July 16, 2025
Local News | The Times
Local News

CLUB: P.E.O. Chapter IC

Sue Arkels (left) celebrated her 50th anniversary with PEO at a reception at the Peoria Civic Center, while Diana Dean reached the milestone last year. Between them, Arkels and Dean have served for 101 years with the organization. (Contributed)

Twenty-one members of Chapter IC of PEO traveled to Peoria earlier this month to celebrate with Sue Arkels on her 50th anniversary at PEO. Arkels was honored at the 2019 Illinois State Convention at the Peoria Civic Center. She is one of several 50-year members from the Streator chapter. In 2018, Diana Dean received the same honor. Combined, these two ladies have served as officers and active members for 101 years.

PEO is a philanthropic organization that celebrates the advancement of women by assisting with their education through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardship of Cottey College in Nevada, Mo.

The International Convention, which will celebrate 150 years since the organization's founding, will be this September in Des Moines, Iowa, where the organization began with seven founding members.