An early 20th century composite of the founders of P.E.O. Photo courtesy of P.E.O. Sisterhood
By John Busbee
Legacy, adaptability and trust intertwine, forming a strong vision that honors the past. This foundation continues to steadfastly stabilize P.E.O. International, an organization whose roots began in Iowa 150 years ago. Founded at Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant by seven young women in 1869, they desired to carry their friendship and its benefits beyond their college.
Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) is the public meaning of this group’s recognizable acronym. For members, the other meaning is held in secret trust by each member. These bonds of sisterhood are strong. P.E.O., whose motto is “Women helping women reach for the stars,” gives scholarships, awards, grants and loans to women around the globe so that they can achieve their dreams through education. P.E.O. has awarded more than $321 million to more than 105,000 women. From what fertile ground did such people grow?
On Jan. 21, 1869, seven young women attending Iowa Wesleyan College formed something greater than the friendships they already had established. Mary Allen, Alice Bird, Hattie Briggs, Alice Coffin, Suela Pearson, Franc Roads and Ella Stewart embraced the vibrant energy of each other, their college and their community. They united their individual strengths into a shared vision to create a powerful organization known as the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
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