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Saint Louis University Women's Council

Formed in 1958, the Saint Louis University 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.

A group of women pose for a photo together at a table during the spring luncheon.

Attendees of a spring 2024 Saint Louis University Women's Council event.

The Women’s Council began when noted philanthropist Elise Werner invited a group of her friends to meet at Chouteau House (now the historic Samuel Cupples House and Gallery) on the Saint Louis University 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. 

Women's Council Mission

The Women's Council of Saint Louis University brings the University and the community closer together, by fostering and encouraging interest in the educational and research activities of the University, and by bringing knowledge of the objectives, educational philosophy and status of the University to the members of the Women's Council.

Mary Bruemmer Endowed Scholarship

Saint Louis University 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 Mary A. Bruemmer, a beloved and longtime administrator and full-time volunteer who served the University for 65 years.  

Support the Mary Bruemmer Endowed Scholarship

Events

We hope to see you at an upcoming Saint Louis University alumni event! Visit our alumni calendar to learn more about upcoming events. For more information, contact Kris Siebert at womenscouncil@slu.edu or 313-977-3145.

February: Lenten Morning of Recollection

9:30 a.m.-noon on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at Il Monastero Banquet Center

Nourish your spirit by joining us for our Lenten Morning of Recollection led by Thomas Flowers, S.J., Ph.D., assistant professor of Ignatian formation in the College of Philosophy and Letters. Enjoy a reflective morning of prayer and the celebration of Mass to help guide you on your Lenten journey. A light breakfast will be served.

April: Philosophy and Letters and Catholic Synodal

10-11:15 a.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2026, at Boileau Hall

What is Pope Leo XIV’s vision for the Catholic Church? Join us for coffee as Randall Rosenberg, Ph.D., dean and professor of the College of Philosophy and Letters, and Margaret Mary Moore, Women’s Council board member and SLU alumna, offer insights into what the pontiff’s recent actions and statements may reveal about his pastoral leadership and hopes for the Church.

May: Women’s Council Spring Luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Il Monastero Banquet Center
$30 per person

Join us for our annual spring luncheon. A speaker and full details will be announced soon.

 

About the Women’s Council Board

Two women pose for a photo together.

Sandy Burkel, 2024-2026 Women’s Council president, and Jerrie Coughlin, 2022-2024 Women’s Council president, pose for a photo at the group’s Spring Luncheon.

  • Sandy Burkel - President 
  • Angela Blackshear (A&S '78 Grad '80)
  • Sr. Mary Chaudet (VSN ‘71)
  • Maureen Hoock (DCHS '80 Grad '93)
  • Marilyn Horst (SW ‘77)
  • Molly Kleiber (Grad A&S '14, Grad ED '23)
  • Margaret Mary Moore (A&S ‘79)
  • Patty Smith (A&S ‘71)
  • Dr. Eleatha Surratt 
Women’s Council Presidents
  • 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

How is the Saint Louis University Women’s Council different from the Saint Louis University Women’s Commission? 
The Women’s Council is for women alumni and friends. The Women's Commission is an internal group for faculty, staff and students only. 
How do I join the Saint Louis University Women’s Council?

To join the Women’s Council, please email womenscouncil@slu.edu.

Is there a membership fee to join?

There are no membership fees or dues required to join the Saint Louis University Women’s Council. 

Is there a fee for events?

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.