It’s a beautiful day in the sisterhoodThousands of women around the world have gotten a financial boost with their educational goals, thanks to the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

Founded in 1869 by students at Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, the small college society soon expanded off campus as the idea of working together for the advancement of women became a new concept with tremendous potential in the new century. P.E.O. has grown from its initial membership of seven to more than a quarter of a million members in chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The organization awards scholarships, grants and loans to women pursuing higher education. The International Peace Scholarship provides funds for women from other countries to attend graduate school in North America. P.E.O. also owns and operates Cottey Junior College, a two-year liberal arts college in Nevada, Mo.

Five delegates from local chapters attended the 92nd annual convention of the Oregon State P.E.O. Sisterhood May 22-24 in Portland to celebrate the theme, “P.E.O. – Steeped with Love.”

Local delegates attending state convention: Tena Seeborg, Tam Loughran, Amelia McMalley,

Heather Rainey and Peg Steinmeyer

Oregon Scholarship Fund awards for 2002-03: $60,950 to 56 women attending Oregon colleges or universities

Oregon Marguerite Fund awards for 2002-03: $134,180 to 243 women, many single parents returning to school

Cottey Junior College scholarships awarded to Oregon women:14

Program for Continuing Education grants awarded: $69,150 to 61 Oregon women

P.E.O. Education Loans made: $201,200 to 24 Oregon women

P.E.O. chapters in Oregon: 177

P.E.O. members statewide: 7,813

Sources: Odeal Tillson; peointernational.org