Philanthropic Educational Organization

P. E. O. was founded on January 21, 1869, by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Originally a small campus friendship society, P. E. O. soon grew to include women off campus. Requirements for a membership are a belief in God and at least 18 years of age, as well as a minimal residency in a chapter’s area. Membership is by invitation.

Today, P. E. O. has grown from a tiny membership of seven to almost a quarter of a million members in nearly 6,000 chapters in the United States and Canada. There are over 150 local chapters i Arizona, three being in Chandler.

The first Chandler chapter (Chapter AF) was founded in February 4, 1954 at the home of Edna Pine. The second chapter (BF) was organized in 1966, and the third (CP) in 1982.

Through the years Chandler women have been assisted by the Chandler P. E. O.s with educational loans, continuing education grants, Scholar Awards, and assistance and scholarships to Cottey College. Foreign students who are studying at Arizona Universities on P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship have been hosted and entertained by the Chandler P.E.O. chapters.