(9-16-26) Members of the University Women’s Club of Mercer County celebrated a promissory-note loan burning ceremony at their first meeting of the new club year 2026-2027 on September 14, 2026 Providing college loans to girls from Mercer County has been a central mission since 1937 when Evelyn Myers received the very first $100 loan to further her education as a teacher. Just this year, the last loan was paid-off by Rebecca Phares, who used her loan to become a teacher, as well.

The club voted recently to go to an all-scholarship distribution of funds – no more loans. It was a joyous occasion for all those on the scholarship committee over the years keeping track of the accounting.

Beth Weber and Sheila Baltzell-Linn, most recent scholarship co-chairs calculated that over $136,000 was loaned out over the past years, and no one EVER defaulted on paying back their loans.



Rebecca said—

“I used my loan to pay for my college books, and I was so very grateful to this club!”


Incoming president Zenia Adams said-


“The enormity of this undertaking for 90 years shows the determination of University Women as they helped over 1000 young ladies complete college degrees.” Beth Weber commented-

The ceremony was so much fun with balloons, drums, bells, bubbles, and burning. Fortunately our 1st vice president Laura Walker is a fireman and took charge of the event.”


Photos and videos by Beth Weber and Carol Hone, members