie Mulchay ’20,

July 2021.

Births

Amber Kleckler ’11

and her husband, David, welcomed a daughter, Sawyer Faye, on January 4, 2022.

Mouna Soumahoro ’12

welcomed a son, Liam, in June 2021.

Dan ’14 and Allie ’16 Little Lewis

welcomed a son, Oliver Fitzgerald, on January 13, 2021.

Sawyer Harrison ’17

and wife, Kailynn, welcomed a son, Aspen Beau, on April 16, 2020.

Abby Wolter-Cathers ’16

and husband, Dakota Cathers, welcomed twin boys, Finn and Odin, on May 26, 2021. They are the grandchildren of Gina Gillmore-Wolter ’86 of Springfield and Dr. Scott Wolter ’85 of Alton.

Faculty & Staff

In Memoriam

Rudolf Zuiderveld,

October 29, 2021.
 

Sympathy

Almut Spalding and Paul Spalding,

Illinois College extends its sympathy on the death of Almut’s mother, Helga Grützner-Könnecke, and to her grandsons, Eckhart Spalding ’07 and Alex Spalding ’10.

Friends of the College

In Memoriam

Martyl Reinsdorf,

July 26, 2021.
 

Peggy Ryder,

September 16, 2021.

2020s

Updates

Nick Rentschler ’20

was promoted to Software Engineer II at Mastercard.

Madelyn Budd ’20

started working at BKD.

Anthony Flores ’20

started a new position as TRIO academic coach and student engagement coordinator at Illinois College.

Grant Flynn ’21

started a new position as loan officer at Pilot Grove Savings Bank.

Brett Bettis ’21

is the owner of Bolt’s Candy, Cones and Corn, a sweet-tooth-indulgent store in Jacksonville. He opened the store in August.

Ryan Kaufmann ’21

started a new position as third golf assistant at Illini Country Club.

Seth Vaughn ’21

started a new position as operations coordinator at Stifel Financial Corp.

Lauryn Thornton ’21

started a new position as the new membership manager at the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

Abby Isham ’21

was recognized by the Springfield Fire Department for helping to save a man’s life at Colony West Swim Club Pool, where she was a lifeguard. Abby and two others received the department’s Protecting Our Neighbors awards for their efforts after a man went into full cardiac arrest at the pool.

Skylar Dees ’22

was promoted to IC Store manager at Illinois College.

Marriages

Dominic Caldieraro ’20

and Kayle Crawford Nov. 20, 2021.