January 21 was declared P.E.O. International Founders Day by Durant Mayor Martin Tucker during a city council meeting last week.
Durant PEO members Priscilla Washington, Barbara Rackley and Marjorie Richardson attended the meeting as Tucker read from the proclamation.
P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) was founded on Jan. 21, 1869, by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan University and these women sought to create a society that would support women’s educational opportunities and foster lifelong friendships among its members, according to the proclamation read by Tucker.
“Whereas, Founders Day serves as a reminder of the organization’s roots and the vision of its founders,” Tucker said, reading from the proclamation. “It is a day for members to reflect on the values of sisterhood, education and philanthropy that P.E.O. embodies.”
It is an organization that celebrates the advancement of women, educates women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardship of Cottey College. Virginia Alice Cottey founded the College in 1884 with the firm belief that women deserved the same quality of education as men. She bequeathed the college to the P.E.O. Sisterhood in 1927, making it the only nonsectarian college owned and supported by women, according to okpeo.org.
The organization also motivates women to achieve their highest aspirations and there are three chapters in Durant.
“Whereas, P.E.O. has expanded from a small college society to over 250,000 members in chapters throughout the United States and Canada,” Tucker said. “Today, P.E.O. continues to be a source of friendship and support.”
Also, during the meeting, the Parks and Recreation Department was recognized for receiving the Gold Medal Award from the Oklahoma Recreation and Parks Society. “Not only did we win this in competing against all of the cities, this year in 2026, we will be hosting the Oklahoma Parks and Rec Society conference here in Durant,” said Ryan Brewer, parks and recreation department manager. “It will be over 300 people here, parks and rec professionals from all across the state and some from out of state that will come here to see what we have to offer and have tours and all that so it will be interesting and fun.”
Employee service awards were presented during the meeting that Tucker said represents 160 years of dedicated service to the City of Durant.
The following employees received awards: Dana Trent, Senior Center, five years Tommy Fults, Fire Department, 10 years Jesse Makepeace, Solid Waste, 10 years Elizabeth Phelps, Police Department, 10 years Angela Mullen, Library, 15 years Richard Parker, Fire Department, 15 years Daniel Raymond, Garage, 15 years Jared Dillingham, Solid Waste, 20 years Paul Ramirez, Street, 20 years James Cross received an award for 40 years of service to the Parks Department.
“Two things that I’ve always told people, that I’m still catching and saddling my own horse, ride him all day if I have to,” Cross said. “That’s not true anymore. He died.”
