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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 Elise Werner, a noted philanthropist, invited a group of her friends to meet at Chouteau House (now Cupples House) 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

Women’s Council Events

The Saint Louis University 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 or more of our upcoming events.

October 2024 Meeting: Jesuit Worldwide Learning Program

9:30-11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 
Busch Student Center, Room 173

Join us for coffee and a light breakfast as we welcome Patricia Bass Ph.D., director of the Saint Louis University Jesuit Worldwide Learning program. 

November 2024 Meeting: SLUMA and Visual and Performing Arts

10 a.m.-noon,  Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 
Saint Louis University Museum of Art (SLUMA)

Join us as Petruta Lipan, executive director of SLU's museums and galleries, guides us through a tour of SLUMA and its current exhibits. After the tour, Cathleen Fleck, Ph.D., SLU’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts chair, will give an overview of its activities. 

March 2025: Lenten Retreat at St. Francis Xavier College Church

9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 12, 2025
St. Francis Xavier College Church Ballroom

Join us for a morning of prayer for Lent as we prepare for Easter, followed by Mass and an optional tour of College Church and lunch. Tim McMahon, S.J., caononical pastor, and Katie Jansen, College Church parish life coordinator, will lead this event, which is being held on the anniversary of the canonization of Francis Xavier and Ignatius Loyola. 

Optional Lunch: $20

May 2025: Spring Luncheon with SLU's Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2025 
Allied Health Building, Multipurpose Room

Join us for our annual spring luncheon to hear from Rochelle Smith, vice president of SLU's Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement. 

Lunch: $30

Event registration will open in the weeks before each meeting. Visit our alumni  calendar to RSVP for events open now.

For more information, contact Kris Siebert at womenscouncil@slu.edu or 313-977-3145.

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 (Nurs ‘71)
  • Sheila Heitz
  • Maureen Hoock (DCHS '80 Grad '93)
  • 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 
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.