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  1. Home
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  3. College Leadership

Women’s Engagement Council

Mary Behrend receiving a corsage from Penn State Behrend students in the 1950s.

Mary Behrend receiving a corsage from Penn State Behrend students in the 1950s.

Credit: Penn State Behrend

Penn State Behrend’s rich history of influential women begins with Mary Behrend, who in 1948 donated her Glenhill home to the University in memory of her late husband, Ernst, founder of Hammermill Paper Company.

And, fittingly, the first student at the Behrend campus was a woman—Dorothy Holmstrom, an engineering major, who was at the front of the line to enroll in the initial class of 146 students.

Recognizing that legacy and the growing importance of engaging women in leadership roles, Penn State Behrend formed the Women’s Engagement Council in 2020.

Mission

The Council’s mission is to: 

  • Encourage women to become involved in the life of the college.
  • Be a primary source of expertise for college initiatives.
  • Serve as a resource to improve educational opportunities for Behrend students.
  • Enhance the personal and professional goals of its members.
  • Encourage a broader group of individuals to connect to Behrend. 
  • Showcase Behrend’s accomplishments, particularly those related to women’s achievements.  
Dorothy Holmstrom, Behrend’s first student.

Dorothy Holmstrom, Behrend’s first student.

Credit: Penn State Behrend

The Council’s directors are committed to supporting and lifting women around them and advancing programs related to women, Penn State Behrend, and the greater Erie community.

Learn more about members of the board of directors.

Membership

Membership on the Women’s Engagement Council is free and open to all, regardless of gender. Benefits to membership include: 

  • Personal and professional visibility
  • Networking connections
  • Development of leadership skills
  • Opportunities for increased involvement at Behrend, such as serving on boards, speaking to classes, and engaging various audiences

To join the Women’s Engagement Council, please click on the link below and fill out the membership application. If you have questions or need additional information, contact Felicia Presley at [email protected].

Join the Women’s Engagement Council

Follow WEC on Facebook and Instagram.

Another woman doing what you’re doing is not your competition. She’s your sister. Support her. Encourage her. Believe in her.
 

Women’s Engagement Council

  • WEC Board of Directors
  • 5K Run/Walk for Women
  • Mary Behrend Impact Award
  • Blue Chair Chats

See Also

  • College Leadership
  • About the College
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Behrend highlighted

Penn State Behrend

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, offers the learning opportunities of a major research university in a welcoming, student-centered campus environment.
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