Worthy Causes: PEO Helping Women Reach Their Potential 
by Stacey Paretti Rase
In 1869, seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, formed the Philanthropic Educational Organization as a small campus friendship society whose efforts focused on expanding women’s educational opportunities. Today, that small group has grown to include almost a quarter of a million members in chapters throughout the United States and Canada. Even with those impressive numbers, many have never heard of the organization, as much of the good works of PEO have been held under wraps in a secret bond of sisterhood—until now. The international organization decided recently that it was time to spread their message to the world, and the five PEO chapters located on the northshore are actively promoting their group’s mission: to celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards and loans; and motivate each other to achieve their highest aspirations.
The organization has much to boast about. Nearly 70,000 women have benefited from its educational grants, loans, awards, special projects and stewardship of Cottey College. To date, PEO has awarded Educational Loan Fund dollars totaling more than $95 million, International Peace Scholarships exceeding $17 million, Program for Continuing Education grants topping $23 million and Scholar Awards in excess of $7 million. In addition, more than 7,500 women have graduated from Cottey College, a two-year, independent liberal arts and sciences college in Nevada, Mo., operated by the PEO organization.
“This women’s college is on the cutting edge in technology and scientific education, as well as in teaching women social skills to become fulfilled as leaders—not only in the communities in which they live, but also in the industries and businesses they have chosen,” says Janet Miller-Schmidt, a member of Covington’s Chapter BE and corresponding secretary of the Louisiana State Chapter Executive Board. “Cottey College works with these young women from all over the world and has made arrangements with seventeen of the world’s finest universities for them to continue their studies for bachelor’s degrees. Many of the students at Cottey College are sponsored by our local chapters of PEO.”
Robyn Gernon, daughter of Ray and Janet Gernon of Covington and a graduate of Fontainebleau High School, is one such young woman. She graduated from Cottey College in May 2007 with an associate degree and transferred to Smith College with a full scholarship. “Chapter BF in Mandeville sponsored me, and the Louisiana State Chapter awarded me a scholarship of $2,000 dollars for each academic year,” Robyn notes. “Being at Cottey was the first time I’d lived outside of Louisiana. It taught me a lot of self-reliance. I can thankfully say that Cottey prepared me academically with its small discussion classes. Now, at a new school, I can confidently participate and know how to approach my instructors when I do need help.”
All award recipients, like Robyn, are sponsored by local chapters, allowing the chapter members to be a meaningful part of “their” student’s life. Recipients need not be members of PEO themselves; Robyn, however, found herself doubly blessed when she joined the sisterhood herself. “When I turned 18, I was invited to join PEO by my mother’s chapter (BF) and happily accepted. Members from across the state sent me cards, letters and care packages on a regular basis with all kinds of goodies,” she says happily. “It truly showed me how many people were behind me all the way.”
Indeed, friendship is the cornerstone of the organization, a legacy members say was left by their founders. Carole Levey, a teacher at Tchefuncte Middle School in Mandeville, is a founder and past president of Mandeville’s Chapter BF. Now proudly representing the northshore as the state president, she says that friendship has been a driving force in her association with the group. “PEO supports its members through chapter life. The women of PEO are sisters, not just members. They love and support one another through all of life’s ups and downs and encourage one another to become women of character who live up to the objects and aims of PEO”
Janet Miller-Schmidt agrees. “Through PEO, I have been able to make friends that will be my friends for the rest of my life. It is a seven-year commitment to serve on the state board,” she notes. “While serving in this capacity, I have found many challenges and enlightening endeavors to fulfill my life and stay true to my serving spirit. As I go on my journey within PEO, I am sure I will continue to encounter many wonderful women and will be encouraged by watching them fulfill their dreams.”
Northshore PEO Chapters include Chapters AS and BE in Covington, Chapter BF in Mandeville and Chapters AY and BH in Slidell. Another Slidell chapter, BJ, is expected to organize this summer. For more information about PEO, contact Carole Levey at 778-9694.
