News

To the casual observer who saw colored straw, swirled netting, laced bows and other stylish adornments perched atop the heads of hundreds of women, it may have just looked like a day of fine hat wearing. But for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Meridian Society, it was also a time for philanthropy while having fellowship and fun.   

“As an auxiliary organization of the SIUE Foundation, the Meridian Society promotes women’s leadership and invests in SIUE community-based projects,” said Meridian Society President Alicia Lifrak at the organization’s fourth annual Meridian Derby. The signature event was held Tuesday at the Fairmount Park Racetrack’s Top of the Turf in Collinsville. 

This year’s Meridian Derby luncheon was the largest ever, with approximately 225 people attending, according to Julie Babington, Meridian Society member and director of Annual Giving at SIUE.

Some of the special guests for this year’s festivities included: Julie Furst-Bowe, SIUE chancellor; Rachel Stack, vice chancellor for Advancement and CEO of the SIUE Foundation; Deans Gireesh Gupchup, School of Pharmacy, Laura Bernaix, School of Nursing, John Navin, School of Business, and Curt Lox, School of Education, Health and Human Behavior; Kay Werner, SIUE First Lady emeritus and Meridian Society founding member; and Deborah Hunt, Meridian Society membership chair. 

“I am honored to be a member of this powerful group of women,” said Furst-Bowe, “and hope that those who are not members will consider joining The Meridian Society and their race to promote women in leadership and philanthropy.” 

Furst-Bowe also congratulated the group on funding 123 SIUE community based projects, totaling $237,688.

The luncheon also featured the popular derby hat contest. Winning this year’s best hat award was Bonni Burns, of Edwardsville. Chosen for the biggest hat award was Francelle Jackson of Alorton and Best Meridian Society member hat was Delores Williams of Washington Park.

 “Through pooled resources and collective giving,” said Lifrak, also CEO of the Boy Scouts of America, “the women of the Meridian Society demonstrate a spirit of philanthropy and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.” 

For more information or to join the Meridian Society, contact Babington at (618) 650-2378. 

Photos:

Everyone is all smiles for the winner of the Best Hat award. Pictured, from left to right, are: Julie Babington, Meridian Society member; Alicia Lifrak, Meridian Society president; and Bonni Burns of Edwardsville, winner of the Best Hat award. 

Capturing the Biggest Hat award was Francelle Jackson.  

Many SIUE alumni attended Tuesday’s Meridian Society Derby. 

Enjoying the day at the Top of the Turf in Collinsville, from left to right, are: Kim Durr, executive assistant in the Office of the Chancellor; Audrey Tallant, former SIUE Music Department chair and SIUE retiree; Julie Furst Bowe, SIUE Chancellor; Ellen Krohne, executive director of the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois; and Villie Appoo, CEO of the Girls Scouts of Southern Illinois.