GALLERYOF presidents
Wanda Ness Seyler North Dakota Roots and Wings: Our roots remind us where we are from, and our wings show us what we can become. Wanda Ness Seyler was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and was initiated into her mother’s chapter in 1992. Her mother was the president of North Dakota State Chapter from 1993-1994. As a genealogist, Wanda is in awe of the legacy of her P.E.O. chapter, D, Grand Forks. Carrie Bonebrake Simpson was a charter member, served as the first president and urged the formation of the North Dakota State Chapter. Simpson later became the only North Dakotan to serve as president of Supreme Chapter. At the first state convention in 1915, Chapter D presented a resolution that stated, “January 21 of each year be set apart for observance in each chapter as Founders Day.” This resolution was adopted by Supreme Chapter. Wanda also enjoys scrapbooking, reading, counted cross-stitch and hockey. Wanda is an administrative secretary for the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of North Dakota. She lives in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, with her husband of 38 years, Joe. They have one daughter, Stephanie, who works in Denver, Colorado. She has enjoyed the friendship and love of P.E.O., especially meeting sisters in other chapters, and attending state and International conventions.
Susan Holak Northeast District Give Thanks to the Star and Its Message Susan Holak, the oldest of five children, hails from Massachusetts. She attended parochial schools, including Stonehill College. A retired speech-language pathologist and special educator, Susan worked in a K-4 public school, taught college classes and was Teacher’s Guild president for five years. Susan was welcomed into Chapter C, Dover, New Hampshire, in 2007. Susan is a widow. She has three sons and is a “meme” to five granddaughters. She also has a dog, Miss Daisy. Susan loves classic muscle cars, cruise nights and sitting in purple cars for photos. She enjoys being outdoors, hiking, reading, knitting and listening to classic rock ‘n roll. Susan has a “wicked” Boston accent! As president of the Northeast district this year, her goals are to keep all ‘”in the know” about the Northeast District and P.E.O. International and to show loving concern. Susan says, “Think back to your initiation, look at your emblem and think about our Opening Ode. These virtues: Purity, Justice, Faith, Truth and Love, are core P.E.O. values, connect us to one another, guide us in honoring our mission of educating women and guide us as we ask women to join our local P.E.O. chapters.”
Jamée Ard New York Light the Future
Jamée Ard was introduced to P.E.O. in 2008 and initiated into Chapter R in New York City in 2009. She has also been a member of Chapter C in New York and is currently a proud member of BK in White Plains. A love of music led Jamée to pursue a bachelor’s degree from Saint Olaf College, a master’s from the University of Southern California and a doctorate from The Juilliard School. In 2013, she returned to Molloy College to earn a Master of Science in music therapy. Professionally, Jamée has been a performer, educator and arts administrator, enjoying positions at Smith College, Young Concert Artists, IMG Artists and The Juilliard School. As a music therapist, she helped to develop a program at The Cloisters Museum for children on the autism spectrum and has worked in hospice. Her current position is jubilee, i.e., she is recently retired. Jamée’s free time is filled with music and her husband of over 30 years, Paul Mueller, who recently retired as professor of music at Hunter College. Jamée’s other interests include baking, books, quilting, golf – and, exploring the world (and/or the next great recipe) with Paul.
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September–October 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD
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