Formed in 1958, the ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ Women’s Council fosters and encourages interest in SLU’s educational and research activities. The group highlights women on campus who are doing amazing and innovative work, and supports the Women's Council Mary Bruemmer Endowed Scholarship.
The Women’s Council began when Elise Werner, a noted philanthropist, invited a group of her friends to meet at Chouteau House (now Cupples House) on the ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ campus. They decided to establish a new organization to inform members about the University and its philosophy and objectives. The founding members aimed to both increase SLU’s reputation in the St. Louis area and to provide a channel to bring the University’s resources to the community.
Mary Bruemmer Endowed Scholarship
ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ Women's Council members support the Women's Council Mary Bruemmer Endowed Scholarship, which provides about a dozen students with scholarship funds annually. Created to help meet the increasing need for financial aid among SLU students, the fund is named for , a beloved and longtime administrator and full-time volunteer who served the University for 65 years.
Women’s Council Events
The ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ Women’s Council hosts social and educational events throughout the year to highlight new or interesting programming and offer a space for faculty and staff to speak about their personal experiences. Join us for one of our upcoming events.
About the Women’s Council 2024 Board
Sandy Burkel - President
Angela Blackshear (A7S ‘78)
Sr. Mary Chaudet (Nurs ‘71)
Sheila Heitz
Maureen Hoock (DCHS ‘80)
Marilyn Horst (SW ‘77)
Margaret Mary Moore (A&S ‘79)
Patty Smith (A&S ‘71)
Jerrie Coughlin (A&S ‘65 Grad A&S ‘94) Past president
2024-2026 Sandy Burkel
2022-2024 Jerrie Coughlin
2020-2022 Gretchen Schulte
2018-2020 Amelia Kelly
2016 -2018 Susanne Gerber
2014-2016 Pat Forster (Pat)
2012-2014 Roisin Hughes
2010-2012 JoAnn Lusser
2008-2010 Kathy Anderson
2006-2008 Dottie Gorman
2004-2006 Kay Kaiser
2002-2004 Carole Less
2000-2002 Jeanene Dugan
1998-2000 Kate Gunn
1996-1998 Mary Bommarito
1994-1996 Mary Ferrick
1992-1994 Joan Lipic
1990-1992 Liz Mudd
1988-1990 Nancy Dooley
1987-1988 Nancy Bidwill
1982-1987 Penny Farrell
1975-1982 Lorraine Murray
1964-1975 Marie O’Sullivan
1962-1964 Barbara Muckerman
1958-1961 Elise Werner
FAQ
To join the Women’s Council, please email womenscouncil@slu.edu.
There are no membership fees or dues required to join the ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ Women’s
Council.
Most events do not have a registration fee. If lunch is served, a registration fee may be required to cover food expenses. Any fees associated with an event will be specified on each event registration form.