Meridian Society Celebrates 20 Years of Women-led Philanthropy
The Meridian Society of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is about to hit a major milestone by celebrating 20 years of women-led philanthropy. The auxiliary organization of the SIUE Foundation will host the 20 Magical Years Celebration, a cocktail reception followed by dinner and a program on Thursday, Nov. 2 in the conference center of the SIUE Morris University Center.
“When we formed the Meridian Society, we did not know if it would succeed,” said Kay Werner, chair and first lady emerita. “It was an act of faith supported by many people. We are so grateful for the SIUE Foundation for being there for us.”
The 20 Magical Years Celebration will feature remarks from Werner and Ethel Shanklin, PhD, Meridian Society president. The SIUE University Dance Company will be the spotlight performance.
“Our University benefits by giving opportunities for projects in the arts, sciences, environmental studies and many more,” Werner adds.
“By integrating our local communities with the campus network, we have funded 154 projects on all three campuses, expended over $413,800 and created an endowment in 2015.”
While one of the hallmarks of the Meridian Society is awarding grants that promote the knowledge of women in multiple disciplines, eligibility of the applicants is not gender-specific.
