Schaumburg P.E.O. celebrates 12 members with more than 50 years’ service
Volunteer organizations either die or thrive through the loyalty of their members. Judging from the numbers, Schaumburg Chapter P-LK of P.E.O. (Philanthropic and Educational Organization) is thriving. Twelve of its members boast 50 or more years of service to P.E.O., which has been dedicated to motivating, educating, and celebrating women since 1869.
The 12 members — and the years they joined — include: Sally Hedenberg (1963); Marcia Thayer (1964); Marcia Kissamis (1965); Deanna Skog (1965); Kathy Bonham (1966); Melissa Ramoley (1968); Mary Hengels (1971); Ann Moorman (1971); Carol Bingham (1974); Penelope Samuelson (1974); Marcy Schilling (1974); and Beverly McIntyre (1975).
Many initially joined, like Carol Bingham, because of family ties. Her mother as well as her grandmother were members. Like Bingham, Marcia Thayer was a third generation P.E.O.
“I couldn’t wait to join!” she said.
Ann Moorman’s mother was also a P.E.O., and the P.E.O. tradition runs deep in her family.
“We had a picture taken with all the P.E.O.s at my niece’s wedding. We had 12 active members (plus) there were several who had not been able to attend the wedding.”
Bev McIntyre did not have family tradition as a motivator to join.
“I joined because I was impressed by (P.E.O. members’) commitment to helping women achieve higher education and also because I loved the ladies who were in the chapter,” she said. “They were accepting and kind to a new mother of twins.”
P.E.O., a nonprofit organization, celebrates the advancement of women; educates women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardship of Cottey College; and motivates women to achieve their highest aspirations. It has helped more than 129,000 women pursue educational goals by providing approximately $462 million in educational assistance through six philanthropies and a foundation.
The aim of P.E.O. is focused on helping others, but Thayer, like many of her sister members, found that it also helped her. ”(P.E.O.) has allowed me to grow through the opportunities for leadership and the training involved in that,” she said. Over the years, she has taken on leadership roles in her local chapter many times. She has also been involved in roles at the state level, including being elected state president. Each of the 12 long-term members has been an active leader within the chapter and/or the state organization. Most have held each of the various offices within the chapter numerous times. Moorman is currently the president of the local chapter.
Working toward P.E.O.’s goals is important to the members of the Schaumburg chapter.
“We are supportive of each other and of the needs of our community,” McIntyre said. “We reach out to the individuals and community organizations, giving our time and talents in order to further their causes.”
“The organization works to promote women of all ages and make an impact on their lives,” Mary Hengels said.
All of the long-term members said a major benefit of becoming involved was meeting wonderful people and enjoying long-lasting friendships.
Marcy Schilling summed up the feelings of the others by saying, “I have enjoyed the friendships and sisterhood over the years … I have always felt honored to be a member of this wonderful women’s organization.”
Golden anniversary members are recognized each year at the annual Illinois convention. McIntyre was honored at this year’s convention.
More information on P.E.O. and how to join can be found at the P.E.O. International website, peointernational.org.