From Feb. 20–22, 2026, the Council for IWU Women (CFW) will host its 20th annual Women’s Weekend at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Women’s Weekend brings together students, faculty, staff and alumni for meaningful conversations, service opportunities, learning experiences, and inspiration.
Over the course of three days, CFW will offer a series of engaging and interactive events designed to foster connection, conversation, and community.
The annual event features guest speakers, student collaborations, and scholarship presentations. All events are free and open to the IWU community.
What is the Council for IWU women?
Founded in 2006, the Council for IWU Women is a network of more than 100 alumni who generously contribute their time, expertise and resources to support the personal and professional development of Titans committed to advancing women’s initiatives.
Their mission is to promote democratic citizenship, intellectual growth and personal development by providing mentorship, guidance and strong role models for the IWU community.
Each year, the Council awards four $1,000 scholarships—one for each class year—to students who demonstrate civic engagement, service, leadership and learning beyond the classroom.
Notably, these scholarships are awarded without consideration of GPA or financial need.
CFW members include accomplished professionals such as Marsha Guenzler-Stevens ’78, Director of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union and Center for Campus Life at University of Maryland; Erin Milligan ’04 Staff Attorney with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Jessica Lothman ’06, a public finance attorney; Shannon O’Rourke Kasali ’07, an international education and libraries consultant, and many other women who play significant roles in their fields and communities.
There is a full slate of activities being offered for Women’s Weekend.
Starting on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 6:00 p.m., there will be an exclusive dinner for CFW members only to kick off Women’s Weekend.
On Friday, February 20, there are seven public events planned. Perhaps you want to stop by the Henning room at 9:30 a.m. to drink coffee and chat with CFW members.
Or at noon, attend the mentorship lunch, which will match students with CFW members for thoughtful discussion.
You can practice your professional skills from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a one-on-one informational interview at the Hart Career Center.
Finally, you can relax with fun events at Tommy’s, including the Make Your Own Mocktail event or Music Bingo with Twin City Trivia.
On Saturday, the main festivities for commemorating 20 years of Women’s Weekend will take place.
At 8:00 a.m., council member Alex Gouhla will lead morning yoga before the day officially kicks off at 9:30 with the members-only breakfast.
At noon, the scholarship luncheon will take place at Young Main Lounge in the Memorial Center. The CFW will award four scholarships to current students during the luncheon.
In the afternoon, two workshops at 1:45 and 2:50 p.m. will take place to further discussions from the previous day and teach students how to ask meaningful questions, approach challenges, and prepare for a career of doing well and doing good.
Finally, at 4:00 p.m., the CFW 20th birthday celebration begins at Joslin Atrium to celebrate two decades of the Council for IWU Women.
Come join the fun weekend of activities as the CFW toasts to another two decades of making a difference for IWU students.
