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.

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. 

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 of our upcoming events.

See Events Calendar 

About the Women’s Council 2024 Board

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 (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 

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