A fourth new Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) Chapter was formed in Stevens Point recently.

The group was formally recognized Jan. 7 at Redeemer Lutheran Church. The newly elected and installed president is Karin McDonald.

The first Wisconsin Chapter was organized in Milwaukee 100 years ago. There are now 139 chapters in Wisconsin, with the annual convention being held each year the first weekend in June at the Holiday Inn in Stevens Point. The convention brings in more than 500 members to Stevens Point each year.

PEO was founded on Jan. 21, 1869, by seven women students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. This circle of kindred spirits, bonded by their enthusiasm for women’s opportunities, eventually expanded to include women off campus as well.

Today, PEO has grown from a membership of seven to almost a quarter of a million members in 6,000 chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada, with headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa.

PEO exists to be a source of encouragement and support for women to realize their potential in whatever endeavor they choose. True to the mission of promoting educational opportunities for women, education continues to be the primary philanthropy of the PEO Sisterhood. The PEO Sisterhood sponsors no less than six international philanthropies, or projects, designed to assist women with their educational goals.

In addition, more than 7,500 women have graduated from Cottey College, an independent, liberal arts and sciences college for women that is owned and supported by the PEO.