GREENVILLE — Women from all across the state, including Pickens County, will be in Greenville from June 3 through June 5 for the 2016 S.C. State Convention of the P.E.O. sisterhood.

The theme is “P.E.O. — Share the Joy.” Women who are delegates from the state’s 41 chapters, state board members, and visitors will convene to celebrate their accomplishments and gain inspiration for the coming year.

P.E.O. is a Philanthropic Educational Organization whose motto is “Women helping women reach for the stars” and celebrates women of all ages by assisting them in achieving their educational goals.

Nearly $264 million in financial assistance has been given to more than 95,000 recipients since its founding in 1869. With chapters in the United States and Canada, P.E.O. supports various educational projects including grants, loans and scholarships as well as the stewardship of Cottey College in Nevada, Mo., which has been owned and supported by the sisterhood since 1927. It offers associate and baccalaureate degrees.

State President Debi Foshee of Aiken will welcome the members who will elect officers, hold workshops, honor 50-year members, and meet beneficiaries of the group’s projects.

“P.E.O. is such a wonderful organization that supports women’s education while also fostering close friendships. We are excited to bring our South Carolina members to Greenville this year. It’s sure to be an inspiring weekend in a really beautiful place,” Foshee said.

Special guest for the convention will be Susan Holman, a member of the P.E.O. International Study and Research Committee and past state president of Pennsylvania. She will bring news about the work P.E.O. does internationally to support women’s higher education.

The convention planning committee chaired by Anne Lofquist, and made up of women from six local chapters has planned three days of activities, meals and special entertainment for P.E.O. members and their families.

“We have put special efforts into showcasing the many assets of Greenville and the Upstate as well as planning a worthwhile weekend for those attending the convention,” she said. “This annual event allows us opportunities for fellowship and learning and to ‘Share our Joy’ with our friends from across the state.”

Staff Report