Galva’s P.E.O. chapter noted 100 years with a celebration at Midland Country Club. Guests from surrounding chapters attended the event on Sunday, April 21. [Acquired photo]

Galva’s Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Chapter BR celebrated a century of promoting women’s education on Sunday, April 21 at Midland Country Club.

Organized at Iowa Wesleyan College by seven female students in 1869, the Sisterhood has grown to include nearly 5,600 chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada. Galva’s group was chartered on April 14, 1924, and has over 50 active members.

During the Sunday celebration, Illinois’ State P.E.O. President Linda Murray congratulated the chapter members for their hard work and dedication to help women attain further education.

“What you do for women is a wonderful patchwork of care and concern,” she said. “Their success is your success.”

Susan Edge-Gumbel of Woodridge, who was initiated into the BR chapter almost 50 years ago, and served as the Illinois State president in 2015, recounted her early years with the Galva group.

“They welcomed me, mentored me, and showed me how important it is to support women’s education”, said Gumbel. “They were a big part of my attaining a state office in the organization.”

Natalie Boelans, BR’s Vice President, addressed the gathering of over 50 women, sharing the history of P.E.O. and how it has impacted the lives of those who have benefited from its mission.

“We intend to keep our chapter growing and going so that it can see another 100 years,” said Boelans, thanking members for their loyalty and hard work. “We have many long-time members,” she said, acknowledging 98-year-old Mary Jane Atkinson as their oldest member, and the daughter of one of the Galva Chapter’s founders, Maurine Stewart.

Natalie Boelens, vice president of Galva’s P.E.O. Chapter, left, and Illinois State President Linda Murray at the Chapter’s 100th anniversary celebration. [Aquired photo]

Members from chapters in Kewanee, Princeton, Aledo, Galesburg, Monmouth, Wyoming, Woodhull, Toulon, Oneida and Naperville attended the event and offered congratulations.

P.E.O. is a nonprofit organization that has helped more than 122,000 women pursue educational goals by providing nearly $415 million in educational assistance. Consisting of more than half a million women, P.E.O. provides financial assistance through six philanthropies and a foundation.

In addition to supporting the organization’s educational support programs, Galva’s chapter offers a scholarship for a graduating Galva High School senior each year and an annual book subscription for the kindergarten students at Galva Elementary.