Stillwater's P.E.O. sisterhood steps into the open with inaugural community walk
Six local chapters took to downtown streets Saturday in the inaugural Walk Today for Women Tomorrow
Six Stillwater chapters of P.E.O. International joined the organization's inaugural Walk Today for Women Tomorrow on Saturday morning, stepping outside their usual gatherings to make the sisterhood's presence more visible in the community.
The event, held Aug. 1 at the Stillwater Community Center, drew roughly 30 participants. Walkers set out on two routes through downtown. The shorter route looped around Block 34. Those taking the longer route continued south to 12th Avenue, past the Stillwater Public Library, and back up Duck Street to the Community Center. Chapters across the United States participated on the same day.
Members of Stillwater's six P.E.O. chapters gather for a photo, walk through downtown, and make their way along the route during the Walk Today for Women Tomorrow, Aug. 1, 2026, in Stillwater. – Photos by Chris Peters
"The international office decided this year, let's do this walk for women," said Christine Garbutt, a member of Chapter GN, one of six local P.E.O. chapters. "Let's make the sisterhood more visible around town."
P.E.O., which stands for Philanthropic Educational Organization, is a women's sisterhood focused on supporting women's access to higher education through scholarships, grants, and low-interest loans. The organization has operated locally for years, though it has historically kept a lower profile.
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Garbutt said that is changing.
"It used to be a much more secret organization," she said. "Now we're much more open."
The six Stillwater chapters together represent an estimated 300 members. Members are admitted by invitation, but Saturday's event was open to friends and family of the sisterhood.
"This is not restricted to people who are already in P.E.O.," Garbutt said. "Bring your friends. Bring your family. Just come walk."
P.E.O. members staff a fundraising table offering chances to win a limited-edition needlework print, left; Christine Garbutt addresses attendees before the walk, center; and Lucy Eguono Emerho visits with fellow participants, right, during the Walk Today for Women Tomorrow on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, at the Stillwater Community Center. – Photos by Chris Peters
Among those walking Saturday was Lucy Eguono Emerho, a Ph.D. student in English at Oklahoma State University. Originally from Nigeria, Emerho is a recipient of P.E.O.'s International Peace Scholarship — an award for women from countries outside the United States and Canada who are pursuing graduate degrees. Recipients commit to returning to their home country upon completing their degree to apply their education and contribute to global peace.
The Walk Today for Women Tomorrow was a new format for the Stillwater chapters, which have traditionally held a joint tea each year as a reciprocity event drawing members from all six chapters together. Organizers said they hope the walk becomes an annual event locally.
"We're hoping that it will be an annual event," Garbutt said.
P.E.O. offers several paths of educational support to women at various stages of their academic careers, from high school through doctoral programs. The organization's Oklahoma chapters can also access state-level continuing education grants of up to $1,500.
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August is bursting with excitement in Stillwater! From the Payne County Free Fair and the return of Cowboy sports to the start of a new semester and can't-miss community events, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
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