Board Members - Building Hope in Kids

Board of Directors

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

Fr. Julius Turyatoranwa 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

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.

John Grillot 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 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 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 pilots 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, the Church and is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Model A Ford Club of America in California.

Please contact her by email: kclee1931ford@yahoo.com

Christine Venzon Communications Lead

Chris has been a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington since 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 has continuously served in a number of ministries within her parish (Board of Education, Parish Council, Children’s Choir director, Adult Choir member/accompanist/director, Extraordinary Minister of Communion) and is the chairperson of St. Patrick’s charitable outreach committee. Chris has volunteered with a number of community groups over the years, among them the American Cancer Society (city volunteer coordinator), Girl Scouts, Teens Encounter Christ (musician, weekend leader, Board member), and the Christ Child Society of Central Illinois. She and her husband enjoy splitting their time between their ministries (his as an ordained deacon) and their twelve grandchildren’s activities.

Please contact her by email: chris_venzon@comcast.net

Adolph (Arnie) Arnold Fundraising Lead

Arnie is a member of St. Monica Church in East Peoria, and a member of Monsignor E.L. Grzbowski Knights of Columbus Council #7580. He grew up in Central Illinois and retired from Caterpillar, Inc. after 30 years of service. He spends his spare time with his children, their spouses, and his three grandchildren. Arnie has supported several local charities by conducting various fundraisers over the years. They include the Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception, Sacred Heart Cemetery, the Nativity display at the Festival of Lights in East Peoria, and the Knights of Columbus. He has organized several fundraisers for BHIK-U, including Peoria Chiefs games, a bus trip to a Cubs-Cardinals game, and a wine-tasting/auction and will gladly continue putting his fundraising experience to work for BHIK-U.

Please contact him by email: adolph.arnold@comcast.net

Lisa Feeny Director

Lisa holds a BS in Elementary Education (1983), MA in Communications (1990), and a Doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership (2006). A lifelong Catholic, Lisa has served in various positions and ministries in her home parish of Epiphany in Normal, IL (School Board member, Altar & Rosary President, Pastoral Assistant, “Walking with Purpose” leader). Lisa’s career was as a corporate trainer/speaker where she traveled the US and Canada working with many fortune 250 companies on leadership and managerial skills training. She currently ownsSew Memorable Quilts (2011) where she designs and constructs t-shirt quilts and memory quilts. In retirement, Lisa is enjoying her 4 children and 1 grandchild.