The Kalispell chapter of the PEO started with 10 young women.

Today, the chapter has grown to 50 members who are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the chapter that was organized May 21, 1915.

The Kalispell members are among roughly 250,000 internationally. The PEO Sisterhood began in 1869 on the campus of Iowa Wesleyan, according to mtpeo.org.

The sorority members, not wanting to lose the bond of sisterhood, changed it into a community organization and chapters sprung up across the country.

PEO stands for Philanthropic Educational Organization.

In addition to providing encouragement and support for each other and striving for personal growth, the organization evolved to help women attain post-secondary education through scholarships, loans and grants. The PEO also owns and operates Cottey College, a liberal arts and sciences college for women in Nevada, Missouri.

“Some people don’t realize how much of an impact the PEO has made in the education of young women,” Kalispell PEO Historian Joyce Greve said.

That impact represents 90,000 women who have benefited from PEO scholarships, grants, loans and special projects internationally.

“Our main objective is to give women a chance to improve their lives through education,” Greve said, whether it’s entering college for the first time or a woman furthering her education to earn a master’s or Ph.D. degree. “I think education is the key to improving our nation and our communities,” Greve said.

Kalispell chapter president Marilyn McPherson joined PEO because she was drawn to the meaningful mission of the organization and follows in the footsteps of her mother, also a PEO member.

Recently hundreds of Montana PEO members gathered in Kalispell for their state convention. Other chapters being honored for 100 years of stewardship are Whitefish and Laurel.

Women interested in becoming one of 3,583 active members in Montana should get to know current members in their local chapter. Once a potential candidate is sponsored by three members, she may be invited to join.

McPherson’s hope for the future?

“My hope is we’ll be just as productive in the next 100 years.”

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.