The Women's Philanthropy Council continues to have a profound impact on female leaders at Edinboro University through scholarships, mentoring opportunities and research grants. Together, we are empowering and inspiring women to become change agents – both at EU and beyond.

Member Highlights

Dr. Mary Jo Campbell

Professor Emeritus, Elementary Education, Edinboro University; President of the Association of Pennsylvania State College & University Retired Faculties (APSCURF); and member of Washington Township Council

"Opportunity is the most important factor in dreaming of and achieving your goals. The Women's Philanthropy Council provides such opportunities to well-deserving and intelligent women on campus. I am proud to be a member of the Women's Philanthropy Council."

Laura Leete, '72

Retired teacher, West Jefferson Hills School District

"After meeting the founders of the Women's Philanthropy Council and the first female president of Edinboro University, I decided that being part of that group would be a perfect transition into retirement. Having worked for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment and teaching a Women's History unit for 35 years at the elementary level, joining the WPC seemed like the perfect fit. Attending my first Homecoming celebration at Edinboro after retirement and hooking up with classmates that I had not seen for much too long was like traveling back in a time tunnel."

"Working with women like Julie Chacona, Marilyn Goellner, Allyn Berger, Dr. Jerra Jenrette, Donna Douglass, Dr. Nancy Rung, Dr. Rita Bean, Donna Nicholas and other strong, caring and educated women was, and still is, a pleasure. Outstanding professors like Dr. Ivancic from Council for Exceptional Children; Dr. Timashenka, who let me borrow a car to volunteer at the Gertrude Barber Center in Erie on Saturdays; and Miss Mary Ditz, who even invited me to her house in Erie for dinner, will always remind me how lucky I was to attend Edinboro University. My only regret is that I did not own snowshoes or have the time to use them while attending the Boro."

Faculty Research Grant: Dr. Kristin Webber

Dr. Kristin Webber, an associate professor in the Early Childhood and Reading Department, and Amanda Morrish, a graduate assistant pursuing a Master of Education in Reading, conducted a yearlong study examining the self-efficacy of preservice teachers in integrating technology into literacy instruction. They received a Women's Philanthropy Council Research Grant to present the results of their research at the International Literacy Association Annual Conference in Boston.

Student Research Grant: Marie DeWerff

Graduate student Marie DeWerff received funding from WPC to attend the third annual Pentaculum at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tenn. DeWerff, who is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Metals/Jewelry, was one of only 14 metal artists nationwide invited to participate in the weeklong residency and retreat. The experience allowed her to work alongside and engage with peers, prominent educators and art professionals.

WPC Grants: Helping Women Lead the Way 

Julie Bernatowicz – Early Childhood and Special Education

Julie Bernatowicz was awarded a scholarship from the Women's Philanthropy Council to study abroad in Italy. In addition to visiting the beautiful cities of Florence, Bologna, Pistoia and Reggio Emilia, the group toured two schools and observed the innovative Reggio Emilia teaching methods.

"This experience allowed me to gain a great deal of knowledge regarding Italian culture and education that I will be able to incorporate into my future classroom!"

Julie Bernatowicz stands on the terrace of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.

Lauren Sebusch – Speech and Hearing Sciences 

WPC scholarship recipient Lauren Sebusch began helping others at an early age. She has volunteered with local and national organizations, including Toys for Tots, New Avenues to Independence, the Special Olympics, Girls on the Run and the S. June Smith Center.

"The Women's Philanthropy Council has strengthened my philanthropic ideals by choosing me as one of their 2016-17 scholarship recipients. I am forever grateful to WPC for enabling me to continue my journey towards my future career and encouraging me to continue giving back to a greater cause."

Women's Philanthropy Council Sponsored Events

EU Celebrates 50 Years of Women's Basketball

Nearly 100 alumni basketball players and friends gathered on Dec.10, 2016, to celebrate a major milestone for women and Edinboro University athletics at the women's basketball reunion. Coaches Judy Saurer, Dr. Kathleen Lipkovich, Monica Pellman and Stan Swank were honored for their commitment to coaching and mentoring student-athletes for more than 50 years. An athletics scholarship for female basketball players has been established in honor of Saurer, who started the women's basketball program in 1966.

Women to Women: Andrea Stevenson Conner

Global change agent and EU alumna Andrea Stevenson Conner spoke at Edinboro in September about corporate social responsibility, leadership development and gender equity. Having succeeded in leadership roles spanning four countries, she shared an international perspective of the educational and professional challenges facing women.

Conner is the president and executive director of ATHENA International, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that seeks to support, develop and honor women leaders. She holds a bachelor's degree in economics and business from Edinboro University, and a master's degree in Global Leadership from Duquesne University.

Edinboro University Partners with ATHENA International

In collaboration with ATHENA International, Edinboro University will begin an ATHENA College Leadership Program this fall. The eight-month program, which was made possible by the Women's Philanthropy Council, is designed to prepare and inspire the next generation of female leaders through the examination of diverse perspectives and approaches to leadership. 

The interactive curriculum follows the ATHENA Leadership Model's eight Principles of Leadership: Live authentically, learn constantly, advocate fiercely, act courageously, foster collaboration, build relationships, give back and celebrate.

Sophomores and juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA will be eligible to apply. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive an ATHENA Leadership Certificate and an invitation to attend the International ATHENA Summit.

Leaders who are interested in serving as mentors or facilitators for the program may email Monica Clem at mclem@edinboro.edu.

A gift to WPC is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

As we celebrate National Women's History Month, please consider a gift to one of the Edinboro University Women's Philanthropy Council funds. Your gift will help future female leaders develop their confidence and discover untapped potential through scholarship, research grants and study-abroad opportunities. We hope you will pay it forward today!

Please visit www.edinboro.edu/donate to make your online donation.

Making a planned gift is simple and doesn't have to cost you anything today.

1. Bequest: Remember the Women's Philanthropy Council in your will.
2. IRA: Name the Women's Philanthropy Council as a beneficiary on your retirement account.
3. Charitable Remainder Trust: Create an income stream for your life while also making a gift to the WPC.

For more information about the Edinboro University Women's Philanthropy Council and the funds that support student success and leadership, contact Julie Chacona at jchacona@edinboro.edu or 814-732-1779.

Edinboro University
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