Board Members - Building Hope in Kids

Leadership Team

A dedicated group of volunteers committed to the mission of building a better world through education.

Fr. Julius Turyatoranwa Director, Founder

He holds a BA in Philosophy (1994), BA in Theology (1998), a Masters Degree and a doctorate (PhD)in Educational Administration from Illinois State University (2010, 2017). After serving as Parochial Vicar (Assistant Pastor) at Illinois parishes in Bloomington, Morton, and Washington, Illinois, Fr. Julius returned to Uganda in December, 2017. He is the Pastor of Christ the King parish and 22 mission churches in the Kabale Diocese in Uganda, assisted by two Parochial Vicars. Fr. Julius developed the vision at the center of this school project when he was challenged to reach out beyond his family to help others. He believes that such a school will help to break the generational cycle of poverty and tap into the potential of these children as future innovators and inventors.

Contact him through email: jturya@gmail.com

John Grillot Director, President

John is a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, Illinois, who has served for nearly 30 years in various ministries within the parish (Parish Trustee, Finance Council, etc.). John graduated with a B.S. degree in Engineering from Iowa State University in 1975 and earned an MBA degree from Bradley University in 1994. John worked at Caterpillar Inc. in various technical and managerial roles for 40 years, retiring in 2012. Throughout his career and retirement, John has traveled extensively all over the world (including to Uganda). Since his retirement, he has increased his involvement in a number of volunteer roles within the community, the Church, and the Secular Franciscan Order.

Contact him by phone at: (309) 696-4846 or email: grilljw@gmail.com

Joan Krogman Director, Vice President

Joan moved back to the area in 2007 and became a St. Patrick’s (Washington) parish member at that time. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Viterbo University, LaCrosse, Wi. Her entire nursing career has been devoted to children, whether it was working in the neonatal ICU, sleep lab, public health department, pediatric office or as a school nurse. In her retirement Joan has been involved in several non-profit organizations in the area and looks forward to serving on the BHIK-U board. Her interest in BHIK-U was certainly enhanced following a trip to St. Patricks’ school in Uganda in 2019. In her spare time, Joan likes to quilt, garden, read and definitely travel.

Please contact her by email: jmskrog@gmail.com

Kay Christine Lee Director, Treasurer

Kay has been a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, Illinois since childhood. Kay graduated with a B.S. degree in Manufacturing Technology from the University of Illinois and an M.S. degree in Industrial Operations/Engineering in 1988 from Bradley University, also receiving her private pilot’s license in 1980. Following a 32-year career at Caterpillar Inc. in various technical and managerial roles, traveling the world for Caterpillar and living in the UK for two years, she retired in 2006. During her retirement, Kay has been active in a number of volunteer roles within the community and the Church. She is also a longtime member of the Model A Ford Club of America.

Please contact her by email: kclee1931ford@yahoo.com

Fr. Justus Kiiza Director

Father Justus Kiiza is from the Kabale Diocese in western Uganda. He was ordained in 1999, with degrees in Theology and Ecclesiastical Studies. He also earned an MBA from the University of Portland, Oregon, in 2008. He has held various positions in the Kabale Diocese: Dean of Students and Procurator at a minor seminary, Diocesan Vocations Director, Trinity College chaplain, and Diocesan Financial Administrator. Fr. Justus has had international experience, both while in Portland while earning his MBA, and working in the Archdiocese of Glasgow, Scotland for three years. Father currently is pastor at Nyamwegabira Parish, the Chairperson of Diocesan priests, and Dean of the Markiro Deanary (equivalent to a vicar in a diocesan vicariate). He enjoys reading novels, playing volleyball, and making friends. With Father’s ongoing interest in education, his background in finances, and his experience in the Kabale Diocese, he is a valuable addition to the BHIK-U Board of Directors.

Christine Venzon Director, Communications Lead

Chris became a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington when she and her husband moved to Washington, Illinois in 1979. She earned an Associate Degree in Graphic Design while co-raising their three children. Chris served in a number of ministries within her parish and was the chairperson of St. Patrick’s charitable outreach committee. Chris volunteered with a number of community groups over the years, among them the American Cancer Society, Girl Scouts, Teens Encounter Christ, and the Christ Child Society of Central Illinois. She and her husband moved to northeast Tennessee in 2021, and have become involved with ministries at St. Dominic Catholic Church and in the community. They enjoy trying to keep up with activities of their twelve grandchildren in three states. Chris remains the Communications Lead and member of the Board of Directors of Building Hope in Kids – Uganda.

Please contact her by email: chris_venzon@comcast.net

Tom Wilcosky Director

Tom and his wife, Connie, moved to Washington, Illinois in 1995. With their children they became members of St. Patrick's (Washington) Parish. Tom and Connie have sponsored students since the beginning of BHIK-U. Tom received his B.S. in Information Sciences from Cleveland State University ie Ohio, followed by an MBA from Bradley University in 1992. Tom worked for Caterpillar Inc. ie Information Services, Procurement, Logistics and Product Supply over the course of over forty years including a three-year assignment in Peterborough, United Kingdom. Tom volunteered extensively in youth sports as his children were participating. Having recently retired, Tom is now able to devote more time to the BHIK-U Board and other volunteer activities.

Please contact him by email: tjwilcosky@gmail.com

Chris Thurwanger Secretary to the Board

Chris is a member of United Methodist Global Church in Washington and attends there and at St. Patrick's Church with her family. Chris graduated from Moline Public Hospital School of Nursing. She worked nursing jobs across the U.S. while her husband served 20 years in The United States Navy. They lived in Subic Bay, Philippines and she understands poverty and the need for education to change it. She also believes that "when you rise, we all rise" which is the reason she feels called to serve on the board and aid others to rise out of poverty.